My Hunting Dog Training Blog

I've read enough books and talked to enough dog folk to know that there are about a hundred and one opinions on how to pick out a puppy. There are a few common themes that come up frequently, like issues of health and agression. But for the most part people have many different ideas on what factors are most important. I think experienced dog people probably develop a talent for finding the pick of the litter. Others will argue that if the litter is of good quality then all of the pups will have the potential to become great dogs. Personally, I tend to follow my gut when it comes to puppies and I try to let the puppy choose me.

What do you do when the litter is hundreds of miles away and a road trip is out of the question? Ask the breeder. The dogs breeder lives with these puppies each and every day and has the benefit of watching the personalities develop as the pups grow and learn. The alpha pup is often the first puppy to stand out in the litter and some people would choose this dog every time, male or female. This is the puppy with drive and is almost certain to be a real go-getter. The next puppy to stand out would probably be the runt or the most timid puppy. This continues on and on each week until there is a litter of very different personalities and individual dogs.

When you can't make frequent visits to see these things for yourself, you have to trust in the breeder. They will be able to guide you to the right puppy for your situation and needs. Most reputable breeders will ask you a great many questions in order to figure out what you are looking for. I think that the puppy's personality is probably the single most important factor. Generally speaking, males tend to be more agressive or hard-headed and the females more docile or easy-going. The least important factor is probably the color or markings of the puppy. My family has to decide which puppy is coming to our home of the puppies in the picture above. I have narrowed it down to females but after that I am trusting completely in the dog breeder.