How to Choose a Dog From a Litter

A typical selection of puppies in a litter

Choosing a dog from a large selection or litter can be as easy or as hard as you want it to be. In the long term, however, it is wise to put thought into this decision, as there are certain behavioral characteristics that can be spotted early. Some of these traits might be desirable, and others wise to avoid. With the proper amount of general knowledge, you can choose the dog that best fits your needs.

Things You'll Need

• Notepad

Instructions

1. Survey the puppies with the breeder present. Do any of them look sickly or unhealthy? Stay away from purchasing a puppy whose health is questionable.

2. Spend individual time with each of the puppies you would consider purchasing. Note each puppy's distinctive behaviors, level of energy and physical size.

3. Ask the breeder or vendor about the shot record of both the mother and each puppy you are considering. It is crucial that you know which shots the puppy needs and which it has already had, in order to avoid disease.

4. Narrow the selection of puppies down to two or three. Avoid picking the overly energetic dogs, as this characteristic may indicate a personality that will prove difficult to tame. Also avoid picking the smallest dog, as this sometimes represents stunted growth or malnutrition.

5. Look primarily at aesthetics when making your final decision, as long as all of the puppies are fairly equal in health and personality. For instance, a darker coat or distinguishing spot on a puppy often manifests similarly as an adult. Also consider which dog you feel the best connection with; rely partly on intuition when making your pick.

6. Make full payment for the puppy if you are ready to take it home immediately; otherwise, if you trust the seller, you can arrange to leave a deposit while you buy food and prepare your house for a dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Rearrange your priorities when choosing a puppy according to specific needs. For example, if you are looking for a future watchdog, you may wish to pick the most energetic puppy, but if you want a lapdog, choose the dog who makes contact with you.

• Consider each puppy's actions when you're deciding which one to buy, but also realize that you have some control of a puppy's behavior as it matures.

• Never purchase a puppy before it is 6 weeks old, and avoid doing so before it is 8 weeks old whenever possible. Puppies need this time to learn and gain nourishment from their mother.

• Avoid pet stores when choosing a dog. Dogs sold from pet stores sometimes come from puppy mills, and often are not sold with their siblings, leaving you with fewer choices.