A heap of puppies. Which do you choose?

Now once you have met the mother of the pups and are happy with her temperament and happy with the breeder how do you pick which puppy to take home? They are all cute and mischievous at 6-8 weeks when most people view a litter, so it’s hard to know which one is a good fit for them. The choice you make is crucial, just as crucial as the mother and the breeder selection. Of course most people have a preference on colour or coat pattern from an aesthetic point of view and also a preference on a boy or a girl, there is nothing wrong with this at all. However if there is slim pickings within the litter leaving with only one that you like should you just take that one? Not necessarily, you may have to wait until the next litter if you want the best possible puppy for you – after all this is hopefully going to be part of your family for the next 10-15years (breed dependant). Alternatively, if you are choosing a breed like a Labrador, you want a black boy and have 6 black boys to choose from, how do you choose?

As with most things the answer is ‘it depends’. Assuming you are picking a suitable breed for you and your lifestyle we now need to look at your personality as much as a puppy’s character. It is possible to get a picture of their future character even at such a young age.

I won’t go through every character but here are the main ones to look for.

Pup 1 – The first puppy to run and greet you – often the one that people claim ‘the puppy picked them’. A confident bold character, often quite chunky in build to its littermates, inquisitive, not fazed by much at all. Not for a quiet, sensitive person. Best suited to a strong character of person, who will establish boundaries fairly. Very suited to dog sports or as a working dog. Very intelligent and straight forward to train but the owner must have clear rules.

Pup 2 – Rushes out to greet you (often just behind Pup 1) then quickly runs back, slightly nervy, jumpy and nippy. This one is one to avoid for most people, including most trainers. Not an easy dog to own! Constantly testing everyone and everything. Thrives on routine. If you do choose this one its best with an owner who is in a very strict routine, very consistent, and a strong character. Quick to learn but also quick to test your training.

Pup 3 – Friendly, middle of the pups, happy to be placed in any position, happy to be held in your arms belly up. Easy going, very accepting. Ideal dog for most if not all people. This pup will join in with anything that is going on but happily switch off otherwise. Ideal first dog, fairly intelligent, good to train (not as quick to learn as pup 1), will do ok at dog sports if trained well. If the owner is wanting to do dog sports or similar and doesn’t have a strong confident character pup 3 is the one for them.

Pup 4 – Stays in the nest or runs back to it when visitors arrive, reserved, aloof, has its own agenda. Has a regal presence. Ideally should be with an owner who is a confident person. If no other dog for it to live with it should spend the majority of its time with the owner/family. Without this it is likely to suffer severe separation anxiety. Highly intelligent, very quick to learn but will bore quickly with too much repetition. Trust in its owner is key. Not for the first time dog owner as its quiet almost manipulative intelligence will outwit even the most experienced dog owner.

Pup 5 – Runs and hides behind mother, nervous, skittish and appears frightened. Ideal for someone who lives out in the countryside without many visitors or much going on in their life. This pup will bond very strongly to its owner but not have the confidence to bond with others. A great companion but doesn’t do well in social settings. Low intelligence, its main drive in life is to bark to alert others of any changes in the environment and retreat to safety (usually behind its owner).

The above is by no means a comprehensive list of common characters, and each individual will still develop personality and its experiences both with the litter and with you will help to shape it – but all will have a functional character too. Being aware of the different characters and how they will suit you, your knowledge level, lifestyle and personality can only help in your choice.

This may be controversial to some but if you look at people we are much the same. Some are born to follow others, some to enforce the rules (policemen/women) and some are born leaders, managers, politicians etc. The qualities of which are usually seen when we are young and in school. Yes some things we can learn to do but we will never be as practiced at them as someone who showed those traits in school and who have nurtured them over their lifetime.

Travelling another 100 miles, paying an extra £100 or waiting another 6 months can be the difference between a lifetime of misery or joy with your next dog. I’m very passionate about this subject – I wrote a book on it!

I wish you every luck in finding your next best furry friend, don’t rush the process and it will pay off no end!

Want to know more? Grab my book