What are the chances of this puppy surviving?

[trickynicky]

We have our names down for a mini schnauzer pup - but we were number 4 on the list and thankfully the lovely mum has had 5 puppies today. The breeder says that 3 of them are "huge" 2 of them are described as "very small". We are desperately hoping for the best and that one of the two little ones will survive - one of them is active and feeding from mum and one is having to be hand fed although still active. What do you think? I haven't a clue about puppies to be honest. What are the odds of at least one of the surviving? Don't want to get our hopes up but the kids are over the moon and I've tried to tell them that they may not all survive but not sure it's going in. These are very good pedigree dogs by the way, from a brilliant breeder.
Thank you for any words of wisdom!

[daisydotandgertie]

So soon after birth, it would be hard to predict which will thrive regardless of size. I have known perfect looking pups to fade, and of course, some weaker pups to do the same thing.

With a good breeder, doing everything she can then the pups will have as good a chance of thriving as possible. Keep everything crossed and pray hard. She will do her best, I am sure.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Hmm very difficult two weeks ago I saw a 3 week old pup that I thought we would lose now he is just the as his litter mates. I have to say really good breeders tend not to contact anyone till the pups are 4 to 5 weeks old for exactly this reason.

[Aquelven]

It's far too soon to tell if they all will survive, no matter what their size.
A lot depends on how experienced the breeder is.

It's perfectly possible to raise even the tiniest puppy if you know how & you have a certain amount of luck on your side. There's always a danger of fading puppy syndrome but a breeder with lots of experience knows how to minimise the risks & spot the signs early enough to take remedial action & give the best chance of survival. The smallest puppy can sometimes have the strongest will to live, you'd be amazed!

I've successfully hand reared puppies in the past when the mum couldn't for one reason or another, or on occasion just didn't have much of a clue. It involves lots of work, including two hourly feeds day & night but it's a wonderful feeling when it's successful.

Don't expect to be able to go & see the puppies till they are about five weeks old though, not if the breeder has any sense.