Right, how do I choose a puppy

[aloneinthenight]

We are going to view a litter today, potentially to select one.

The breeder says they will know which is the dog for us but how can I be sure?

What should I be looking for?

Well don't take any children with you for a start, otherwise you will be selecting one.

How old are the puppies you are looking at?

Check that they dont have runny eyes/noses, make sure they have been microchipped, make sure they're full of beans and dont seem lethargic. Make sure that you see them with their mother. I personally would never choose the smallest puppy/kitten as they're normally the ones that have the most health issues in my experience (I'm a veterinary nurse).

Our breeder effectively chose for us, we explained our family, our house and what we'd be doing and she chose us the puppy that wasn't too nervous, the one that wasn't crazy bouncy, who seemed to fit.

It worked, we had her for 14 years and I miss her loads

@itwa

Our breeder effectively chose for us, we explained our family, our house and what we'd be doing and she chose us the puppy that wasn't too nervous, the one that wasn't crazy bouncy, who seemed to fit.

It worked, we had her for 14 years and I miss her loads

This is a sign of a good breeder. So often people chose because of the markings but a knowledgeable breeder will choose the right temperament. As a very crude rule don't go for the one who is first to come up nor the one that comes to you last (these normally get picked first with the idea the dog has chosen them) as over and under confident dogs are more difficult.

I would talk to the breeder about what early socialisation she is doing with the puppies, and what else she plans to do during the rest of the time the puppies are with their mother.

Then you can branch out into what the puppies' emerging characters are like. That will help you and the breeder decide which one is a good fit (as will any further interrogation about your lifestyle from them)

And knowing as much as possible about your puppy's early life and socialisation can only be a good thing for when you bring one home

They seem very responsible and these are all great questions, thank you.

It was mayhem but they were great and answered all our questions.

Met pups with Mum and several other dogs in the house so lots of socialisation. All pups look and sound healthy and all a similar size.

Mum possibly the most chilled and friendly dog I've met.

We didn't choose today, they are still too small (4 weeks).

We have to go for multiple visits and she said it 'will become clear' which one is ours!

Aww what breed?

We let the dog choose us, our boy, kept coming over to us. He was a great dog, lost him many years ago at 13, still miss him.

@XelaM cocker spaniel.

I picked up all of them, and looked at who was rough housing with its mates. I chose the least boisterous one who smuggled into me and fell asleep on my lap.

It was a con! He was a mad hooligan - but the love of my life. The runt of the litter was kept by the breeder. When we met up he was a huge bruiser with boundless energy.

You will love whoever you pick. Once they’ve set paw in your home that’s it.