11 Tips for Choosing the Best Puppy in a Litter

Summary: Do not feel guilty when you use your head instead of your heart! Don’t let your desire to take a puppy home rule over your common sense. We provide some tips for choosing the best puppy.

11 Tips for Choosing the Best Puppy in a Litter

All puppies are darling so how can I choose which one will be best for me? The number one rule in picking out the perfect one is to take your time and use your head not your heart. Too often hasty decisions lead to regret and abandoned dogs. Before visiting the breeder, print off a checklist of items that you would like to look for specifically in the breed you are contemplating. This is generally recognized as the breed standard which is available at www.akc.org.

When choosing the best puppy in a litter to become part of your family there are a few hints. You want to choose a puppy from a very healthy looking litter. We recommend that you observe the following 11 tips for choosing the best puppy in a litter:

• Before you visit a breeder, research the breed type to make sure it fits your particular lifestyle.
• Notice if all the puppies appear alert (don’t judge too harshly if the puppies seem tired. Ask the breeder if they have just finished eating).
• Check to see if they seem well fed.
• See if their eyes, noses and ears are free of any discharge.
• The puppies should have coats that are bright and shiny.
• Walk a few feet away from the litter and call them. The bossy puppy may come quickly and give you an aggressive nip. The shy one will not come. The likeable one may hesitate at first but then will come to you.
• Roll each one on to its back and see how it responds. It is usually best to choose the one that may be uneasy for a short time and then settles down.
• While playing with the puppies, avoid choosing the puppy that seems real aggressive and snappy.
• Do not be tempted to feel like you must save the shy one that goes to hide and trembles.
• The best choice would be the playful one that appears confident and happy.
• Feel free to ask the breeder all the questions you want to. The breeder should be able to answer your questions to your satisfaction.

Do not feel guilty when you use your head instead of your heart! Don’t let your desire to take a puppy home rule over your common sense. If you don’t find that puppy that is just right for you then look elsewhere. It is best to take more time looking than to regret a fast, emotional decision. We hope you find our tips for choosing best puppy useful in your decision making process. Good luck with your decision!