Picking a pup to keep from a litter you raised

[Rob]

I realize that there is not any science to this, but I am very interested in hearing the different ways, traits you look for, gut feeling...etc, that you use to pick a pup to keep from a litter that you have raised. And how successful that you have been using your methods.

Thanks in advance!

[Goes]

I like to keep the first. The first to venture out of the whelping pen and take a big breath of fresh air. It's like this one is ready for the next challenge in it's life. This has worked 6 out of 7 times. Today I sold the 7th to a wonderful couple that bought a pup from me 15 years ago and it recently died of natural causes. they wanted another dog, just not a pup. She was a great dog, first of the firsts, she and I just had different versions of what she should be doing, and laying on the couch all day wasn't on my agenda for her. She'll fit in perfect in her new home. But the rest are in my kennel or my buddies kennels that I run with at least once a week.
Best of luck

[Guest]

Once they are up running around ,I like the one that is the best combination of conformation ,friendliness and curiosity.That doesnt mean it will end up being the best but it is a good place to start.

J.Murphy/Murphy's Kennel

[Kybeagleboy]

First I look at conformation. Then I look for the first pup to go after that old paper cup laying in the yard or the first one to rip into that bag of mulch laying by the flower bed.

I have had a lot of luck with this method. curiosity and agressivness!

[Chuck Terry]

Conformation (or at least free of obvious faults) and BOLDNESS. Make a LOUD noise and select the one least bothered by it. Good luck!

[Rob]

Thanks a lot for the replies.

Just curious. Does the size at this age correlate any to full grown size...smallest will always be smallest...etc

[Novice]

It is said that when a pup is seven weeks of age they will be an allmost exact representation of their adult bodies in miniature. When looking at conformation I allways use the 7 week mark to look at this as to the boldness, agressiveness etc. I look at that through the entire time that I have the litter around. I have allways been happy with what I have kept for myself, But that doesn't meen by any meanes that they were the best out of the litter. the only way to do that would be to start them all and then pick the ones you want for yourself and sell (cull) the rest. the choise of words depends on the quality of the entire litter. Just my two cents John antunes (Novice)

[TomPA]

Watch them anytime you get a chance in different settings and pick the one that has the qualities and mannerisms that you like. Many will exhibit behavior that will not change throughout their lives at a young age. One thing I like to do is hide treats or throw a handful of kibble in the grass and see who finds it and who uses their nose the most.

[BRKBeagles]

If I like the Sire a lot more than the bitch then I try and take the pup that most resembles that dog and the same if I like the bitch better, I always figured if they share similar traits as far a looks then they might have more of that parents tendencies. Breeding pups is not like mixing paint so you will not get a perfect blend of genes but I figure the more of the same traits they posess the closer I am to what I want.....this doesn't always work but I have had some pretty good luck.....good luck, Bill

[Rob]

TomPA, Thats real interesting about the kibble. I will use a similar thing in the beginning of my pup training to start teaching them how to use their nose. I will put an older dog with them. After a time they seem to learn to move and think fast otherwise no treats cause the old dog gets them all first.