Introduction
For first-time dog owners and even experienced dog owners, picking a good match when it comes to a new best friend is a tough decision for anyone. While you may think that all puppies from the same litter are created equal, you would be wrong. Each puppy will come with its personality, health conditions, and traits. So how do you pick the best puppy for you?
To find the perfect puppy, you should first spend lots of time researching the breed of dog and a reputable breeder.
Many pet owners say that a responsible breeder is the most essential element in picking the right puppy.
A good breeder can inform you on information about the breed, and specific health checks, and observe the personalities of their puppies to help you choose which one is the best fit for your family and home environment.
Let’s Go
To help you make the best choice possible for the perfect dog from a litter of puppies, we have gathered some tips and tricks to help you along the way!
Choose Your Breed
Before you can pick a puppy from a litter, you need to decide on the specific breed of dog you want.
Different breeds of dogs can vary when it comes to activity levels and personalities. Do you want a small dog? Large dog? Male or female dog? Do you have young children with whom the puppy will have to interact within the family home?
These are all questions to ask yourself before visiting a breeder to narrow down the breed of dog that is a good fit for you. Choosing the kind of dog you want is the first step in choosing the best match for a new dog.
Why is the Litter More Important than the Puppy?
Experienced pet owners will often say that the entire litter is more important than the individual puppy. This is because litters of puppies that come from two healthy and happy dogs will produce a healthy puppy.
As long as you have a good breeder that is dedicated to safe breeding practices, you can rest assured knowing every puppy in the litter will grow into an amazing adult dog.
Physical Traits to Look for When Choosing Your Puppy
Once you have found a reputable breeder that specializes in the breed of dog you are interested in, the next step is to examine the puppy to make sure they are in top physical condition. Make sure you look for the following qualities:
- Bright Eyes: No discharge, redness, hair loss, or squinting should be seen from your puppy’s eyes
- Clean Ears: Ears should be free from odor and debris
- Shiny Coat: Look for sores, red spots, or bald patches on the puppy’s coat – a dull or flaky coat can indicate a more serious health condition
- Healthy Nose: Your puppy should be breathing normally through their nose with no obstructions, there also should not be any discharge coming from your pup’s nostrils
- Pink Gums: A puppy’s gums should be moist and bright pink, discolored gums can indicate an oral health condition
- Top of the Head: Just like a newborn baby, a new puppy may have a small soft spot on the top of its head, while this is normal, it is important to make sure the spot is not larger than the size of a dime. A large soft spot can indicate problems called “open fontanelles” which are openings between the bones of the skull
How Do You Know What A Puppy’s Personality Will Be?
When it comes to a puppy’s personality, there are a few different personality types that you should be aware of. This personality type will determine the future of your pup’s interaction with new people and places.
To determine which personality a puppy has, you can observe how they interact with the rest of the litter. Are they interested in playing or hiding in the corner? Are they easygoing when it comes to belly rubs or do they resist?
A puppy and its litter mates will usually fall into one of these categories:
The Dominant Pup
A dominant pup personality wants to be in control of every situation. These are often dogs that make great guard dogs, as they are brave and outgoing pups.
As a puppy, this can be displayed as stealing toys from their siblings, climbing over them during play, or rough-housing. A dominant puppy will not be in the corner of a puppy pen by itself.
The Hunting Dog
The hunting dog is alert and on the prowl. You may see them pouncing on their siblings or toys.
A hunting dog is usually very active and requires plenty of mental stimulation, so it is important to keep this in mind if you live a relaxed lifestyle.
The Independent Thinker
Independent puppies are happy doing their own thing. They don’t need to follow the pack. This kind of puppy often has a fun-loving personality.
But beware, training this personality can be hard work as they do not take well to rule-following. You may need to use various methods to keep their attention and stay consistent with training or else they will march to the beat of their drum!
The Relaxed Pup
A relaxed puppy is just as the name implies! This is a good puppy personality for someone who is laid back. You will often find a relaxed puppy hanging out, lounging, or snoozing.
They are happy to spend the day on the couch cuddled up with their owner. If you are getting your first puppy, this is a great personality type to look for.
The Shy Puppy
Shy puppies usually stick out from the rest of the litter. They will be more reserved when it comes to meeting new people and getting adjusted to a new home.
This type of personality needs someone who can dedicate a great deal of time to training and making them feel comfortable and confident.
Summary
Bringing home a new puppy is a fun and exciting time in life. The best thing about finding a new best friend is choosing the right one for you, but this can be a tough decision if you can pick a particular puppy from an entire litter.
It is a good idea to choose the type of breed first. Then, find an experienced breeder who has plenty of knowledge and love for the breed.
A good breeder will be able to give you information on the health and personalities of their puppies based on the parent dogs. Breeders will also ensure their litters consist of quality puppies, so anyone you choose will be happy and healthy.
You can also look out for certain characteristics and traits that you want to have in a puppy, this will give you the best chance at finding the right puppy for you.
Conclusion
Some puppy personality types are Dominant, Independent, and Shy Puppy. Ultimately, go with your heart and you will find the best puppy for you and your family!
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