Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
I will spare you the long post that I originally typed. I go tomorrow to look at the 2 pups. They will be 6.5 weeks old.
I picked my doodle too early. I was kind of upset they wanted me to pick so young and almost walked away. (I know, no need for the lecture now, I do think I am getting a good dog but could probably back out if necessary) They are f1b pups. I am in total love with one of the dogs from the first litter from the same parents. If I could just steal her I would be very happy. The mother is a great dog--a loved family pet, and the pups and conditions are very clean. They all seem like great pups and very well cared for. Just not a professional operation.
Since I had first pick and had no clue about personality, I picked the pretty one. They told me I got the pick of the litter, the one every one wanted. They told me she is well balanced.
I go back to see the pups at 5.5 weeks and not sure I picked the right pup. She is considered the pick of the litter and very beautiful. But a bit feisty. I had my eye on the runt from the very beginning but was told by various people that the runt could have problems. I know the technical definition of a runt vs. the way people normally describe it and not sure where my pup falls into the mix. The runt is still available. So I will describe the pups with pictures and ask your advice. I am going to spend time with each tomorrow and decide. My heart want the runt. My mind goes for my original pick. Any suggestions as to how to decide when I go tomorrow are welcome.
FIRST CHOICE AND ORIGINAL PICK A:
Looks: Quite the looker I will say. Most likely to have a shedding coat of all the pups. Her coat could be beautiful or very strange and a mix that might be hard to groom.
Personality: The most important quality for me. She is very feisty. The first to get into trouble. Very smart. When being held she holds herself proud. Doesn't just turn limp in your arms. Anxious to play. Has a definite on/off switch. It's full speed or sleep. No serious aggression or dominant issues but way more interested in what is going on in the world than being held and petted. I kind of nicknamed her Diva, the owners call her Candy Cane.
CHOICE B.
Looks: will be a bit smaller than the others--a plus. Has a definite poodle coat, which I do love.
Personality: the runt. Born significantly after the others, they almost gave up on her being born but after a long birthing session and a long wait and her still not coming out they went to bed ready to get up early and get that last pup out. They discovered she was already born. The owner has a special attachment to this pup and has spent a lot of time with her making sure she got her proper share of milk. She loves to be cuddled and when you pick her up she just melts into your arms. She shakes a bit. She tires quickly. She is bullied by the other pups.They owners say she is perfectly healthy and just needs to catch up. I don't think she has had an official vet check. I know the pups come with a health guarantee but I don't want to rely on that. Not sure how they will react if I want a vet approval before getting that pup and they live over hour away from me.
Wow. I thought I was sparing you the original post and now it's just as long.
I go to spend time with both of them tomorrow. I have read all the standard tests and things. I need to relax and trust. The last visit was at the same time as another family with kids came to visit so there was lots of action and stuff going on. It wasn't the ideal time to bond with a pup.
I should add my last and only dog I have ever owned was an adult rescue that came with serious dog aggression issues. I could have purchased many purebred dogs for what I spent in dog trainers and other dog's vet bills. She was the most perfect dog other than that. Super people friendly. Super sweet. Easily trained. Just came with an issue around other dogs, it was kill or be killed. Which is sad since I live very close to one of the greatest dog parks in the SF bay area.
© 2013 Created by Adina P.
Read more here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topic/showPreview#ixzz2kBE5wMIW
Tags:
Ignoring all of the other issues and going by the photos and description of personality alone, there is no contest for me. Between these two puppies, I'd take the second one in a heartbeat.
Bingo! Me too!
They are both just sooooo cute and I'm sure no matter which one you choose it will be the perfect fit. You are giving me anxiety now on which one to pick:) LOL Really, it will all be ok and once you take one home it will be instant "Doodle Love":) You have been around dogs and know training makes all the difference in the world. Have fun tomorrow!
Wow, both pups are beautiful-tough choice. I think it is good to consider your lifestyle and get a pup with a temperament to match. If you are a high energy person that enjoys a lot of outdoor activities and would like a dog to share those with you than number one would probably be a good choice. She will probably enjoy and require a lot of activity to burn off her energy. If you are more of a couch potato or somewhere in between then number two might be a better choice. Good luck-let us know how it goes.
Oh, and I don't think it unreasonable to want a vet check before purchasing a pup. Tara's litter was vet checked and had their first set of vaccinations before going to their new homes. If you feel uncomfortable asking the breeder you could offer to pay for it yourself which might make her more open to the idea (you shouldn't have to do this BUT in your own best interest....) Just a thought.
Considering your lifestyle a great point. In a very active, busy, noisy household, a shyer pup might not do well.
They are both adorable, but I would go with my heart. Maybe the pup will choose you ;)
Nothing wrong with asking for a vet check.
Agreed! When we first went to look at Enzo's litter, I was bound and determined to go for a black Doodle. I did not want to be reminded of, or find myself comparing him/her, to the Golden we had just lost.
Fast forward: I sit down in the box with 8 puppies....4 black, 4 various shades of gold. The pup who is now Enzo, dashes forward and literally jumps into my lap and plops down. There was no getting away from her! It was ME, ME, ME from the start! I'd get up and move and within seconds, she is in my lap again. It was a no brainer for me.
Hoping one of these little Doods decides it's you they want a forever home with too! Good luck and keep us posted.
PS....Being the runt, many times, means nothing than being the smallest. Someone has to be! I had many a litter with "runts" and they were some of the best! A Vet check would not be out of order.
Both pups are precious. Is one more like the doodle from the first litter you first met? If that is the kind of doodle you envision, I would try to match that personality.
The lifestyle match suggestions are a great point. On that basis, for us, the second dood would be a better fit.
Good luck tomorrow-I hope the decision comes to you after you spend some time with them.
You will never regret picking a puppy for temperament instead of looks. You fall madly in love with the puppy no matter if it is the most beautiful or not, but the temperament is the very first priority.
Mine was the runt of the litter. At 8 weeks she weighed 3.5lbs. Her litter-mates were 11-13. She was tiny. .The breeder had to bottle feed her in the beginning because she was so small. She was the breeder's favorite. It was the first brown doodle they ever had. I was worried about picking the runt but the breeder said she has always heard that the one she favors and plays with the most turns out to be the most people focused. It turned out to be true with Charlie. She is the best dog ever. She is now 35bls, her litter-mates are 50-65. Today I'm babysitting my neighbors 90lb shedding doodle and it is no picnic. For me that loose coat is not worth the shedding.
© 2024 Created by Adina P. Powered by