Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
Selecting my new pup from 2 choices
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.
Bill, Carol & Lucca
Carolyn Shusterman
charlotte bednarsh
Cheryl and Finnegan
Deb
Debb, Lucy & Oscar
Deborah Brown
DJ & Chance
Donna K & Quincy
Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau
Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie
- Karen & Jackdoodle
- Kelly Penhall-Wilson
- Kris
- Lauren
- Lori & Quincy
- Marty, Kenobi, & Vader
- Meridith and Lola
- Miss Ellie
- Nancy plus new doodle
- siena mueller-hickler
- Stephanie and doodle
- Teresa Allred
Read more here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topic/showPreview#ixzz2kBE5wMIW
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Scruggzy on
-
I agree that your lifestyle is what needs to be considered. I have a laid back labradoodle that likes short walks and tires easily. He was easy to train and has no behavior problems, but I prefer to take long walks and run with my dog. I would go with a high energy dog because it suits my lifestyle. Good luck ! i think they are both precious!
-
Permalink Reply by Nicky, Riley & Boris on
-
If it were me I would definitely go with the one that melts in your arms, hate the word runt. Good luck.
-
Permalink Reply by Kyle, Maggie & Jack on
-
Based solely on your description, I would go with the second one. You will know during your visit and your heart will lead you to the right pup for you! Good luck and can't wait to hear how it goes!
-
Permalink Reply by Gail and Bailey on
-
I would go with the second one too. If she melted in my arms...my heart would melt and she would be mine! Good luck!
-
Permalink Reply by Nancy and Georgia Brown on
-
Thanks for all the feedback!
Is shaking normal? Even while holding her and her being relaxed she will shake sometimes. She loves to be held and cuddled. She definitely can't keep up with her litter mates and isn't as coordinated as them. She gets bullied by them. Size wise she isn't noticeably smaller than the others but did start out that way.
Anything I should ask or check on when I am there visiting tomorrow would be helpful. I will see if I can take her to a vet before deciding.
-
-
She definitely needs to be checked out by a vet, the shaking and the uncoordinated movement might possibly indicate something neurological but then again it could just be a delayed developmental issue that she will make up in time. I actually don't know any good breeders that let pups go without them first having a vet check. I do know lots that require you to take your pup to your own vet within 24 hours of bringing them home but who would give a puppy back once you had it home...?
-
Permalink Reply by jenn D on
-
Barring any health issues, I would always consider the temperment that matches your families lifestyle. I was given the choice between what was the best looking cream pup and brisby and I chose Brisby because the breeder told me he had the best temperment to consider therapy work. It was the best decision I could have made. I once had pick of a litter of beagles and chose the prettiest girl even though she was pretty aggressive socially. She always was the prettiest but was forever heck on wheels her entire life. Think aboüt what you truly want to do with this dog for its life and then choose. :)
-
Permalink Reply by Suzanne & Jack on
-
Go with your heart. There is something that is drawing you to the second one. If you don't you'll always wonder - what if...
-
Permalink Reply by Ginny Nightingale on
-
Ok...where to begin.. I raise doodles for a breeder, so I deal with the anxiety of choosing a pup all the time...first, runt is the wrong term...it indicates that there is something sickly about the pup...with a mixed breed like a doodle, you can have different sizes of littermates, so the so-called runt is just inheriting the smaller size genes from ancestors...MAYBE...as others have mentioned, the smaller pup can out gain the littermates, especially when they are no longer competing for food.
. There is another factor. The female was bred over several days and a with a pup that young, a few days difference in age can make a big difference....if the pup was conceived on the last day of breeding, it could be younger than littermates. After a few months, it all evens out. They are just infants and there is so little that you can tell at that age!
I had a 7th pup in the last litter I raised that was born 6 hours after the others...he was a bit behind all the others and I asked the most dog-savvy new owner to consider him.. He was gorgeous, smaller and just less mature. It took some convincing as the woman didnt want to have issues with her puppy, but i just knew he would be OK. He is now 9 months old, still
gorgeous, very very smart and the best boy ever. she loves him to pieces! Oh, and he is no smaller than his littermates now either....he just had to catch up!
If you think that a calmer temperament is your best choice, go with number 2 so that you are not regretting your decision to take pup #1 and then maybe worrying too much about her feistiness. But make sure you socialize the pup a lot, since being the smallest may have made her a bit insecure....that can change very quickly when she is the only pup around....
I also think that the breeder did you a disservice by making you come when others were there...you should have had your own time to visit...just my opinion.
-
-
Thanks so much for your reply. I am going back tomorrow and I will have time with each pup alone.
Do you think that the shaking, and the fact that she tires really easy is anything to be concerned about?
-
Permalink Reply by Kyoko on
-
They are both beautiful! My Charlie was a runt with curly coat, and fiesty!! LOL!
After spending time with both of them, you may have natural feeling for one.....
-
Permalink Reply by Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear on
-
The second little girl looks so cute. Seems to me that's the one whose pulling your heart strings.
I do think you will love whichever you choose.
We picked up our puppy 2 weeks ago, there were 2 very pretty ones we could have chose, but we picked yogi because he seemed middle of the road temperament. We adore him, he's so mellow and fits us well. Btw, he was the one that came to me two different times when I sat on the floor.
Have fun and enjoy the journey!
© 2024 Created by Adina P.
Powered by
