How to Select a Puppy from a Litter

InstructionsThings You’ll Need:Access to a library or the InternetStep 1:Make some decisions before you start looking at puppies. Do you have to have a purebred dog or would you be just as happy with a mixed breed? The answer to this question will take you on one of two paths to finding your perfect puppy.Step 2:Take some online quizzes designed to help you determine the type of dog that best fits your lifestyle. The tests are short and fun, and may save you a world of trouble, money and/or heartache in the long run.Step 3:Do your homework. If you have decided that you want a particular breed of puppy, learn as much about the breed as you can find. Different breeds come with different genetic predispositions; others have personality or behavioral traits common to their breed.Step 4:Find a responsible breeder. Use a reputable source, such as a breeder’s club or organization, to be certain you aren’t buying from a puppy mill. Better yet, adopt from your local shelter. Most reputable shelters will ensure that the puppy is in good health before it is adopted. Never buy a puppy from a pet store. Many pet shops buy their stock from puppy mills. The purpose of puppy mills, or puppy farms, is to make money by producing and selling as many puppies as possible, in as short a time as possible. This is cruel and unhealthy for the bitches and their pups, and illegal in some states. Most puppies born in mills are sold to pet stores.Step 5:Avoid the mistake of walking into the puppies’ home, pointing at the cutest one, and taking it home with you. You wouldn’t use this technique to purchase a couch or a bed, so don’t use it to select your new best friend. Dogs are a long-term investment, so take your time and give some careful thought to your selection.Step 6:Insist that the puppy be at least eight weeks old before you separate it from its mother. If you trust the seller or adopter, offer to pay for the puppy now if they are willing to let it live with its mom a little longer. Dogs teach their six- to eight-week old offspring some important lessons that will be much more difficult for them to learn from you. A good example of this: Mother dogs teaches their young puppies not to bite too hard, not even in play.Step 7:Wear old, comfortable clothes to visit the place where the puppies currently reside. Bring a towel or mat along so you can sit on the floor to observe and play with each of the puppies in the litter. This simple act will help you start the process of elimination.Step 8:Pass on the shyest dog in the litter. He may be ill or have some other undesirable condition that may not be obvious yet, or that you might not discover until you have adopted or paid for and bonded with the dog.Step 9:Pass on the most aggressive puppy in the litter. This characteristic may foretell a destructive future for you and your home. It is also a good predictor of stubbornness, an undesirable trait in a pet.Tips & WarningsA good rule of thumb is to pick the puppy that climbs onto your lap and lays there. This pup has claimed you as her human.A puppy should not be an impulse buy. Pups are a huge responsibility and a lot of work, so resist the urge to purchase or adopt a puppy without the proper planning.ResourcesAnswer this questionnaire about what you’re looking for in a puppy and you’ll receive a list of dog breeds and mixes that best suit your personality and lifestyle.The American Kennel Club provides AKC parent club breeder referrals, local club breeder referrals and breed rescue groups.