Picking a puppy from a litter

[Eros]

Hi! This is my first post to this wonderful forum. Most of my questions have been answered because there is so much information here. I do have one though, and I apologize if I should have posted this thread in the "Breeding" section.

I will soon be choosing an 8-week rottweiler from a litter of 12 - 6 males and 6 females. I am looking for a pet quality dog, and fortunately, for me, this reputable breeder had two from the aforementioned litter. These two are pet quality because their bites are not lined correctly, which I read in this forum that they might outgrow. My question is this: What should I look for when picking the right puppy from these two?

What do I mean by "right puppy?" When I compare the two, I'm sure they will have contrasts, such as: size, temparment, etc. Should I choose one that is bigger? Should I choose the more vocal - excited easily, barks more, or is the shy one better?

Ultimately, I understand it's up to me, but is there typically a "better" one when choosing from a litter?

Thank you!

[Canadianrotti]

Most reputable breeders will pick the right puppy for you. They will ask all kinds of questions about you, basically interview you!!! Then they will evaluate each of the pups (they spend a lot more time with them then you will), and figure out the temperment, and drives of each. They will then place the pups with the appropriate homes.

I don't know enough about reading a pups character to make that call, even for my slef, I would leave that to a pro!

Congrats on the pup, it is very exciting. Please post lots of pics once you get the little buggar home!!!

[sophie's-mom]

Eros, picking the right puppy will depend a LOT on what goes on in your house.

do you have children?

do you live in an apartment?

will you be training this dog for a specific job like therapy or obedience?

FOR ME.......size would be the LAST requirement. I would want a dog that isn't shy to come up to me.....wants to PLAY with me. Not a scared pup that runs and hides when you try to pet.

Good luck.

[Patty1231]

I had my choice between two males, as well. They were both, of course, adorable. But the other puppy was bouncing all over the place and Rocco came to me very confidently, not over-excited but certainly not shy. That was the reason I chose him over the other.

[Eros]

Originally Posted by sophie's-mom

Eros, picking the right puppy will depend a LOT on what goes on in your house.

do you have children?

do you live in an apartment?

will you be training this dog for a specific job like therapy or obedience?

FOR ME.......size would be the LAST requirement. I would want a dog that isn't shy to come up to me.....wants to PLAY with me. Not a scared pup that runs and hides when you try to pet.

Good luck.

Thank you for the replies so far. To answer the questions above, I do not have any children, nor do I plan on having any for many years. I live in pretty big condo by myself. I might train the dog for schutzhund, but that's a big might.

[Sharon Marples]

If the breeder is allowing you to choose your puppy (which I feel is not right, they should have been evaluating this pup for the last 8 weeks and giving you the put best suited for your home environment, etc.) then you want to look for the most confident pup.

Do not look at the size of the body or head, do not look at color, do not look at anything but the temperament of this pet puppy. Make sure you spend time with he and his siblings all together. How does he interact with them> Is he confident or does he run to the other side of the room when faced with people, other pups, etc.

You want a pup that will come to you on his own, that wants to investigate the area he is in. He should not always want to stay with the group, he should be outgoing and searching out new places to go and look at while the rest of the group is in another area.

If you go to pet him, he should not cower, shy away or run from you. He should welcome your pets and be crawling up in your lap for more. In other words, he should act like he has known you all of his life and that there is no fear involved with you or any of his surroundings.

Good luck, we want to see pics when he comes home!