PICK OF THE LITTER!! FACT OR FABLE? - Page 1

Thought with this post we could help dispel/confirm some myths about what the pro's are looking for and what a novice should look for in a puppy/dog as well. When looking for a gsd puppy say 8-12 weeks old what are you looking for assuming you want a schutzhund/show prospect? (I know this is a roll of the dice)But also less expensive and at least a shot at getting a top prospect instead of the remaining pups the breeder didn't want. Example: what is a professional looking for or not looking for in a puppy. What is most important? Have you heard the phrase "pick of the litter?" Of course we all probably have but I have also heard: My litter is like they were made by a cookie cutter..no difference between them one is as good as the other????...really?...Keeep in mind it is important in Sieger shows that the progeny be uniform as especially VA placements put alot of emphasis on the progeny groups. True? Therefore would there be such thing as pick of the litter? Or on the opposite side...You can buy my pick of the litter he/she is more agressive/bigger/got the look/etc... PICK OF THE LITTER. FACT OR FABLE? Your Thoughts? Dan Sportstuff

Its definitely fact. I see it in my litters, though very few I've bred sofar, and their is uniformity in them. BUT, its not a guarantee that THAT particular pup WILL eventually be THE best. Any breeder with doubts about a certain TOP litter's best pup, keeps m all for that reason...

When looking for a gsd puppy say 8-12 weeks old what are you looking for assuming you want a schutzhund/show prospect? You are looking for great drives, sound nerves, and the best structure in a litter! That's easy! If you can look at two adult dogs and say - this dog is better than the other because ... (and your opinion will be similar to an opinion of most conformation judges) - then you also can pick a puppy with better structure out of the litter. There are usually a couple of pups that stand out in the litter, but it doesn't mean that the rest is tresh. You need to pay very careful attention to the parents - does the male's structure compensates for dam's faults? Here is an example: you are looking at a litter of pups out of a female with short croup who was bred to a male with croup of good length. Don't think that the puppies will have croups "in between"! Look for the puppy with the longest croup - most likely such puppy will also have other good traits of the sire. But of course, croup isn't the only thing. You need to look at each individual bone of each puppy and see which puppy is better built - there is no magic about it! It taks time, and with experience you will be able to see this stuff faster and easier!

http://www.dfwworkingdogs.com/interesting.asp Read these articles

you guys are better then me ,At that age to me and most,a pup is a pup.Much has to do with what it has for parents and also what is done with said pup after placement.No doubt there are many VA dogs laying around at somones home and don't even know it,and did I mention the politics involved?.........lol.....I might have my favorite for what ever reason,pick of the litter happens to be the one that left the litter first.

Would you guys care to comment on the Best kennel anywhere hands down? Many have emailed me to continue getting aanswers and I have seen some of you guys/gals responses before and they have been very helpful/informative. Thanks, sportstuff Dan

pick of the litter is used to sell the litter to novices. each breeder has a way to enlist the interest of buyers. many will want to get to know you, have a beer, soda, or coffee. this allows the interested party to say enough the breeder can observe the interest of the buyer and there experience. then show off the puppy which may work best for this trainer, pet owner, or family with children. there is no best of any thing, there is potential that can be developed or ruined. a good trainable puppy can be seen by experienced breeders, who have got out to train, show. there are many good puppies ruined by inexperience. worring about politics is a crutch holding back those who are overly concerned. you have to get your feet wet, its better to jump in up to your knees, then to walk along the edge and jump back from every ripple. attitude is as important as conformation, no attitude, what good is great conformation.

Sportstuff, pick of the litter may not remain so. There are so many variables in the pup. Some breeders will perform puppy testing, which might give some insight into the temperament differences between littermates. But, some of the testing can also hold some wishful thinking on the part of the breeder (sorry! but I did witness this. Pick was selected by breeder prior to testing and wound up being the super SchH dog in the test. Today, dog is over a year and going to a pet home because he did not turn out quite as hoped for. Lower placed picks wound up with more talent for the sport. Trying to figure that out myself). As far as conformation is concerned, a pick pup has a long way to go in his/her show career. It begins from general health issues, hips, elbows, teeth, to ears standing and size onto temperament and trainability. On the most part, looking at an 8 - 12 week old puppy is a crap shot. You can be lucky and wind up with a super dog that will do well for you. Environment also plays a big part in the development of a puppy. I almost think it is one of the most important components because the mental and physical health of a pup can be greatly enhanced by good and loving handling. No matter if the pick is a myth or not, I feel it is really important that the chemistry between new family member and owner is there. Because even if the pup does not make the grade for sport or show, the bond between owner and dog will be strong enough not to put that dog into rescue. We are still talking about living and breathing creatures which we have chosen to accept the responsibility to care for the rest of their lives (???). I also think that you can wind up with a dog out of rescue and make that dog to your pick. You can truly make a dog beautiful and perfect in your own eyes if you have the bond to that dog. And that dog will do well for you because you have formed a partnership. But this is going one step further in the relationship with your dog. If you adopt an older dog, you can see what you get. With a puppy it will be a labor of love which may not necessarily turn out as you planned. And you will still have to train and show the dog. Having the most perfect puppy will not guarantee you a top placement. It will be up to you what you make out of him/her and where the dog goes. And this alone might be undercut with simple things like financial and time considerations. Not everyone has the resources to develop that pick to a super star. Sunny

People that leave my place with the "pick of the litter" are legends in their own minds. 2 years later the truth comes out, and from 3 of my litters the best turned out to be the last pup that was picked over. I think you can look at temperament at that young age and make an accurate assesment, but the actual physical specimen is a crap shoot. The "professional dog buyers" can pick the Siegers from a litter, but the rest of us know that you buy a puppy, you enjoy your relationship with it and put the time and training into it, and hope that it all comes toghether. The professional dog buyers(bullshiters) of course want the Sieger from the litter.

8 week old pups can be seperated best by charachter and drives. 99% of pups will never go on to win anything in the ring and most buyers don't care. I have helped many over the years determine which pup will be best for their situation. I believe Orbit was the last pup to go in his litter so there goes the theory taht a future show winner is predictable by looking at a puppy structure. If you want to pay a "premium" for first choice it might be worth it if you are present to evaluate behavior etc. Otherwise IMO you are paying extra for bragging rights only.