New pup---last pick of litter
 

Hi,
This is my first time buying a dog from a breeder. My husband and I have been put on the waitlist for an upcoming litter and we've got the 5th pick out of 6 pups.

My husband has a legitimate concern that we'll be getting a less than desirable dog with such a late pick. I'm confident that we'll be getting a great puppy because the sire and dam are high quality and previous buyers from this breeder have all been thrilled with their dogs. I'm also quite sure that this breeder would not let us take home a puppy that isn't a great fit for our family.

What has your experience been?

Thank you,
d

The breeder should be picking the puppies for each buyer. If that is the case and with all you have said about the sire, dam and breeder....you should be getting a good match for your family.

I've never put much stock into "pick of the litter". I like being able to go and see the pups and give my opinion on which dog I like from what I see, but if it's a good breeder, then you shouldn't have a problem.

Yep. It's not about who's first pick, etc. in your case (since you're not looking for a 'show dog', right?). The breeder should pick out the dogs according to the fit. The only issue would be if the breeder doesn't match the pups according to the buyer, and if there isn't a pup in the litter to match to what you want...would the breeder let you know that and wait for another litter?

Hi,

Have you met the puppy? Our boy, Leif, was one of the last 2 male puppies left from a 9 pup litter (there were 2 other females left as well). He was significantly smaller than the other male, but we liked his personality a lot more than the other one. We were concerned about him being so small too. However, because of the litter size, we thought he'll catch up when he doesn't have to compete for food. He's from a reputable breeder, so we weren't concern about the quality of the sire and dam (we also met them). He was only 14 lbs when we took him home.

He is almost a year old now and weight 73 lbs, great temperament, good looking and very smart. We could not have asked for a better pick! I think you'll be fine with your pick too. Good luck! and don't forget to post pictures. We love seeing floofy puppies! :wub:

First or last pick from a good breeder doesn't really matter. A good breeder evaluates and places puppies with the family that best matches. So as long as you trust the breeders ability to evaluate and know their dogs then thats all that really matters.

imho, people want different "things" from their dog. if you described your life style and what you intend to do with your dog, they should be able to tell you if this pup will meet your expectations. for me, i know what i want and could care less weather i had the first pick or the last. i am one that will have to rely on the breeder to choose for me.

Everyone has different needs, goals, likes and dislikes...the whole "pick" idea is not something that really means anything. I hate the whole idea of "pick" and "leftover" pups.....every pup in every litter is going to be the best match for a different person, sometimes, yes, 2 people want and need the same things in a pup....my black male was "last pick" of three pups/2 males...so I had no choice at all...and he looked like his dad (what I wanted!!!) and he had lots of drive and I trained him and got Sch3 on him...and so did the other male...so it really meant nothing....although I think the other male had much better health throughout his life...but there was no way to tell that at 8 weeks old!

Lee

I agree with those who said the breeder should be picking the dog for you, and that getting last pick doesn't mean you're not getting a good dog.

The breeder narrowed my choices down to the 3 (out of a litter of 8) that she thought were most appropriate for me based on what I said I wanted.

Better the last pup in a good litter than the pick of a poorly bred one. Assuming all of the pups are healthy and the breeder and parents are good as you say, you should be fine.