Pick of the litter?

SangmortSangmort
edited December 2008 in General
Out of curiosity, for those of you who got your pups from breeders, or plan to get pups from breeders, how important was / is having pick of the litter for you?

For me, I think it depends. While I have an idea for looks, I'm not too sure about temperament yet.


I know I think way too far ahead, but I have to to tide myself over SOMEHOW ;) So how about you guys?



~Edited so no one gets the wrong idea about what I'm trying to say -_-; ~
«1

Comments

  • tobyshibatobyshiba
    edited November -1
    I dunno. I would -love- to have pick of the litter simply because then you can assess all the puppies if you are looking for a specific colour or disposition.

    Though, I did notice some breeders charge extra for pick of the litter, don't know if thats just because they're BYB and they use it as an excuse to get more monies or what. I find it stupid that a pick of the litter should be worth more, they're all puppies. Most good breeders give themselves pick of the litter, anyways. They gotta keep the ones for breeding. :)
  • JessicaRabbitJessicaRabbit
    edited November -1
    I had 2nd pick of females. But since we had no intentions of breeding or showing what was most important to me was personality. So I trusted Katja to put me with the most submissive female to insure that Piglet would have too much of a rival.

    Most responsible breeder will want to make sure that each owner gets a dog who will mesh best with that family.

    Honestly Osy, I would be more concerned with personality, unless you are showing or breeding.
  • kwyldkwyld
    edited November -1
    I would be pickiest with the personality of the pup over anything else. I would pick the happiest, friendliest pup when you meet all of them, the one who comes right up and says hello. Actually once you meet the litter, you'll see what I'm talking about. Sometimes there are the real shy scaredy cats that stay in the back of the pen and are aprehensive about coming up to meet you. Then you have the polar opposite pups who are really eager to say hi and are active and moving all over the place. When choosing a Nihon Ken, I would go for the friendliest pup over conformation.
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    In all honesty Jess the reason why I'm not looking at personality is because I think I can adapt well to any type. I've known dogs that are super outgoing & friendly who I absolutely love, & I've know dogs who are very reserved that I've also loved.

    Hmm...Maybe I just don't know what type of personality suits me best? :( ~
  • kwyldkwyld
    edited December 2008
    If you pick the scaredy cat of the litter because of it's conformation, it could be that way due to genetics and then you'll have a naturally fearful dog who will not be fun down the road.
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    ***Just wanted to say, when the times comes, I'm not going to be in any rush & just settle, I will gladly wait an extra year or more if that's what it takes to find the pup that fits me best...or the pup that I fit best lol ;) ~
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited December 2008
    I think you're misunderstanding me :(


    The ONE thing I have learned from this forum is how important a dog's temperament is. I am not saying I will gladly take on a fearful pup just because he looks pretty, I am just saying I don't know what type of temperament I'm best suited for. Please don't offend me by saying I will pick conformation over personality. I want BOTH :p I've seen some gorgeous dogs with horrible temperament, in my eyes this does not make them great dogs. Likewise I've seen some not-so-great looking pups [ or dogs I don't really like, such as a Cocker Spaniel ] that had great personality that I absolutely fell in love with. ~
  • dlrobertsdlroberts
    edited November -1
    Yeah, I agree with Kelly. The observations you make of a puppy greeting a stranger are indicators of how they will react in social situations as they grow older. A shy and reserved puppy is probably more likely (although not assured) to have fear issues with social situations as they grow older. An outgoing puppy is likely to be confident. Etc. So picking based on temperament is more than just how it fits your personality, it has a lot to do with how the dog will interact with the world in general.
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    Good point.~
  • kwyldkwyld
    edited December 2008
    Then I would just let your breeder know that you will wait for the perfect combination of personality and looks. Tell them you want the most friendly people oriented pup with the best looks, but emphasize the friendliness, especially since this is your first Nihon Ken. That is if the breeder doesn't want to keep it for themselves! When are you thinking about choosing a breed or breeder, or have you already?
  • asiaasia
    edited November -1
    I would love to have the pick of the litter because I have a better chance at getting exactly what I want for both temperament and conformation. However, I suppose it is less important to me overall because I will not be breeding or showing. And, if I don't end up with a good brindle or black sesame - which ironically is what you are looking at too...Reminder to self NOT to be in for the same litters as Osy ;o) - I would still be ok with the pup.

    I would possibly be more particular regarding the Kai also, but mostly because I have noticed more range in personality from Kai owners than I have noticed from Shikoku owners (of course, there seem to be a lot less Kai owners, or at least a lot less who are active on here).

    Either way, I know I will work with a breeder who I can trust (as I am sure you are/will). So, if I do not have the pick of the litter, I will be confident that I will still get a pup I am happy with. I too am willing to wait if need be.
  • okironokiron
    edited November -1
    At first it was very important for me to have pick of the litter, even if it's out of the last 2, I wanted to be able to pick which one I'd bring home. But after talking to Katja and Ewa and other reputable breeders, I trust them to pick my puppy out more than I trust myself.
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    Kelly - Thanks Kelly, that makes a lot of sense :) Already decided on Katja & a Shikoku...though it has been a struggle back & forth between Kai & Shika [ like Amber lol ] ultimately, I think Shikoku won my heart first...I've been speaking back & forth to Katja for a while now, but it'll be at least another 8months to a year before I feel like I am ready ;)

    Amber - lol! So we will have a similar combination then? ;) COMPETITION!

    But in all seriousness, Amber, you are saying what I was trying to & failed at :x ~
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    Rina - That's an interesting point, & kind of what led me to this topic.


    I know of a Shiba Breeder who refuses to allow people to pick their own puppies. She says the breeder knows the puppies well enough to match them with their "perfect" owner, and no one else :o Just found it sort of interesting. ~
  • dlrobertsdlroberts
    edited November -1
    Doesn't Miisan do the same thing?
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    Do they?? I haven't looked into getting an akita so haven't really paid all that much attention :o ~
  • dlrobertsdlroberts
    edited November -1
    Yeah, I'm pretty sure they don't have a "waiting list", they have a "potential owner" list and they will decide who from that list gets a puppy based on matching temperament to lifestyle, not on order the deposit was received. I might be on the list for 3 years before getting the right match and for you it could happen in 2 months.
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    lol Dave.


    I suppose it's both a good & a bad thing. I mean, we all want to wait for the perfect puppy to come along, but how long is too long? I don't know if I could handle being rejected for three years lol :) Likewise, I do respect that they want to make sure they match the puppy with the owner properly.


    But then I've known many people who picked their own pups, or got the last pup out of the litter, and they all do just fine...~
  • JessicaRabbitJessicaRabbit
    edited November -1
    I always tell people when they rescue, don't go in with a solid idea of what you want. YOUR dog will pick you. People looking for the idea they have in their head almost never get the dog they think they want.

    I had a kid Ryan come into my shelter who wanted a smaller female dog. He left with an 85lb male pit bull, the greatest love of his life.

    Let your dog pick you.
  • AikogirlAikogirl
    edited November -1
    I would prefer to pick the litter. it was important to me because i wanted to see them socializing with each other. Color and size was also very important. When i got Aiko, there were also two creams available. The two cream were the biggest of the little while Aiko was the smallest. She had amazing color and was the most fun of the pups. I think it would be wrong to charge more to pick the pup. I would like to pick the one that match my lifestyle. Good luck with your picking!
  • tsukitsunetsukitsune
    edited December 2008
    "Let your dog pick you."

    I was trying to think of a way to say it. That sums it up nice.

    eta: Tsuki chose us. While I didn't pick our breeder, I didn't do a tremendous amount of research on the breed (we did preliminary as a breed that fit us, not in depth obsessive Osy research ;), I didn't even intend on coming home with a shiba pup - I was there for the chihuahuas! But she chose us. She walked over to John, whimpered, he picked her up, tagged her and held on to her while I did all the work with the other volunteers!! She and him were instant, and we adopted her the next day.
    Continue your research, find the perfect breed, the perfect breeder, the perfect time, the perfect planned litter and let the chips fall where they may. Your dog will find you.
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    But what about those who don't get to see the litter?


    As much as I would love to, I don't think I can fly all the way to BC every time Katja has a litter ;)


    I know some people on here didn't get to meet their pup before they got them...then how do you decide? ~
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    lol "Osy Research" Am I that crazy? ;)


    JUst super Paranoid...I almost messed up the first time, I don't want to mess up again. :( ~
  • dlrobertsdlroberts
    edited November -1
    You put your trust in yourself for doing the right research and picking a reputable breeder and your trust in the breeder that they have the experience to match the right puppy to you. You ask for videos and pictures and temperament tests if you really want to be involved. Otherwise, you just let it happen.
  • tsukitsunetsukitsune
    edited November -1
    Not crazy, I think it is totally commendable. If we're ever in the puppy market, I hope to be as thorough as you the next time around, too! I wish I was more help to you, but in my own situation of non breederdom, I find that what is was meant to be and there are two dogs in my life that I know were meant to be with me forever, my Tsuki and her Kitsune. They are my pair, my family. I thought one other foster was a permanent, but life had other plans and he chose another wonderful family. I think [hope!] reputable breeders who truly, truly LOVE their dogs are a lot like foster fate - they know their dogs, they know what their sires and dams will produce and they will know your dog before its even born. You'll get there!!
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited December 2008
    haha thanks very much guys <3


    I guess just seeing a shiba & JA in person for the first time the other day renewed my desire to get my pup. It hurts the more I think of how far away it really is, so in the meantime I'm trying to do the most I can to learn so this time & waiting won't be in vain :)

    Going to the pet store to buy doggy presents for my secret santa was also painful. I remember shopping for puppy things the first time around & how much fun it was...


    I'll get there eventually though :) !~
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    Though I still REALLY want to see a Kai & Shikoku in person >:( ~
  • JessicaRabbitJessicaRabbit
    edited November -1
    I didn't get to meet Miko. But Katja asked me which dog I liked the looks of the most in the litter, I told her "oh the one with no white on her chin" she replied "good, that is the one I had chosen for you." You will know your dog. I warn you though, don't be surprised if who you pick is not what you thought you wanted.
  • SangmortSangmort
    edited November -1
    Awww! That's too cute Jess :)



    I will keep an open mind then. :) ~
  • BradA1878BradA1878
    edited November -1
    I have had my pick (pick of the litter) a few times. I just wanted to add a few notes...

    1- In most cases the breeder will charge you a show/breeding price and you will choose from their top picks apposed to having your pick from the whole litter. this way you are picking from the dogs they would consider for breeding or show.

    2- when choosing a puppy from a litter, if you want a good pet quality pup, it is best to pick from the middle. don't pick the pup that charges up to you and don't pick the one that hides in the corner. the causiously interested pup, that shows interest in you and no fear but doesn't imidiately greet you will probably end up being the most satisfying pet. (pet vs. worker/service)

    3- the pups we have been able to pick in the past have carried their personality over to adulthood. this is great, assuming you really know what those subtle temperment qualities will really lead too. sometimes assumstions are made about a puppy's temperment that are incorrect. for example a really outgoing male akita puppy that runs right up to you and greats you may end up being a very territorial and headstrong 100 pound dog as an adult. that's not the best choice for a first time dog owner (but might be the right pup for a worker). For this reason you are better off letting an experienced breed choose for you.

    hope that helps a bit. (this took me like an hour to type on my phone. lol)
Sign In or Register to comment.

© Vanilla Keystone Theme 2024