Gun Dog Forum

Got second pick on a litter. Really been thinking about how to pick a pup.
I was really over thinking it all. It's a litter of two

Bad as it sounds I would pick color or markings if everything else appears equal

Should be easy with one to pick from...................Cj

cjhills wrote:Should be easy with one to pick from...................Cj

You have a 50/50 chance of picking the best one. Personally I would want the most independent pup. Take them one into another room and see how curious/independent each pup is. Even at that, it's a crap shoot.

Just a minute. I must be missing something here. There are only two pups and you get second pick = there is no choice. My math isn't great but.................

cjhills wrote:Should be easy with one to pick from...................Cj

If you have second pick of two...

And I agree with Ezzy, I pick a litter and then get the one that I think looks the best.

Ya, I picked the genetics. Picked sire and dam that have an off switch and nice temperaments and plenty of athleticism, love of the water, lots of run, easy to train, plenty of drive, natural retrieve.
Now I get to take home the leftover after the breeder picks hers. 1 male, 1 female. Don't even know what sex I'm going home with. I like a liver head and the female has a huge blaze and light muzzle but everything will turn out great. I still have a 50/50 shot at ending up with the best pup.

Not going to sweat the little stuff
Got a feeling this one is going to be special
Greg

Your odds of getting the best pup are much better than 50/50.
Out of my litter of nine, eight buyers said they knew they got best pick out of the litter. They were wrong I kept the best one. Enjoy.............Cj

I'll go with Sharon's idea. I look for the most independence. When we picked my current adult brit, we picked her because when all the pups were out playing she was by far the most adventurous. When it came time for a nap, all the pups huddled together except one. That pup went to the base of a pine tree and dug itself a bed in the pine straw. She went home with us....... She had a litter that was raised by my trainer. When it came time for me to fly out and pick a pup, I again picked the most independent. The pups were in a dog run in a barn and I let them out one at a time. Some sniffed around my feet and some were a little more adventurous, but one hit the ground running and was gone exploring in a flash. She was not my favorite puppy color wise, but she was by far the most adventurous. It was hard to pick her because I liked the coloring of a few of the other pups a LOT more. But I got a text from my trainer a few weeks ago stating that I had another trial dog. So picking the most independent has worked for us.

Sorry but if you are picking from a litter of 2, your chances are 50/50. The rest is up to its upbringing. Which is more important BTW.

Both pups are looking pretty good. Genetics are good. I was hoping for a white one but that's not going to happen. With Gambles Sam Man as the sire I figured some would be white. The last three have been white, looks like it's time for a darker one.

Greg

Might be the pup I end up with