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By Sarah Wilson, GreatPets.com
In many cases, the breeder will pick a puppy for you. This is usually fine. After all, she knows them best. Occasionally, though, the breeder may be making her choice based on which puppy is not a good show prospect rather than which one is a good companion prospect. How can you tell? First ask her why she picked this pup for you. If she talks about the temperament being perfect for your needs, that is good. If she talks about his tail set being a little low and his front being a bit east-west (don't worry what that means, for your purposes it means she isn't thinking about his temperament first) that is not a good sign. He may still be a terrific pup for you, but you'll need to do a little testing first.
Before we discuss resources for puppy testing, let's talk about the common ways people pick pups. Here are the top three pups people select: First: The adorable one with the cute face, markings, ears...? Second: That quiet one looking so sad in the corner. Third: The bold one who is growling while he is tugging on my shoelaces - he seems to have picked me!
All those puppies are appealing but each is the wrong choice. Do not select by color or markings. Sure, those are easy to get attached to, but they aren't the least bit relevant in your day-to-day life with your dog. If it comes down to two equally good pups, then by all means indulge your whimsy. But it is the last thing - not the first thing - you indulge.
How about that "sad" one in the corner?
Another poor choice. A companion puppy destined for your home should be happy, relaxed and confident. Withdrawn pups may have a hard time handling stress, be genetically suspicious of people or not be feeling well. Any one of those things is a bad sign. Skip that pup. The bold one gnawing on your arm - isn't he perfect? Yes, for a competition home that wants an energetic and assertive dog. Raised improperly, this pup may mature into aggression. Leave him to the people who have the experience, time, energy and training skills to direct this puppy toward acceptable behavior.
Where is your pup? He may not stick out because he is a middle of the road guy. He isn't climbing up your chest or hiding under the chair. He comes over happily when your clap you hands and praise him, waiting (reasonably) patiently or wandering off when you ignore him. He is calm and relaxed. He is friendly but not cloying, playful but not wild. He may not win your heart the way his more demanding or neurotic siblings do, but he is easier to love in your home. We promise. You'll never be sorry you chose him. Even if you think you want an active dog, choose a calm puppy. Even the calmest pup is active enough for 95% of American families.
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