Hi,
I am going to a breeder tomorrow where there are 2 females and am choosing which one i want as someone else has also bought one now so i have first choice.  Just wondering if anyones got any advice on how you choose which one?they are bichons so the colouring should be the same (white) so just wondering if there's any behaviours you should be wary of?  i'm not intending to show her (although maybe for fun at some point!).I went a week ago and decided to wait until now to choose one so they are a bit bigger. 

Thanks

I think, if you intending to show her later,(even for fun)   then why not go for the pick of litter, if you are offered....ask your breeder to help you pick her out.

thanks.how do you know what the pick of the litter is?!there's 2 girls so shouldnt be too hard!!

The breeder will be able to tell small differences that to her make one more promising than the other.  things like length of back, size and set of ears, relative proportions of the head etc.  All else bing equal it is the pup with the cocky look at me attitude, that has a way of carrying itself.

I have two champion bitches, the younger one technically is more correct than her mother who is up to size not as short coupled, but Mum has all the attitude in the world, and daughter is unlikely to equal her mothers success, as she is often not bothered in the ring, a bit too laid back and in a strong class among other equally good bitches she sometimes doesn't shine.

so do you think the one that comes up to you more and is a bit more inquisitive is a good idea rather than the laid back one?

Depends.  The one that isn't in your face ma be more self assured, and what I prefer, as I don't like an over needy dog.  You may prefer a dog that is really into you.  to be honest unless you have been with the pups day in day out how they act around you for an hour won't really tell you how they are.  the laid back one jut may have worn itself out, and the other been snoozing and raring to go.

That is why if it is just character and what is likely to suit your character and lifestyle a breeder who is good at sussing out people will be able to match the pups to them.

You will know which is the right one. My puppy picked us rather than us picking her. As soon as we walked in she ran and got a toy and brought it over to us. After that she followed us everywhere. Although we were greeted by all the pups she stood out and we had to take her. There was no contest between her and the other pups.

if your breede ris experienced, she/he will have the best idea  as to the pick of litter, usually the breeder or sires owner will keep the pick, or maybe even two ,  but if you are even thinking about showing your pup, tell your breeder, as I am sure they will help you pick  the best one for you.

If you only want a pet, (no intention of showing)   than as the above says,   let pup pick you,   or you will get the feel for the right pup.

Hi gemma,

When first looking for a puppy and breeder did you ensure (along with all the standard important issues re assessing a breeder's worth) that the breeder her/him self shows their own stock and with success and advise the breeder of your intention to show your new puppy?

Failing both (or either) of the above will in all likeliehood mean that you are not in the strongest position to have the opportunity of a show quality puppy.  If however the breeder shows and was aware of your intention, then the pups being offered to you to choose from should *both* have show potential and s/he will be able to steer you towards which is at this stage looking to be the better of the two for that purpose :)

Going on the lines of "which one is the cutest/seems to choose you" will not be of much assistance for a show prospect but may well be the ideal criteria for one primarily destined to be a family companion only :)

HTH, regards Teri

http://www.volhard.com/puppy/pat.htm

I took this test with me.  To be honest, at 8 weeks, the wee mites were pretty hard to test.  I think the test is more likely to be of benefit for older puppies, but it is very interesting reading. 

http://www.siriusdog.com/volhard-puppy-aptitude-test.htm  - same thing but printer friendly and has interpretations at the bottom.

Crumbs :rolleyes: 

TBH if a prospective puppy owner of one of mine showed up with that test they wouldn't even get to meet the pups - and mine are thoroughly socialised with all situations indoors and outdoors before being allowed to leave my care.

IMO testing in such an articficial and structured manner with a check sheet is far more likely to raise serious doubts with a caring breeder about how suitable the prospective owners are .....

I think I need to explain a little more now.  We ended up not even using the sheet as all the puppies were raised in the breeders's house with her children, cats, visitors and other dogs and were happy to see us and were very well socialized.  The breeder knows us, we got our last Lab from her.  She also welcomed evidence that the prospective puppy owners are at least trying to educate themselves by checking out these test things.  She knows the test and helped me with it but, as I say, we gave up on it, the puppies were too young for most of it.  I didn't walk in saying I would do the test and it would be the defining answer.   I asked her opinion on it first.  She did think it would be difficult to administer to 8 week old puppies but was happy to give it a try and I think it also gave her an opportunity to see how we handled the puppies, though we'd met them twice before.

We just wanted a family pet, no intention of showing, and we had 4 girls to choose from.  There was really nothing to tell them apart from each other, they were all friendly and full of life, so although it may sound ridiculous to some of the more serious dog owners we went for the one with the fluffiest legs!!  I'm 100% sure we made the right choice, she's gorgeous, and everything we hoped she would be and more!

ha ha!!thats probaby more like what i'll be like on saturday!!there's only 2 girls to choose from and imagine they'll look the same as they did a week ago!!gem

I think most fairly inexperienced owners (who are also probably mainly wanting a pet) just tend to pick the puppy they like the look of best, if left to their own devices.

I had 4 boys and 5 girls, and although new families were allowed to pick themselves, I did heavily steer them to the puppy/puppies I felt would suit them. When you spend 24/7 with the pups, it is easy to notice individual personalties from a very young age, which no-one could possibly see in an hours visit.

If your breeder is experienced, it is probably best to let her know what you want (if she doesn't already know) and ask her to help you pick your puppy.

If you're looking for the cocky one that comes right up to you, make sure (the breeder will know) that the sleepy quiet one in the corner isn't usually the boisterous one but happens to have tired herself out just before you arrived! :-)

Hi!
Well we went this morning and it was a tough decision but we got there in the end!!they both looked really similar but you could tell a slight difference and we spoke to the breeder and she helped to decide.  We went with the one with the skightly wider nose and whose nose is a;ready back as the other one was still a bit pink although will go black.  she was also a bit more inquisitve and coming up to us, although the other one did too so was tough!!and we've called her Maggie!

I'm so excited and can't wait now!!
Thanks for helping and hope you're continuing with no sleepless nights!

Congratulations Gemma :)  - when do you bring Maggie home?

On Feb 15th so not too long to wait!!ill be asking you for tips!!

Crumbs - that's about 6 weeks, you're more patient than me :D  How old is she now then?

well she's 4 weeks now and we could have had her at 8 weeks but if i get her at 10 i've got a whole 2 weeks of doing nothing so can get some training in!and the breeders said she'll keep her until then for me.  They're also getting well socialised with her as she has children etc.this few weeks will go really slowly i bet!

Right, didn't realise she was so young :)  I chose my most recent at 5 weeks which was, IMO, unusually early but that was only because I saw them 24/7 as I bred the litter and I did still try to reserve judgement for longer (but it was really a done deal by 5.5 weeks :D ).

I'm sure you've already picked up lots of hints and tips from the forum and everybody loves the patter of tiny feet so will be watching this space with interest and and loads of advice on tap if you need it :) :) :)

regards, Teri

That is like me I ussually have an idea of who I like at about 5 weeks, , but reserve judgement until 7 weeks when I like to choose for sure.  That is for show potential, as I know their characters well from 4 weeks or so.