Hi there

Just logging in to ask your advice on what to look for when selecting a GSD pup from a litter. Are there any telltale signs of problems at such an early age? What is your criteria for selecting a pup (given that you are buying from a reputable breeder)?.

Thanks

Hopefully, if the breeder has carried out the relevant tests ie haemophilia testing the sire, hip scoring both bitch and sire, if not further back, having used both on the basis that they compliment each other and they match the breed standard in both temperament and conformation the litter will be fairly even in type and temperament.

Generally speaking breeders will have observed the litter over a 7 week period and will have a good idea of the personality of the individuals and the prospective client they will match if there are any variations.  The breeder should also let you know if there are any at either end of the spectrum that may not be suited to your particular needs.  When you go and visit you only get a snap shot view which may not be "typical" over time.

Again everyone has their own criteria, for show, pet or competition and will choose accordingly.  Whether or not you want a dog or bitch will refine your choice still further.

When I chose my pup, the litter was so even in size, looks and character that selection was quite difficult.  In the end I picked the one I fancied and so far he has justified my choice! :D

We are kind of hoping that it will choose us...but this is more of a romantised thought than reality...afterall half the litter will probably crawl on our laps..

Glad to hear you got exactly what you wanted! :)

Hmmm, the one that "chooses" you may not necessarily be the one you want..........

It's that oh so famous way of finding out what you really want - just tell the person what they want and gauge their honest reaction - so you're right I think either way it'll tell us how we really feel.

I have the same problem. I went to see a litter of Rottie pups this weekend and they are all so adorable. Because they are only 4 weeks old, we couldn't handle them and go back in 2-3 weeks to chose one. As they all look so similar, how do you know which one you picked next time you go back or the breeder knows as well and doesn't let someone else chose her, its not like babies when they are born that have tags put on at the hospital...

Good point Sarah. I can only guess that due to the amount of time and care the breeder spends with them that they must be able to tell them apart - but I haven't a clue on this really!

i suppose it would depend if you  wanted, a dog to show,compete in ob or WT,or as a pet. & would also depend on your personality!

Pet, definitely. And taking a stab in the dark on personality, OH and I would be looking for an independant, not too boisterous, calm, and clever pup who loves the outdoors but would be content to roll up in front of the fire from time to time, enjoys company but needs his own space too...and VERY IMPORTANT that he loves to play fetch....am I talking about the dog or ourselves now....:))

Definitely be guided by the breeder.  I agree that when you visit you only see a snapshot of the pups.  The one that you think is quiet may well have been a hooligan for the previous 2 hours and just crashed!!
A reputable breeder will listen to what you say and "steer" you towards the right puppy!

Good advice Val, will do.

The one that comes to you first might be a bolshy OTT puppy & like someone else has said the quiet one might just have crashed out.

A good breeder will have some idea as to who is the forward ones & who the quieter ones I know I did.

You should watch how they play with each other, don't worry about the noise as all GSDs puppies can be very vocal

Thanks Moonmaiden for the advice on puppies at play, we will ensure that we see their interaction together to wise us up on their personalities.

The puppies parents are important too.  You may not be able to meet the sire, but you should ask to see the mother away from her puppies.   Above all, she should be approachable.   If she's aloof and indifferent to you, that's fine.  What you do not want is for her to be agressive or shy.  Same for the sire, if he's on the premises.

With regard to the puppies, when they are older you can do some simple temperament testing.  For example, *gently* drop your keys a slight distance away from the puppies.  All you want is a bit of a rattling noise when the keys drop.  Drop them close enough for them to see and hear what you've done, but not close enough for them to think they are in any danger of getting hit.   A puppy with sound temperament may move away from them at first, but their curiosity should overtake them and they should move over to investigate.  Again, what you are looking for is a reaction which  may range from either indifference to curiosity - avoid the puppy that takes fright and does not recover.  (Ask the breeder first if you can do this simple test, of course.)  

Also, for the puppies you are potentially interested in, ask to see them one-by-one.  If they are not ready to crash, young puppies should be outgoing.  They should come to you if you call them to you (assuming you are the most interesting thing around.)  They should appear to be full of the joys of youth, happy, playful and interested in exploring the world around them.

I also believe it's best to buy a puppy from a breeder that exposes their puppies to life inside the average household.  That means by the time you take them home they are used to the sounds of the dishes clanking, the hoover, and all the other noises and day-to-day stuff that can frighten puppies that are not used to them.

Stacey

Thats good advice and I will bear it in mind when I go back to choose my Rottie pup. I was lucky to meet both parents this weekend and they have amazing temperments. At 4 weeks they pups were sleeping for most of the hour I was there.

I still don't understand why this breed has such a bad reputation.

I think its wise tio try and spend a fair amount of time observing the pups before you choose.I have chosen 2 of my 3 dogs(the other was chosen for me by the breeders).On both occasions I have spent several hours on the day I chose the pups just watching and interacting with the litter.The first one I chose(now 4 years old) was independant and not overly intested in interacting with people but was confident enough.He is now a super boy to live with and very loyal but can be reserved with strangers at first.
The 2nd one was a totally different story.He was overly confident,pushy and very 'in your face'.He was very 'top dog' with the other pups aswell.He is still overly confident and pushy and very strong willed.However his love of people make him very affectionate.
I think by just quietly watching the pups you will be able to see bits of their characters...however it needs more than 5 minutes and so you should be prepared to spend as long as possible
Archer

Thanks for the advise Archer. the pups were very sleepy when I went to see them this weekend, but then they are only 4 weeks old. I go back in 3 weeks to actually chose one and want to see how she reacts with the other dogs bearing in mind I have an 11 year old staffie at home. I would hope they would all have nice natures seeing that both the sire and dam are lovely.