Why is the "pick puppy" of a litter always the largest puppy?

Question

I have noticed that breeders and customers usually consider the largest puppy in a litter to be the "pick" puppy. Why is that?

Also I have noticed that with working breeds, usually the largest dogs win in the show ring. I don't know much about correct confirmation of working breeds, but I can usually pick out the winner before the judges announce it. All I look for is the biggest dog with the biggest head. And usually I am right.

Comments??

Answer 1

Because the largest puppy is generally the healthiest. It's the survival of the fittest sort of thing.

Answer 2

I do not pick based on size, nor does anyone I know. It is only one consideration of many. Markings make absolutely no difference in my decision, although markings are important in some breeds. If markings are a big part of what makes that breed what it is, it will be more important.

As far as the largest dogs winning, well that would depend on the breed, doesn't happen in any of the breeds I have shown.

In 30 years of showing dogs, I have never known of anyone who puts to sleep the puppies that don't make the cut. Maybe a long time ago, but not in my 30 years. If someone can sell a puppy for $500 to help offset the breeding costs, why would they? I think alot of people think to cull means to kill, but what it means is to remove from the breeding program.

Answer 3

The pick of the litter is not always the largest, if a show dog needs to have the correct markings then it is the strongest puppy with the best markings, but markings ARE VERY important in show dogs.
Dalmatian breeders put to sleep most of their puppies as those with bad markings are not worth keeping and are difficult to sell and they are often deaf.
Now I am not saying that ALL Dalmatian breeders do this, but many of those successful in the show ring do as it is important for them to always have the best marked dog. I knew someone who bred Jack Russel's once and he used to put down those that were not up to standard, so I expect that it goes on a lot. You probably didn't want to know all that did you!

Answer 4

"Pick pup" size SHOULDN'T be the only criteria! Too big is just as wrong as too small.
"TYPE" should come first. Even as pups,an experienced breeder knows can see topline,front,rear,outline,bite,coat,any markings(or lack there of)correct temperament...before 10 wks.or so. Often at birth.

Then there's "MY 'pick' isn't necessarily *yours*" Somebody may be able to see past that lovely head to the lack of substance,while the other may NEED that improvement in head & already has plenty of bone.

As for your observation of size in the working breeds...again,it shouldn't be the only or even the main criteria. Too big to be efficient at it's job? Cloddy? Lacks type? Dump it.
There are,in the ranks of conformation judges as everywhere else,some who just aren't very good-lol. You need to take into account=YOU aren't in the ring,it's a dog SHOW *&* fads & fashions come & go.

Answer 5

I just bred my Rat Terrier and I could never put down a pup just because it was not up to par.

But I agree a lot of times people think that the bigger the pup the healthier it is.

I always look to see which one is out going, that will come to you and not hide in the corner of the cage. When I got my 1st Rat terrier I wanted to get a male, but he hid in the corner of the cage, when I picked him up he shook and kept trying to go back to the cage, his sister on the other hand was begging to be picked up so she was the one that got to go home with us.

Answer 6

Coz he is the mothers favourite - the pick of the litter - and gets extra attention, love and food from her.

Answer 7

I am curious about your observation and am looking forward to the answers you get. Good luck.