is there a reason why not to pick the runt of a litter?
2006-08-27 18:03:42 · 11 answers · asked by chgocas 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Some people will say they aren't as healthy. But I was always attracted to the runt and always had success w/ them. They grew up to be normal.
2006-08-27 18:07:59 · answer #1 · answered by frog_h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. However I did pick the runt of a litter. My Dog Snickers was the runt and he turned out to be the greatest Dog. He is a rat terrier and he is really smart! He is small but that is why I picked him
I was hoping he would be because at the time where I was living they only accept small dogs. Rat Terriers come in 3 sizes so I had to be careful to get the right one. He is a little more sensitive than my other dog. The other was not the runt and quite the opposite.
However they both have their own charms. I see no reason as long as they are healthy pups and if your are purchasing get a
contract of good health guarantee. I got one from my breeder which covered a short amount of time but still just in case and take the puppy to the vet. I think they have a better chance with you. The only thing I have heard about the runt is that sometimes they don't make it because they are pushed out of the way and don't get enough food etc. Sorry I couldn't be of much help but I will tell you that I would do it all over again and probably will again someday.
2006-08-28 01:17:02 · answer #2 · answered by sally 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our dog was the runt and turned out to be the best one. There is no hard and fast rule to this. The best thing to do is observe the puppies while they play.take the one you want and piy it on its back if it sruggles hard,it will likely be more aggresive and hyper,if it just lays there,most likely a calm one.Depends on what you are wanting. also aways check your puppies gums,white,means the puppy is probably wormy. The runt isnt always te best or the worst of a litter.
2006-08-28 01:12:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people think that they might have health issues or be weaker but I've had both cat & dog runts and thankfully I've never had one problem. The most important thing before size is the temperment. Make sure it's not too shy or fearful. You want to see one that seems well adjusted. Check it out online on how to choose a puppy. There is tons of info. on it.
2006-08-28 01:08:42 · answer #4 · answered by JeyJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually like the runts but statistically the runts tend to have more health problems due to their small size. That can be minimized by excellent care by the breeder and their home afterwords.
2006-08-28 01:10:46 · answer #5 · answered by Destynee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always heard it's because they end up clinging to you...and that's what happened to me! I took the runt of a litter and actually had to take him early from his mom, making him even MORE clingy. I say it does affect their temperment, but if you love him or her, there's nothing wrong with a super strong loving bond between you and your pet!
2006-08-28 01:11:30 · answer #6 · answered by teacher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was looking for a pup I was always drawn to the runt. I don't know why, maybe I need to be needed. But I actually ended up with the "strongest" pup (not my choosing) and he's very sweet so I don't think it effects temperment...
2006-08-28 01:07:12 · answer #7 · answered by MotherBear1975 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. I know from experience that there are often reasons the mother neglects the least developed "runt". Don't do it, consult a canine behavioralist for confirmation.
2006-08-28 01:06:33 · answer #8 · answered by Timothy W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
runts are always the best pet! Everytime our cats had kittens the runts were always the tamest and the sweetest.
2006-08-28 01:10:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, runts are usually omega in behavior, will be timid, very dependent, and are usually very loving. No problem
2006-08-28 01:17:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋