Runt of the littler?

Question

We purchased a Shetland Sheepdog male, age 8 months. We paid $600 for him. Due to housetraining issues, we gave him back to the breeder. She said she\'d let us have one of the puppies from the upcoming litter of her Shelties. Now, the puppies are almost 5 weeks old, and she wants to give me the runt of the litter. All the other puppies are about twice as big as the runt. I have some concerns about getting the runt of the litter. Do runts tend to have health problems? Is there anything I should be aware of when getting a runt puppy? Thanks for your advice

Answer 1

There will always be one dog who is the smallest. They frequently grow to be as large or larger than the rest if the litter. They generally have no more health problems than litter mates.

Answer 2

No breeder worth his/her salt would ever have a runt in a litter. This is due to poor management of the ***** while she was in whelp. If the ***** is fed well prior to having her litter they should all be an even size, maybe the girls being about 1 or 2 ozs. less than the boys.

A small one in the litter can usually grow to a normal size with good management on your part. If you have this puppy get him on to a good quality puppy food immediately, feed him four meals a day according to his weight. Full instructions will be on the packet. Make sure he has access to plenty of water.

What concerns me slightly is that you say you had to return the last puppy due to housetraining issues. What makes you think that this puppy will be any better with his housetraining.?.
Don't expect him to be completely housetrained until he is nearly 6 months. They have no control over their bowels or bladder for months and it is up to you to teach him not to soil the house by taking him out after sleep, play and meals. He'll soon get the message. When he performs for you praise him like crazy and tell him what a good boy he is.

I have two 4 month old Golden Retriever puppies which I kept from my last litter and they are not completely housetrained yet. They are getting there but we do still have the odd accident. It takes a lot of time and patience to train a puppy but so rewarding when you get the results you are wanting.

Good luck with your puppy. I am sure with a lot of TLC from you that he will be fine and grow to be as big as his litter mates.

Answer 3

My baby Misty ( American Pit bull Terrier) was the runt of the litter. She is the sweetest dog I have ever owned! There a re health risks, but the worst I would think is whip worms, round worms, tape worms etc. A vet check up will determine the cause, but before you accept this one be sure and get it in writing if this puppy is sicker than just worms that you get a healthy one that You choose.
BTW- Why would you return the puppy that you were having trouble house training? House training is a lot of work and persistence and getting another puppy will not solve this problem.
Good Luck!
Andrea

Answer 4

All of my favorite puppies have been the runt of the litter. In fact I specifically look for the runt of the litter. They have been much more loving and snuggly than the other sibilings. No health problems or anything. Very well adjusted and even more obediant than the siblings which were bigger.

Answer 5

The runts are just smaller. If something was seriously wrong the mother would have disowned it when she gave birth. Sometimes runts turn out to be the best because they had to fight to get milk from mom that just makes them that much stronger. But she should allow you to pick the puppy that you want you're paying just like everyone else is. There is nothing wrong with the runt though I owned one and she had more heart than her brother who was about 3 times her size.

Answer 6

Unless your going to show or breed the dog runts are not a bad dog. We have had runts before. However you should of had first pick of the litter not just what the breeder wants to give you. If they don't let you have first pick ask for a full refund.

Answer 7

We got the runt of a litter, and she was the best dog I have ever had or have encountered. There is no reason whatsoever to be concerned about gettting the runt. Most times they end up being the best behaved and most friendly dogs of the lot. I know mine is.

Answer 8

See your lawyer.

At the price you paid for your original dog - and I hope you had a contract with a guarantee of a new puppy - you shouldn't have to take the runt of the litter.

Runts may come with health problems - not always - but sometimes. And when they do, they're usually pretty major.

But for what you paid for the first pup - you should get a comparable (full-sized) puppy in exchange - or your money back.

Personally, from how this breeder is treating you - I'd ask for my full purchase price.

See your lawyer.

Answer 9

I have a Chihuahua and l like my pups to be small, when the breeder showed me all the pups, I fell in love with the runt, she fit in the palm of my hand and is the sweetest thing. After a year later the breeder asked me how big did your pup get, when the breeder saw her she told me how jealous she was becuase she stayed small, that is the size she wished her dog to be. I love my pup she's cool and has a lot of energy even is she is small.

Answer 10

You made an exciting element there what if bex and Luke have been up for eviction collectively - in step with danger they might do it as a particular 'double' eviction the place they placed somebody like Rachel who won't be going to get voted out over them (interior the spirit of appearing to be honest) making between the pair think of they have been going to be chop up up all week and then certainly evicting the the two one in each of them to a sea of boos and no interview - ahhh the thank you to handle BB wannabes!