Hi,
I got to pick out a puppie and loved this little girl.But shes the runt.She is much smaller than her litter mates.Do I have anything to be worried about or will she catch up???
2007-09-07 03:23:44 · 7 answers · asked by funshineandpiglet 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I would be more concerned with her overall health and disposition than her size. Unless you are looking for a show dog, and you are worried that she will end up being too small to meet the standard (I don't know that much about pugs). The breeder should allow you to take her to the vet and have her checked out before you commit to her. We had a very small pup from a litter of 13 (11 survived) the mother tried really hard to get rid of this little guy- he was butt ugly, she carried him outside twice and tried to bury him alive- we ended up giving him to our next door neighbor- once he got to eat without so much competition, he really flourished, ended up being just as big as his litter mates, and quite a nice looking boy.
2007-09-07 03:31:37 · answer #1 · answered by Rachal961 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't say how old the puppies are. If they are just a week or so, anything can still happen but if she appears strong and is eating with gusto just like the others, her chances are very, very good.
If they are a bit older than there isn't much to worry about. Some runts totally outgrow being the smallest, some do not. It really isn't a big deal unless she was hopefully, a future show dog. That could make her size count alot.
2007-09-07 03:31:48 · answer #2 · answered by gringo4541 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want the best specimen of health this might not be it. You would have to have her checked for liver defects and heart murmers. Of course, she may just be fine and petite by nature. I always pick the ugliest runtiest of a bunch to keep if I just want a pet. They tweek my emotions even though I know it probably isn't the best dog of the litter. If you want this dog for breeding purposes you would choose one that was the best healthwise and of a good size and temperament.
Whatever pug you pick, I am sure it will be beautiful and wonderful. They are sweet little dogs.
2007-09-07 03:54:38 · answer #3 · answered by mama woof 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She may or may not catch up, it depends on her health, her genetics and how well she is cared for (diet, exercise etc.) I've often seen the smallest pup in the litter turn out to be the largest when they were done growing.
In my first litter, one girl was born half the size of the other pups (8 oz compared to 16 oz). I named her Mouse because she was so small. She grew up to be 65 lbs (her largest brother was 65-70 depending on if I was showing him in conformation or obedience). I shoulda named her Moose.
2007-09-07 03:40:53 · answer #4 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
ok first off if its from a pet store RUN AWAY - dont walk.. NEVER NEVER buy from a pet store.. you will pay WAY too much for a low quality dog - and will be supporting a cruel industry of breeding pets solely for profit - dont do it no matter how cute it is..
ok if from a private home - Runts will often have more health problems and a shorter life span...she might catch up - she might not..
dont fall for cuteness.. pick based on health and personality...
2007-09-07 03:39:06 · answer #5 · answered by CF_ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
She'll need a lot of love. But runts are often the best: They have to be fighters to survive.
Good luck!
2007-09-07 03:27:10 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With good quality food and inoculations she will be fine. Enjoy her as she will be there for you always.
Good Luck
2007-09-07 03:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by bubbles1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋