I have been advised that the "first litter" from a female dog will produce the best puppies (most trainable, best tempermant, etc.). The more litters she has, apparently the quality of the puppies diminishes. I have been advised that this is just as if not more important than the quality of the parents.
Thoughts? This makes no sense to me, either genetically or common sense wise. Nonetheless, they are insistent.
2007-09-10 06:59:38 · 14 answers · asked by Don T 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I don't know from whom you got your information from, but I think "they" must have gotten their wisdom from the back of a Cracker Jack box.
Both the sire and dam contribute to the litter, hopefully complimenting where the other is lacking. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether it's the first litter or the last.
Breeding requires knowledge of the breed (inside out and backwards), a desire to improve the breed, and a little luck from mother nature. It's not something to be entered into lightly. My suggestion is to become a student of your breed, attend some dog shows , talk to knowlegable people and find out what it takes to produce quality, breed worthy dogs.
And please, don't take any more advice from your "friend" :-)
2007-09-10 07:16:59 · answer #1 · answered by zappataz ♠ Since 1999 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In humans yes (but only in female children) ... dogs no.
This is an old wives tale. I agree with a previous post, if nothing else, the first litter could be less healthy because the momma is inexperienced, too young etc etc etc. (but I'm saying that makes "sense" and it's just my personal thoughts... ).
I'm not a breeder so some of the REPUTABLE breeders on here can tell you the truth.
2007-09-10 07:46:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is totally not true. In fact, within each litter there are individual personalities, it doesn't matter if it's the first litter or the 10th, each pup is an individual. If this is a breeding of show dogs, there will be future show dogs in each litter and pets in each litter.
If the theory you were told were true, I guess the first child in each family would be the best and they just would get less intelligent, good looking, pesonable, and healthy with each consecutive birth.
2007-09-10 07:09:46 · answer #3 · answered by gringo4541 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only way I can think of this happening is if the first litter has the best of everything, lots of care & socilization and as
t ime goes on later litters are not so "special" and are not cared for as well... Not a concern with a legit breeder.
2007-09-10 10:12:47 · answer #4 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's bullcrap. The quality of the puppies depends on the genetics of the parents and the environment in which the puppies are raised. So, yeah, you're right; it makes no sense.
2007-09-10 09:58:59 · answer #5 · answered by xfilesfan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whoever 'advised' you of that needs some advice: Don't speak unless you know what you're talking about!
This is one of the dumber things I've heard lately- how did that get started?
If anything, the first litter might be less healthy if the mother dog rejects or doesn't care properly for her first pups.
2007-09-10 07:07:46 · answer #6 · answered by howldine 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Old wives tail. Some people believe that a ***** will be calmer and better behaved after a litter...this too is untrue. It is true that overbred agressive bitches can have equally agressive hyperactive puppies. But any ***** who is healthy and is of good solid temperment can have great pups.
But please leave breeding to the professionals!
2007-09-10 07:06:24 · answer #7 · answered by Rachel-Pit Police-DSMG 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
If your dog has two litters, then there is a 50/50 chance that the first litter will be the best. ; )
2007-09-10 07:05:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
I love that! It is almost as funny as "if your pure bred dog gets pregnant by a mutt, then it will always have mutt puppies."
Obviously that is not true! Think about it....If you bring that over to the human race, than only the oldest would be the best....and you haven't met my brother!!!
That is so funny! Thanks for the laugh!!! You just made my day!
2007-09-10 07:14:24 · answer #9 · answered by Katslookup - a Fostering Fool! 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That's not true at all. Genetics are what determines temperament and such and genetics do not change depending on the number of litters.
2007-09-10 07:10:57 · answer #10 · answered by Shanna 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋