How to Choose a Puppy From a Litter

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20264 min read

Surrounded by tumbling, squeaking puppies, it is tempting to choose the one that licks your face or the one with the cutest markings. But the choice you make will shape your next decade or more, so it pays to be thoughtful. The right puppy is the one that fits your life, not just the one that melts your heart on first sight.

Start with the breeder's insight

A good breeder sees the puppies every day and knows each one's personality. Tell them about your household, activity level, experience and what you want in a dog, and ask for their recommendations. Many responsible breeders match puppies to buyers rather than letting buyers pick freely. Trust their experience, but ask them to explain their reasoning.

What to look for

Health

Healthy puppies:

• Have bright, clear eyes with no discharge
• Have clean ears and noses
• Have a clean coat and skin free of sores or flea dirt
• Are neither too thin nor bloated
• Breathe easily, without coughing or sneezing
• Move comfortably without limping
• Have firm stools, with no sign of diarrhea

Energy level

Puppies vary from sleepy to non-stop. Consider your lifestyle. A high-energy puppy will need lots of exercise and stimulation, while a calmer one might suit a quieter household.

Confidence and curiosity

Look at how puppies react to new things, such as a person walking in, a new toy or a mild noise. A well-balanced puppy investigates and recovers quickly from small surprises. Very timid puppies may need more patient socialization. Very pushy puppies may need firm, consistent training.

Social behavior

Watch how puppies interact with each other and with you. Do they play well? Do they bully others or get bullied? Are they comfortable being picked up and held?

Handling

With the breeder's permission, gently hold the puppy and see how it responds. It should tolerate being touched on its feet, ears and mouth without extreme fear or aggression.

Temperament tests: useful or not?

Some people use structured tests that involve exposing puppies to certain situations at around seven weeks old. These can give hints about personality, but they are not predictive on their own. Puppies change as they develop, and a single test is influenced by the puppy's mood, hunger and tiredness. Use observations and the breeder's knowledge instead of relying on a score.

Things not to base your choice on

• Color or markings, unless you have thought carefully about coat care and genetics.
• Pity. Choosing the shy or sickly puppy out of sympathy can lead to heartache and expense unless you are prepared and well informed.
• The first puppy that approaches. It might simply be the most food-motivated or the boldest.
• Competition. Do not feel pressured to choose quickly because others are waiting.

Questions to ask about each puppy

• What is this puppy's personality like day to day?
• Does it eat well and play with littermates?
• How does it react to new things?
• Has it had any health issues?
• Is it the type of puppy you would recommend for my home?
• Does it get along with other puppies?

Our guide to visiting a breeder and meeting the litter covers what else to look for.

Considering sex

Some people have strong feelings about male or female puppies, but individual personality matters more. Our guide to male or female puppy explains the real differences.

Age and timing

Puppies should stay with their mother and littermates until at least eight weeks old, because they learn social skills from them. Our guide to how old a puppy should be before going home discusses the reasons.

If you cannot meet the litter

If you cannot visit, ask for videos of each puppy, and rely heavily on the breeder's advice. Ask about each puppy's behavior and health, and verify everything you can. Be extra careful about scams, and never send money before meeting or at least video-calling.

Trust your gut, and your head

You are likely to feel a connection with a particular puppy. That is fine, but check it against your list of needs. If you love a puppy that does not fit your lifestyle, think again or ask the breeder about other options. The right match will make life easier for both of you.

The takeaway

Choose a healthy puppy with a temperament that suits your home, informed by the breeder's knowledge and your own observations. Take your time, ask questions and remember that the work you put into training and care will shape your dog more than any test.