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Choosing a puppy from a litter is an exciting moment, but it’s also an important decision. The puppy you pick will be part of your family for years, so it’s important to make the right choice.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing for a new puppy to observing their personality and checking their health, so you can confidently choose the right puppy for your home and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Choose A Puppy From A Litter
These steps will guide you through the process, so you can observe, handle, and evaluate each puppy with confidence.
Step 1: Prepare Before Choosing A Puppy
Before meeting the puppies, it helps to think about your lifestyle and what you need and want in a dog. This will make it easier to pick the right puppy for your home.
Consider Your Lifestyle
- How much time can you spend with a puppy each day? Puppies need attention, training, and play, especially in their first year, and continued care throughout their life.
- Are you active or more relaxed? Some breeds need lots of exercise, while others are more low-key.
- Who else lives in your home? Kids, seniors, or other pets may affect which puppy is the best fit.
Think About Breed Traits
- Different breeds have different energy levels, personalities, and social needs. Make sure your breed choice matches your routine.
Decide on Gender (Optional)
- Male and female puppies are similar as babies, but may act differently as they grow.
- Some people choose based on size, maturity, or personal preference.
Taking a little time to prepare will help you feel more confident when it’s time to meet the puppies.
Step 2: Visit The Breeder And Ask Key Questions
Once you’ve prepared, it’s time to visit the breeder and see the puppies in person. This step is important for making sure the puppies are healthy and well-cared for.
Check the Environment
- Look at where the puppies live, clean, safe spaces are a must.
- Observe how the puppies are handled and socialized.
Meet the Parents
- Seeing the parents can give you an idea of the puppies’ future temperament and health.
- Healthy, happy parents are a good sign of responsible breeding.
Ask Key Questions
Ask the breeder about the following:
- Health history and genetic testing of the parents
- Breed traits and temperament
- Vet exams, vaccinations, and deworming schedule
- Health guarantees and return policies
Visiting the breeder and asking these questions helps you feel confident in choosing a puppy that’s healthy and a good fit for your home.
For a helpful checklist of questions to ask a breeder, see this guide from The Kennel Club.
Step 3: Observe Puppy Personalities
Every puppy has its own unique personality. Taking the time to observe how they act will help you find the one that best suits your home and lifestyle.
Look for Behaviour Clues
- Playful puppies are often full of energy and love interaction.
- Calmer puppies may enjoy cuddles and quiet time.
- Confident puppies will explore new things quickly, while shy ones may hang back.
Watch How They Interact
- See how the puppies play with each other. Do they share, wrestle, or boss each other around?
- Notice how they respond to people. Do they run up excitedly, or stay cautious?
Personality Types to Notice
- The Eager-to-Please Puppy: Quick to seek attention and easy to train.
- The Easygoing Pup: Relaxed and adaptable, often a good match for families.
- The Runt of the Litter: Smallest of the group, may need extra care at first, but often develops a strong, bold personality.
Match Personality to Your Home
- Active families may enjoy a bold, playful puppy.
- Quieter households may prefer a calmer or gentler pup.
- If you have kids or other pets, look for a puppy that’s social and adaptable.
Most families do best with a puppy that’s somewhere in the middle, not too bossy and not too shy. Talk to the breeder too, since they’ll have the best insight into each puppy’s behaviour.
Step 4: Interact With The Puppies
Watching is important, but handling the puppies will tell you even more about their temperament.
- Pick them up gently: See how each puppy reacts to being held. A wiggly pup may be more independent, while a relaxed pup may be easier going.
- Test their response to touch: Gently touch their paws, ears, and mouth. Puppies that are comfortable with handling from an early age usually adjust well to grooming and vet visits later.
- Call them over: Try snapping your fingers or calling softly. Puppies that come quickly may be eager to please, while those that hesitate may be more cautious or independent.
Take your time and stay calm during these interactions. Puppies can get overwhelmed easily, and a gentle approach helps reveal their true personality.
Learn how to help your puppy become confident and social in my Beginner’s Guide to Socializing Your Golden Retriever Puppy.
Step 5: Check For Signs Of Good Health
A healthy puppy will have bright eyes, clean ears, and a shiny coat. When visiting, take a close look at each puppy.
- Eyes and nose: Clear, bright eyes and a nose that’s free of discharge are good signs.
- Ears and coat: Ears should be clean without a strong odour, and the coat should be soft and shiny, not dull or patchy.
- Body condition: Puppies should feel neither too skinny nor overly round.
- Energy levels: Healthy puppies are curious and playful, but should also settle down for naps.
Don’t be afraid to ask the breeder about health checks, vaccinations, and any history of health issues in the litter. A responsible breeder will be open and happy to share this information.
Step 6: Choose Your Puppy
After spending time with the puppies, it’s time to decide. Think about everything you’ve observed: health, personality, and how the puppy interacts with you and others.
- Trust your instincts: Pick the puppy that feels like the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
- Balance personality and energy: Most families do best with a puppy that’s somewhere in the middle, not too shy, not too bossy.
- Check with the breeder: Ask for their insight on each puppy’s behaviour and temperament. They often know which puppy will thrive in which type of home.
- Take your time: Don’t rush. Choosing the right puppy is an important decision that will affect your family for years.
By considering personality, health, and compatibility, you’ll feel confident in welcoming your new puppy into your home.
Once your puppy is settled, it’s a great time to start training. Learn beginner-friendly commands in my Guide to Basic Puppy Training Commands.
FAQs
Got questions about choosing a puppy from a litter? Here are answers to common ones.
1. Should I Pick The Runt Of The Litter?
The runt is the smallest puppy and may need extra care at first. They can grow up healthy, but make sure you’re ready to give them the attention they might need.
2. Can A Puppy “Choose” Me?
Sometimes a puppy seems to gravitate toward you. This can help guide your decision, but also consider personality, health, and energy level to make sure it’s a good fit for your home.
3. How Do I Know Which Puppy Is Right For My Family?
Observe behaviour, play style, and reactions to people. Ask the breeder for insight, and choose the puppy that matches your lifestyle and household energy.
4. What Signs Show A Puppy Is Healthy?
Look for bright eyes, clean ears, a shiny coat, good body condition, and playful energy. A responsible breeder will share vaccination, deworming, and health check records.
5. Should I Choose A Male Or Female Puppy?
Male and female puppies are similar as babies, but may differ in size, maturity, and temperament as they grow. Pick the one that best fits your lifestyle and household.
Conclusion
Choosing the right puppy from a litter doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By watching their personalities, interacting with them, and checking for good health, you can find a puppy that’s the perfect fit for your home.
Key Points to Keep in Mind:
- Think about your lifestyle, activity level, and household before picking a puppy.
- Visit the breeder, meet the parents, and ask about health and temperament.
- Observe how each puppy plays and responds to people.
- Handle the puppies gently to see how they react to attention.
- Trust your instincts and listen to the breeder’s advice.
With these steps, you’ll confidently choose a puppy who will grow into a happy, healthy, and loving member of your family.
Have you picked your puppy from a litter before, or are you planning to soon? Share your experience in the comments!
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
It was really helpful when you explained that it is important to pick the right puppy because they will be a part of your family for a long time. If you have a lot of young, high-energy children you are probably going to want to get a dog that doesn’t mind being played with. Children love having dogs as pets, so you would want to make sure that you find a breed that is patient and won’t bite kids.
Hi Thomas,
Absolutely, it is very important to pick the puppy that will be a good fit for your family. There are some breeders that will actually pick the puppy for you, and some will let you make the choice. For those breeders that pick for you, they will be able to match the puppy to your lifestyle and personality because they can observe each puppy daily to see their personality develop. If you are picking the puppy yourself it is important to ask the breeder lots of questions and spend a good amount of time with each puppy to determine their personality.
Choosing an appropriate breed is the very first step. Not all breeds are great with children.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
Thanks for mentioning visiting the breeder and making sure they know about the specific breed. My wife and I are thinking about getting a new puppy and have been looking at a couple of Goldendoodles to get. I’ll be sure to use these tips as we continue our tour of puppies to look at.
Hi Taylor,
Good luck to you and your wife as you search for the perfect puppy for you. The breeder should definitely know everything about the breed including the good and the bad. All of the breed’s temperament and behaviour traits, as well as health issues that affect the breed.
I am glad this article has helped you. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts.
All the best,
Jenny.
It’s good to know that a healthy puppy should have clear, bright eyes, with no discharge. My wife and I are interested in adopting a puppy and we were wondering what we should look for when adopting. I’ll be sure to tell her to look at the puppies’ eyes to see if they’re healthy before we pick one.
Hi Devin,
Yes, make sure to check the puppy’s eyes to make sure they are healthy. Be sure to spend a good amount of time with the puppy of your choice to see how they react, interact with you, and play. Choosing a puppy is a big step, and it is definitely exciting. It is hard not to fall in love with them all. Many people pick the puppy that comes to them first, it is their way of saying that the puppy chose them. Are you picking a puppy from a breeder, or are you adopting a puppy from a shelter? Either way, I am sure you have done your research. I wish you and your wife all the best in this new adventure.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.
How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter is a systematically written blog providing helpful guidelines for selecting and bringing a puppy home for the 1st time.
I do not have a dog and never dared to have one. I cannot afford time and offer good care to them. This post offered me the depth and breadth of learning experience if I ever need to choose to bring one home.
Every puppy from a breed comes with a very distinct personality, that can be a match or mismatch with you, your family atmosphere. Choosing male or females seems the easiest one. When you are bringing a puppy home,checking its health, vaccination record should always be mandatory.
The absolute compatibility of the puppy’s personality with the owner will lead to less aggravation a happy family. Selecting a puppy can always be a challenge when it is preferred to get them at 7-8 weeks old stage.
I enjoyed the details of this post on getting a puppy home, selected based on information you need. It definitely serves as an all-in-one kind of information reservoir in this aspect.
Thank you for your comment Anusuya. I am so glad you enjoyed my article, and I really wish that more people would be able to realize that they do not have the time, or money that it takes to take care of a puppy. So many puppies and dogs are put up for adoption at local shelters because people cannot take care of them. I wrote this article so that people will understand the importance of choosing the right puppy, making sure it is compatible with them and their lifestyle and personality.
If you are getting your puppy from a breeder this is an excellent guide! I’ve been rescuing animals for too long to opt for a breeder but, that doesn’t mean I disrespect other people’s choice. Everyone has heard at least one horrific ‘puppy mill’ story in their lives but, there are really great reputable breeders out there too. You gave people all the right questions to ask!
I’m an animal lover all around but, everyone knows I am a dog, NoT a cat person haha. I’ve always let the dogs pick me. When you know in your heart..you just know. That being said though, you nailed it on the head to research the types of breeds you are looking at. When rescuing animals of any kind there is one sad, overwhelming theme …”I didn’t know.”
In the age of the internet when general traits of different breeds yes, even mixed breeds, are readily available to study up on there really is no excuse to not inform yourself when taking on the responsibility of an animals life and well being 🙂
The dominant/submissive test is also awesome if you are thinking about having human children and not just fur babies! It always breaks my heart when someone has to find a forever home for their beloved dog because it and a human child were incompatible.
Excellent article first-time dog Momma!! <3
Thank you so much for your comment. I agree with you 100% about the wealth of knowledge the internet provides us with, and there is no excuse for anyone not to research the breed of dog they are looking for. Getting a puppy, or rescuing a dog, is not just for a few days or for a short time, it is for the life of the dog!! Many people do not realize that, and that makes me sad for the poor dog, and angry.
Hi Jenny, I love your passion for puppies and making sure that human and puppy get well matched up. I had no idea what I was doing when I adopted a young female dachshund after she was rescued from a drug house. I can appreciate how first time dog moms would benefit from your advice and go to a reputable kennel to get off on the right foot. I was lucky with my rescue, but I don’t know if I would do it again. Do you have experience with rescuing pups or do you recommend sticking with only reputable breeders?
Hi Anne, so many people choose to adopt a puppy or dog from a shelter, and end up with the most amazing wonderful dog. Adopting and rescuing dogs is so important, every dog deserves a loving home. I myself do not have any experience in rescuing dogs, Ellie is my first dog and I chose a reputable breeder. In my opinion, for first time dog owners, I believe it would be better to research your breed first, and choose a reputable breeder. I only say this because you never know what kind of dog you will end up with from a shelter (their history, and personality), and it could prove troublesome, and challenging for first time owners who are inexperienced.
All these puppies are so cute, I think I’d have a hard time choosing.
Of course, you’re right with advising to first think about what kind of dog will fit in our environment. Too many dogs are left alone in some street because the owners can’t handle them.
I guess often because they just saw the nice puppy when they bought, and didn’t think what will grow out of this pretty baby.
We only take dogs left in the street, there are too many here too, and some of them we can provide a new home.
Hi Stefan, yes it is unfortunate that many owners only see a cute puppy, and do not realize that the puppy grows up and it requires a lot of work, training, patience, and love. I think it is great that you are helping rescue dogs, or dogs left in a shelter, and providing a new home for them. So many dogs are put up for adoption, and need a loving forever home.
What a great idea to visit the parents of the puppies. That is such a great idea to see the temperament of the parents could be a window into how the puppy will be when grown. I have always picked my puppies purely on feelings. Which one did I fall in love with? Which one seemed most interested in me? LOL! Not scientific at all. So far, it’s been fine, but we are definitely getting another puppy, and I am going to take that advice. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment. So many people, when choosing a puppy, tend to pick the one that comes to them right away. It’s almost like the puppy chose them, there is nothing wrong with that at all, but if you really want to have a compatible puppy, then you should spend time observing them to see what their personality is like.
When I was at the rehab center for therapy, I watched the Animal Planet. I learned so much about what kind of puppy to get and how to take care of them. What are good family dogs? I never heard of picking a puppy from the litter. What’s the litter?
Hi Roger, thank you for your comment. A litter is the offspring of a female dog, a litter can be used to describe the offspring of any animal that gives birth to more than one. When someone picks a puppy from a litter, it means they are choosing one puppy from multiple puppies of the same mother. In regards to your question about good family dogs, there are many, and you need to first determine your lifestyle and how much time you can give to a dog. You need to research the type of breed that you are interested in, and learn about their personality traits and temperament.
Great information. Coming from a family that has bred dogs for over 30 years I would say you are spot on! I have four dogs and they were all chosen for me so to speak, and they all have very different but awesome personalities. They have a way of making you smile on a daily basis. Can’t imagine living without one!
Hi Susan, thanks for your comment. That’s wonderful that you have 4 dogs with 4 different personalities. I’m sure there is never a dull moment. Thanks for sharing.
As a dog lover, I can attest that this is a very good, very in depth explanation as to what is needed when acquiring a new puppy. I have personally done most (if not all) of these things and there is still stuff I’ve learned from reading this. I will certainly be able to share this to others as a great reference if they need to pick their next puppy from a litter!
Hi Ryan, I’m glad that you have done most of the things mentioned when you picked a new puppy, and that you have learned a few things. Thank you for your comment.
Love this article! We are long time dog owners and in fact I’ve had a dog in my family most of my life. Recently (last year) we got a White Boxer. We have had Boxers before and in fact had 2 before our latest.
We picked him from a reputable breeder and everyone liked the ‘boss puppy’. I know, I know we are in for a treat. He has been a handful, but now after a lot of work and obedience school he has turned out to be wonderful.
Those categories of puppies really are true.
Thank you Stew for your comment. So many people go for the “Boss Puppy”, because it’s usually the puppy that comes to them. Puppies are always a handful, I am glad to hear that he has turned out wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been thinking about getting a puppy as I stay home most of the time now. My kids are all at school during the day and I wanted a little bit of company. But, we live in town and it went straight from summer to winter. So, going for nice autumn walks might not happen too often. This is so helpful! When I do decide if this is something I want to do, I’ll have a much better understanding of not just the breed of dog I’m looking for but the personality that will suit our family. Thank you so much for this 🙂
Dogs truly are wonderful companions, but require a lot of time and patience. I am glad I was able to give you a better understanding of the different puppy personalities. Another great tip I can offer you is to get a puppy in the Spring, that way you are not “potty training” in the cold winter temperatures.
I got my dog from a dog breeder. It was the first time going to one. She is a collie (Lassie dog) and she was the alpha puppy for sure. I didn’t know it at the time though. Actually I knew nothing about alpha dogs. It’s been 12 yrs and I love her more than anything! She has mellowed out through the years. If I had read your article about alpha dogs beforehand, I would know about her traits as an alpha. I love how you lay out all the info and explain about the different breeds. Dogs are so much fun and great to have! I began engaged in your website and puppy pics. Dogs are the best!
Thank you Jennifer for your comment. I believe that no matter what personality type you choose, you will learn to work with it, and fall in love with that puppy. Puppies really do start to mellow out around 2 years of age, and the time goes fast, we start to miss the puppy stage, but are blessed with a wonderful loving dog.
Hey there! Thanks for creating this guide for new dog moms. I agree with the tips you have outlined. I always choose a puppy that is low energy and not the most hyper of the litter because they’re going to listen better since they are settled by nature. Also they will still be active but not overactive where it becomes overwhelming.
Hope this guide helps lots of to be dog moms,
Marlinda
Hi Marlinda, I also chose a calmer less hyper puppy, because as a first time dog mom I wanted an easy going dog. Puppies will always have high energy and be hyper, and will definitely keep you on your toes. Thank you for your comment.