Are there advantages and disadvantages to getting a pup from a small litter? The breeder I paid a deposit to said there are only two males. I'm hoping this will be a good dog for Schutzhund, but am unsure what effect a small litter has on a dog's socialization. Any suggestions or links to articles? I've found next to nothing when searching. Thanks.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
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You'll find a lot better luck on googling "singleton" dog litter to find out more on how litter sizes effect behaviors. Personally I think a litter of two has much fewer issues than a litter of one. A bigger flag to me is that in a large breed dog only two puppies would survive out of a litter.I would ask the original litter size was and what they think the issue was for the puppies lost. Sometimes "stuff" happens that there is nothing you can do about like fading puppies but usually that's one or two puppies at the most.
Reg: 07-11-2002
Posts: 2679
Loc: North Florida (Live Oak area)
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I've had two small litters, one two males and one three.
Except for the added risk that the pups are going to get too big before they are born I like smaller litters and I think my puppy buyers come out ahead.
Less pups mean I spend more time with each one. My pups leave here well started on potty and crate training but my small litters are much easier to get out and about with.
It's a lot easier to throw two pups in the car to get them out in different enviroments then 10..........
I'm in pretty good contact with the majority of my buyers and the pups from the smaller litters do well with other dogs also. That was my initial concern with smaller litters.
That's what I needed Melissa, a proper search term. I actually haven't heard that word 'singleton' used before. This is part of an email the breeder sent me. "There were six pups in total and 2 survived due to clumsiness of the mom and a bit of bad luck... His temperament is great. He waves his tail, is constantly in action and is alpha without being all over you." So I take it two or three pups were stepped on or dropped by the mom. Sounds like a lot to lose 4 out of 6.
And thanks Betty. Good to hear that, I'm a little bit worried about elevated dog aggression since it's common for the breed to begin with and this guy comes from good working lines. But I'm more worried that the dog may be shy or a little sharp because of a lack of littermates. But perhaps confidence isn't as affected by a small litter?
Just from my own experience---Maya was the only female out of a litter with two other males. She was (and continues to be) both curious and confident. She led the charge in exploring the yard, and got plenty of puppy interaction. I don't believe her drive or disposition was negatively impacted by being part of a small litter.
I never thought about the benefit of puppies receiving more attention in a smaller litter, but it clearly makes sense.
And sense I couldn't resist, here are links to a few pictures of Maya when she was still with her brothers.
Betty is being too kind. 2/6 survival rate is abominable...esp. when he/she states "due to clumsiness of mom and BAD LUCK???"
WTH????!!
$h!+ happens, for sure, when breeding, but yikes... this definitely needs to be better explained. Personally, I would NEVER breed a dog again if she was that horrible of a mother. I believe so much of temperament is genetic that there is just no room for error like this.
Having said that...I wouldn't place too much emphasis on the size of the litter the pup came from. In this case, the size of the litter would be the least of my concerns w/this litter. JMHO.
Edited to add...I don't have enough info to place judgement...the above are just my knee-jerk reactions and questions.
Terra Presotto Webboard User Reg: 10-18-2007
Posts: 147
Loc: Toronto,Canada
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Is this this bitches first litter?
Not all bitches are maternal and if a bitch is iffy, she is not breeding quality IMO.
For me a good mother is very important for good beginnings for pups.
*More info is needed, I was just commenting on poor mothering skills in general.
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Pup from a small litter?
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