Definition of ‘the best puppy‘ depends on your requirements. Your expectations from a puppy can be broadly categorized as follows:
- Confirmation for show or breeding
- Obedience
- Racing, hunting, guard dog
- Homely Pet
Although it is tempting to look for all these quality in the one puppy you are planning to buy, it is almost never possible to find all qualities in a single pup.
Picking the best puppy for showing
If you want the puppy to grow up to be a champion, you should look for confirmation to breed standards. Physical construction, head, proportions, bite, etc are all a priority over temperament.
Picking the most obedient puppy
If you are looking to pick a puppy with maximum obedience potential, physical construction is not the priority. Pick the puppy which makes the most eye-contact. This puppy will be the most active and willing to please.
Best pup for Racing or Hunting
Look for the fearless and adventurous puppy. The pup should respond to loud noises by looking, pausing and then inquiring without being afraid of the consequences.
Best puppy for family pet dog
Pick the puppy which will play with kids. The puppy that rolls on his back and gets his belly rubbed is often the best as a home pet. This is a submissive puppy.
Dogs that excel in one area may come up short in another.
What is the pick of the litter puppy?
While providing stud service from their top dogs, dog breeders often ask for ‘pick of the litter’ puppy from each other. Some breeders may offer ‘pick of the litter’ pup at a special premium price.
If you are ever offered pick of the litter the first thing to do is define what attributes (from the 4 mentioned above) are important to you, and then go ahead and pick the puppy that you think is the best puppy.
Physical confirmation, temperament, and all other information needed to select each type of puppy of a particular breed can be found on each dog breed’s respective profile page.