How to Pick a Promising Puppy
So, you're on the hunt for the next top dog in the ring? Well, buckle up, because picking a promising puppy is like trying to find a needle in a haystack â a very fluffy, adorable haystack. Here are some tips to help you spot the future star among the litter:
Size Matters (But Not Too Much)
At 10 weeks old, a puppy is already two-thirds of its adult height. So, grab your measuring tape and do some quick math. If the pup is 18 cm tall at 10 weeks, multiply by 1.5, and voilĂ â youâve got a future 27-cm champion. Just remember, this isnât an exact science, so donât go betting your savings on it.
Head Games
Puppy heads change a lot from birth to adulthood, much like humans. That cute little face will grow a longer nose, a flatter forehead, and a stronger jaw. If you want a reverse scissor bite in adulthood, look for a tight scissor or level bite now. Think of it as the puppy version of braces.
Neck and Shoulders: The Floating Front End
Necks grow and become more defined with age, thanks to shoulder development. Unlike humans, dogs donât have collar bones, so their front assembly floats on muscles and ligaments. This setup is perfect for a predator on the move. Puppies start with upright shoulders for maximum support, but as they grow and run around, those shoulders will get better angulated. Just make sure the pup isnât carrying too much weight or has a flat pelvic angle, or those shoulders might stay stuck in puppy mode.
Rear End Realities
The rear end takes its sweet time to develop. Puppies often have poor rear control and might look like they have too much angulation. Donât worry â as the muscles develop, the rear will firm up, and that angulation will balance out. If a puppy looks like a perfect little adult now, it might end up too straight behind when it grows up. So, embrace the wobbly rear ends â theyâll grow into it.
Proportion Perfection
Hereâs where many breeders go wrong: picking a puppy with adult-like proportions. Remember, carnivores are born with short, useless legs to keep them safe in the den. As they grow, their legs get longer. If you pick a puppy with the leg-to-body proportions you like in an adult, itâll end up too leggy. Bottom line: legs grow! Donât pick a puppy that looks like a Tibetan Terrier in disguise.
Coat Conundrums
By 10 weeks, look for a coat with a high proportion of good, hard, straight hair. Avoid the fluffy, downy types you can âblow apartâ or those with marcel-like waves or curls. Sparse-looking coats with long hair on the face, head, and legs often turn out to be the best. So, donât judge a coat by its fluffiness.
Temperament Trials
Temperament is tricky with Lhasas, but look for a puppy thatâs curious and confident. A pup that looks around when startled but doesnât run or crouch is a good sign. You want a puppy that can relax when held but is eager to play and explore. A curious pup that approaches strangers and investigates new things is a keeper.
Movement Magic
A puppy with good structure and a confident attitude will almost always move properly. Look for a strong, purposeful gait, a well-held head, and a tail thatâs up over the back by 8 weeks. Even at this young age, the topline should be level. If the pup moves like itâs on a mission, youâve got a winner.
Balance: The Big Picture
The overall picture of a âkeeperâ puppy is more complicated than picking the âoutstandingâ one. The biggest, most dominant pup might seem like the obvious choice, but it often grows oversized or too leggy. Instead, look for the smaller pup with a relatively long body, a good length of neck, and a well-carried tail. Remember, proportions change as they grow. Shoulders will become more angulated, rears less angulated, heads smaller and longer, bodies shorter, and legs longer.
There you have it â your guide to picking a promising puppy. May your search be filled with wagging tails and lots of puppy kisses! đž