I have almost always picked the runt .. and never had it backfire on me.. that is me though.. and most of the time.. I never knew it was the runt until I was told. Sometimes you can just connect or have a feeling about the puppy and know it was meant to be yours. Your vet should do a check-up on the pup as not all problems are seen by the eye

Well, there's the obvious - 4 legs, 2 eyes, 2 ears, waggy tail. But seriously, I was always told to check out their eyes. If they are clear and bright, then that's a sign of good health, avoid the ones with runny or sticky eyes, because they're likely to be the runt or not very well....and that would probably be the one I'd pick, because I'd feel sorry for it.

In general, puppies that shy away from you or are too hyper are the ones I'll pass on. Also, pick them up and feel around for any lumps or bumps.

Choose the one that comes to you, then check out its physical health.

I have always heard that one test you should do is lay the puppy on his/her back and rub thier belly. If they relax with you and don't freak out then they have a good temperment. It worked when I picked out mine.

well i have picked plenty of pets and i dont know how but whenever i pick a pet when i walk in i just see one that catches my eye and i say i want that one so if one catches ur eye go with it. i dont know how its weird other than that make sure its healthy

Choose the puppy that comes to you. Then check his/her eyes to see if they are clear, also check his/her nose to see if its wet and healthy and look if he/she are active and playing. DONT choose a puppy that is all alone if the corner and not being social sometimes that is a good things, often times that means they are not healthy or something is wrong.

You may want look at several shelters/breeders until you find the one that you have that special connection with. Try to avoid a puppy that shy's away from you. You may feel sorry for it but they will not have that special connection. I got my puppy from a breeder (my grandmother) I waited until just the right one and it was he was the best dog I could've possibly picked. We are perfect for each other. (we are both lazy)

I would look at it's behaviour towards the other pups of the litter and also how it interacts with others. I may also look for coat quality etc.

maybe the one who rus up to you or is most happy

There are actually many factors you may choose to consider in picking out the exact best dog for you. You've chosen the breed, but what else might you want to consider? Dog or Bitch? While neutering and spaying will help provide you with both a HEALTHIER and more emotionally STABLE companion animal; they do have somewhat different personalities many times. What age? Puppies that have been allowed to stay with their siblings and Mother up to at least 10 weeks, 12 is really optimum, receive the best in "dog training" and tend to have far fewer challenges in future behaviors and training issues. They are less NIPPY with those sharp puppy teeth, because they have LEARNED by their play and interactions with Mom (weaned now) and their sibs, what sort of behaviors are ACCEPTABLE and what ones will END THE FUN AND GAMES. They are ready to form a bond with you, their special human and have "a clue" that mouthing "too hard" and trying to be a "bully" won't earn them any special favors. Do you intend this to be purely a companion dog or do you want to show him/her? In a perfect world the temperament of the dog SHOULD matter as much or more than the perfect confirmation. Sometimes I think we are progressing towards that perfect world and other times I wonder what judges are thinking when they make their choices. I will say that a truly reputable breeder WILL hold back potential show puppies because NO ONE can say until about 6 months of age if a dog or bitch is truly appearing to be a SHOW QUALITY animal. Even at 6 months, there is no sure thing, only a strong likelihood. While a WELL BRED puppy can have potential, at 8 to 12 weeks of age...it's still a crap shoot! Likewise, a "Pet Quality" puppy should sell for LESS and a good breeder will insist that you DO neuter or spay your puppy when it's time to do so, and many will offer you a rebate on the purchase price, AFTER you bring in documents (the bill) from your Vet certifying that you DID have them "fixed." As for looking them over with a Pet Quality puppy in mind...Watch the puppies playing, See how they interact and how they react to YOU. Remember that the one curled up fast asleep may well have been rushing about shortly before you arrived! Puppies are very active for short amounts of time, but they tire quickly and then take a nap! Visit the puppies several times, at different times of the day to get the best over view on their personalities. Do NOT feel compelled to pick one immediately, this is potentially a 10 to 15 year commitment and friendship in the making! If there is one you feel drawn to, offer to put a deposit on that pup, with the understanding that the puppy will be held for you for at least 2 to 3 days, and that it is REFUNDABLE if you choose NO puppy from this breeder (as long as you give your answer within the agreed time) or can be applied to the purchase of a different puppy they have, if you change your mind. A breeder who insists they will not hold the puppy at all, even with a deposit...isn't playing nice or professionally and you need to turn around and LEAVE. Spend your money somewhere else. RESPONSIBLE breeders CARE about who exactly is buying their dogs, they want you to choose the exact best puppy to fit into your life and keep that dog until it dies or must be put down. (And of course to tell others what a great breeder they are!) Ultimately think about what characteristics you enjoy in your dog. Do you have the patience to enjoy, train and meet the needs of a very active personality? Do you want to deal with the challenges a very shy pup can have? I look for a middle of the road personality, I want and appreciate a BOLD temper, but I want a pup that CAN settle and listen, and work WITH ME as well. I do not want a bully, that doesn't mean it's an alpha, that means it's a Beta! Alphas do not NEED to start fights in order to "rule" they are usually more benevolent in temper. Betas are constantly on edge, quick to take offense and striving to "move up" the ladder in the pack and with the humans! UNLESS they are comfortable being betas...then you have a more easy going dog; closer to a true Alpha in nature. WHATEVER YOU DO...stay away from Pet Stores, most of their puppies come from PUPPY MILLS and the number of physical and emotional problems in THESE PUPPIES is never ending and heartbreaking. Watch out for back yard breeders because often they too have put little research into what dog and bitch they bred, joint problems, cancer in some breeds and temperament issues may be found in surplus in many irresponsible back yard breeders pups. (Some are great and just small time breeders...if they SHOWED THEIR BITCH and Dog (used for the breeding) and if the parents ARE TITLED at least they have proved that they both have potential to IMPROVE THEIR BREED!) A cross bred or Mutt also has a lot to offer and since you didn't say if you are going pure or not, I'll mention that while I have trained mostly purebred dogs as a trainer, I have also worked with some OUTSTANDING mixed breeds and all of my personal dogs are ALWAYS crossbred, or MUTTS. Best wishes on finding your new best friend, and love of your heart!

I picked up a puppy a few years ago a dobermen pincher to be exact. He had alot of bites on him the breeder said they were puppy bites from the other pups that were in the same kennel... I later found out he had a horrible skin disease which causes bumps along his spine... And an awful smell from these bumps. Thankfully everything is over with now but it wasa costly experience.

When I picked out my puppy, I was torn between him and another one. What helped me decide was the fact that when I carried the other one, he seemed very nervous and shaky, I didn't like that. From experience I know that usually nervous dogs end up w/ heart problems, so I chose my puppy instead, he did nothing but shake his tail when I carried him and I felt like that was a good sign. That's something I would recommend that you look for.

Purebreds have a higher tendency for health conditions as they age. I would suggest at least looking into the option of adopting your pet from a local animal shelter. Those animals tend to be very sturdy, and the shelter will give you all the information you need to make the decision that is right for your home. Strays from shelters can be the most amazing, dynamic creatures you've ever seen. Just hope you won't rule it out when you are looking for your perfect new pet :)

If you get one from a shelter be careful what papers you sign. They took mine away because I couldn't make the 50 mile each way trip to their vet every month. When I got the dog they said that it was in perfect health and then when I got it home they said it had a thyroid condition and the paper I signed said that I had to have their vet take care of it. He insisted that we had to come there for the pills and wouldn't ok us to use 100 pet meds. I couldn't keep going there so they took my dog after I had it for 2 years. Ask me what I think of those scumbags.