Knowing you’re going home soon with a new puppy or a dog is exciting. But how do you know if you’re picking the right puppy? This guide will give you everything you need to know when picking a puppy.
The Physical Health of the Dog
There are some telltale signs of your new dog’s health when you know what you’re looking for. So we’ll do a quick overview from head to tail.
Head
Starting from the head, you’ll want to focus on the dog’s eyes, ears, nose and the top of its head:
Eyes: the dog’s eyes should be bright and clear with no cloudiness or discharge.
Ears: when looking at the dog’s ears, especially if their ears flop over the side of the head, check to see that they are clean and free of debris. Also, take note of any odour coming from the ear area, as this may be a sign of infection.
Nose: seeing a clear drop from a dog’s nose is normal. If, however, you notice any yellowish or whitish discharge, this may be a sign of infection that should be addressed.
Top of Head: for young puppies, it is normal to find a small soft spot on the top of their head. However, this spot should be no larger than a dime or a nickel. A more prominent soft spot could also indicate a problem with their brain development.
Body
Next, when looking at the dog, you want to ensure no bald patches in its fur or hair. If you can see their skin, a puppy’s skin may be a little pink (which is normal), but there shouldn’t be any unusual rash, marks or colouration on their skin. That could indicate an allergy, skin condition, or something more serious.
Belly
Make sure that the dog’s stomach is not distended or protruding.
If it is, it could be indicative of a larger issue. In an adult dog, this is a symptom of bloat, liver disease, etc. In a puppy, a protruding stomach may be an indication of an umbilical ulcer.
Mobility
A final thought on the physical health of the dog is checking the dog’s mobility. For instance, take note of any issues the dog may have when going from a down or sit position to standing or vice versa. Also, take note if you notice the dog limping when they walk.
A few important points to note: (a) puppies are adorably awkward when they walk, and (b) any apparent challenges may be an awkward moment with no underlying issue. You may need to observe the puppy over time to identify any trends in mobility.
The Temperament of the Dog
When choosing the best dog breed for you, you’ll need to consider your lifestyle to ensure the dog’s temperament matches your lifestyle. In addition, you should think about the purpose you have for the breed. Are you looking for your dog to be a working dog? A companion dog? A hunting dog? Depending on your lifestyle and the dog’s purpose, you should be able to identify the best temperament match for you.
There are five main categories of dog temperament:
Independent: these dogs are one-person dogs. The independent dog will tolerate other people and maybe other animals, but they will be wary of strangers and other animals. These dogs are ideal working dogs because they can, like to, think for themselves.
Confident: these dogs are the leader of the pack. They like to think for themselves and can be independent, but unlike the independent dog, they get along well with people and most other animals. They are a true team player but can be dominant (not necessarily aggressive) over other dogs.
Happy-go-lucky: this is the quintessentially happy dog. This dog is warm and welcoming to anybody who comes to your home, including a robber – they may even show the robber where the good jewelry is in exchange for a belly rub. These dogs are full of life and energy and may tend to jump on people. You will need to watch them with children as they may, by accident, knock them over with their boisterous antics.
Go-with-the-flow (Adaptable). The adaptable dog is generally happy and less energetic and boisterous than the happy-go-lucky dog. Their main aim is to please their owners. These dogs make fantastic therapy dogs.
Shy: These dogs are very similar to the shy people we all know and love. The shy dog takes a little longer to get comfortable in certain situations and around people, dogs, and loud noises. If you try to push this dog into social situations too quickly, they may become overwhelmed, which may lead to them mistrusting you. This sensitive dog needs a little more patience, but they will relish the moments you share when they find their confidence.
Temperament Tests
Now that we know the different dog temperament types, we can look at how to test a dog for temperament. Please note that these tests aren’t foolproof. Temperament in puppies usually doesn’t set in until they are 3 to 4 months of age. Moreover, dogs and puppies in shelters may show unreliable results, given that they are in a stressful shelter environment.
That being said, the following tests may give some insight into the degree to which a dog or puppy exhibits various temperaments:
Independence Test 1: Cradle the dog or puppy in your arm as if you were cradling a baby right. Try to handle the dog – touch their paws, touch their belly. If the dog or the puppy wiggles and tries to get out of your arms, they exhibit an independent temperament. If the dog appears happy and comfortable, they show a more go-with-the-flow temperament. Mind you, if they attempt to lick you, they may exhibit a happy-go-lucky temperament. The shy dog may be uncomfortable going in your arms initially, but they’ll settle in eventually.
Independence Test 2: Hold the puppy in front of you by its front legs (or armpits) crook. Look the puppy in the eyes. The shy dog will likely look away and divert their attention. The independent dog will try to escape. The happy-go-lucky dog might be just excited to see you and still try to cuddle and lick you. The go-with-the-flow dog will not make much of a fuss or look uncomfortable.
People Friendly Test: Take note of the dog’s or puppy’s reaction when a new person enters the room. Are they going to cower in the corner, like the Shy dog? Did they even really pay much attention, like the independent dog? Or are they going to run up and greet that person?
Sensitivity Test: Drop your keys on the floor and notice the puppy’s or dog’s reaction. If a dog is not bothered by it, it is not likely the sensitive type. The shy or sensitive dog may cower or run away from the noise. The happy-go-lucky dog may run towards the sound.
Bonus Independence Test: Take note of the puppy’s reaction when someone (or you) leaves a room. Is the dog going to run and chase after you whimpering and crying and looking for you? If so, this dog may have separation anxiety issues later on down the road. Of course, a more independent dog probably wouldn’t pay much attention. They might notice you’re leaving, but that’s as far as it would go.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect puppy for you is as individual as your personality. The physical health of any dog should be paramount, but it is equally important to consider which temperament traits best suit you and your lifestyle. Although temperament tests are not foolproof, they may give insight into how your future dog will react in various situations. If you have the opportunity to visit the litter or the dogs in the shelter before you bring the dog home, you may want to try these tests on your first visit and then on your second visit to see if there is consistency across the board.
