What to look for in a pup?

[eskinner45]

I have been told there are certain things to look for in a pup when you are picking them or that can help with picking a good prospect. Does anyone care to share things they have learned to look for when picking out a pup?

[pegleg]

In most cases if we are talking young puppies 8-20 weeks of age sometimes even much older. Unless your real familiar with the line and have spent allot of time with them at different ages , I don't think your chances of picking the top pups out of the litter are very high. And if we are talking about crossbred pups with lots of variables its a big gamble.
I know a old hunter who swears he can pick the best pup out of any litter. I've never had an occasion to be jealous of his selection ability.
I think just spend time making sure you like the parents and grandparents. Then pick a nice healthy pup you like and put the time into it.

[mondomuttruner]

Pegleg, my opinion of this "old hunter" is that he was probably a very good trainer and not so much the particular pups he picked. Getting the most out of a pup is a nak that I believe most people don't have.

[eskinner45]

So it's basically all a guessing game. Because i don't live anywhere near anyone who runs dogs so I would never be able to look into any certain breeding I am just going to have to take a guess then?

[pegleg]

yes or you can do the research by phone into them or online and find someone with a decent rep. and get a pup from them. as far as our old hunter i dont know what kind of trainer i ould call him, but he sure sells lots of dogs.

[eskinner45]

Right and so then what guys have a good rep. I have done coondogs but no cat dogs and I am wanting to train my own pup here in the next couple of years. So I might as well start the research now. Who is a good breeder and hunter?

[eskinner45]

It doesn't matter either whether it's a purebred or a running cross dog I just want something that will get the job done.

[pegleg]

ask david here on bgh .hes hunted more in your part of the world being in the dakotas i believe. or find someone closer to home that runs cats. and you are probably correct in expecting it to be perhaps running bred.

[eskinner45]

Who has any running bred dogs anyway?