Picking the runt of a litter?

[txdukklr]

I think the runt matters most socially and especially if allowed to stay with mom and siblings for a long period. If you ensure the dog gets the nutrition it needs and then it's seperated I think there is going to be zero issue.

I've had a couple of runts . . . my favorite dog ever my duck dog Chalk was the runt. I'd give up every dog I've ever had and half of my friends to have him back.

[talleywack97]

Runts tend to be the best dogs imho, 82lb bull mastiff. Awesome girl

[brettdp09]

Really don't think it matters

[zero-in]

Runt of the litter every time. My last lab was a runt best one of the bunch. She out hunted 3 of her brothers and sisters when they hunted together

x2....something about those runts make them outstanding performers as they grow. As pointed out, they turn out to be very smart, biddable and great family pets in most cases as well. Maybe that's why I'm always for an "underdog"! All of my previous labs, setters and pointers have been runts. Used to bench and utility show schnauers in my early teens up into high school. The runt of the litter took us to the national championship. Just my $.02

[lovemylegacy]

One of my JRT's is a runt. She weighed two pounds when we got her. She is 7 years old now and only weighs 13 lbs. She is the Alpha dog of the family. Runs roughshod over my Male JRT (31 lbs) and my Male Lab (80 lbs).

You have a 31lb JRT? That gots to be a world record

[Froggy]

Molly was the runt of the litter. She's smarter and out hunts the rest of my "Gang". She's even won ribbons in a couple of field trials. I've had several beaglers try to buy her. She's 11.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs 16 pounds.

Miss Molly

[LROSE]

My first lab, a chocolate named "Shy" was the runt of his litter and ended up being the largest and longest living out of his litter.

Nice -- my first lab was a chocolate named Shyan, we called her Shy for short.
Great girl. Man I miss her. I had her before I met my wife and got married. She was my buddy !!!

[Bill]

All good information and stories.
We're going to visit Montana in a couple weeks, and plan on seeing my lab's mother with the litter- to take a "family" portrait. I highly doubt a second lab is in my future- plus after 3 seasons now having a trained dog for duck hunting, starting over and having 2 with one pup is not my idea of fun.


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