12/17/2021
“Pick of the Litter”
I am often asked how to determine the pick of the litter….. well my answer is simple. Pick the litter! Pick genetics! The odds are highly stacked against your next outstanding hunting partner coming from a genetically mediocre breeding. Personally, I research the health genetics first, then I research the pedigree genetics. It is then that I can make an educated decision of whether I want to pursue obtaining a puppy from that breeding.
Sound genetic health history accompanied with parents that have been tested should be a top priority before further considering the litter. If the breeding meets those qualifications then I throughly research the pedigree. Especially the first 3-4 generations. I want to see dogs that were known field bred bloodlines. We don’t always know if a dog was used solely for hunting, however, we can see the ones that achieved hunt test and field trial titles. At that point we do know the pups come from working field bred lines.
Beyond that I like to research what other dogs have been produced from the bloodlines. Were they successful in the field. Some trust has to be put into the owners as most of us rarely get to see the dogs we are inquiring about in action in the field.
Once I have decided upon a litter I have confidence in my research. I believe that any pup within that litter can become the hunting partner/competitor that I desire. A pups personality may cause me to choose or not choose them on pickup day. However, I still believe they each can make it, but no two pups will likely be the exact same through training.
I never go into a litter headstrong on a certain color. I’ve heard “no good dog comes in a bad color”, and as long as I did my genetic research then I understand the statement. Be that what it may never choose a pup based solely on color or looks! Do your homework, use genetic factors, and pick “THE” litter! Stop looking for pick of the litter from a breeding that you haven’t researched.
Genetics, Genetics, Genetics!!!! Stop expecting greatness to be derived from mediocracy. Most problems with dogs are created by humans. This begins with proper selection of a dog you expect greatness from and hold to higher standards than anyone likely holds you too! Choose right, train right, enjoy!!! They’re only with us a short time and you never forget the good ones.
