In one litter there is always an array of temperaments !!! Even with the best choice of Sire and a Dam , it can happen that one or two of the pups would end up on either "scale" of dominance. Just, with careful choice of breeding stock , those "extremes" would (should) NOT be so "extreme" !!!! That is why temperament of parents is so extremely important an any breeding program of any breed of a dog.
There are some standard temperament tests that can be performed and one can find them by Googling very easily. Also, many fantastic books out there of how to choose right puppy for you !
One should preferably meet both parents and also spend time (2 hours) observing puppies in the litter. Try to make 2 visits, since if you come at time when they are sleepy or tiered , you might get completely wrong impression of who is who LOL in the pack ranking !!!!
Your breeder should also be very knowledgeable and tell you about traits of any particular puppy - experienced breeder knows it all and should be honest. If he/she tells you that alllll are sweet and special - than she is not telling it all !!!! Than you have to do your best to asses situation.
Look at puppies of how they play and how they interact with Mom too. Any puppy that is the most active, initiates play, ends up on top of other pups after a wrestling and barks and is very perky is probably the leader and thus
a dominant puppy. Any puppy that follows around 3 of the siblings last in the
row, is always on the back during the play and licks everybody is probably on the shy side. Puppy that is first in line for food for Mom's tit or the bowl and pushes successfully others is dominant (often it is a GIRL lol). Puppy that observes calmly the situation could be just that -VERY calm and balanced puppy, not shy. Try to gently put puppy on his back in your arms - if he wiggles and than stops - he will be easily handled. Try to pick it up from a floor few inches without changing the position - if pup struggles fieresly - it is shows dominat traits . If it frets and whines and is startled - it is probably shy. Throw a toy and see if pup will bring it up to you - that pup is very human-oriented and very balanced. If there is a bunch of pups and breeder does not let you to play "one by one" , than see which pup is going to be first to get the toy - that is dominant pup !! He will try to carry it away and keep it for himself. Look at other pups. They will follow him - one will stay behind and not even try - that is very submissive pup.
If you are looking for a pet - the best puppy is one "in the middle" in all of that action. Not the "first" to do anything or "the last". Well balanced puppy will be interested in you, liked to be petted , give occasional rare lick. He/she will not turn the belly up immediately or urinate or excessively lick you or anybody in the pack.
Many breeders do not like "sound sensitivity test" - so bring one extra squeaky toy and make a short sound and see how they react. If any starts barking - hmm.. probably either dominant or scared to death LOL. If ears rise up and interest is shown but with caution - probably medium dog : ) !
All in all , I wish you the best of luck and I hope I was of any help LOL.
There are some standard temperament tests that can be performed and one can find them by Googling very easily. Also, many fantastic books out there of how to choose right puppy for you !
One should preferably meet both parents and also spend time (2 hours) observing puppies in the litter. Try to make 2 visits, since if you come at time when they are sleepy or tiered , you might get completely wrong impression of who is who LOL in the pack ranking !!!!
Your breeder should also be very knowledgeable and tell you about traits of any particular puppy - experienced breeder knows it all and should be honest. If he/she tells you that alllll are sweet and special - than she is not telling it all !!!! Than you have to do your best to asses situation.
Look at puppies of how they play and how they interact with Mom too. Any puppy that is the most active, initiates play, ends up on top of other pups after a wrestling and barks and is very perky is probably the leader and thus
a dominant puppy. Any puppy that follows around 3 of the siblings last in the
row, is always on the back during the play and licks everybody is probably on the shy side. Puppy that is first in line for food for Mom's tit or the bowl and pushes successfully others is dominant (often it is a GIRL lol). Puppy that observes calmly the situation could be just that -VERY calm and balanced puppy, not shy. Try to gently put puppy on his back in your arms - if he wiggles and than stops - he will be easily handled. Try to pick it up from a floor few inches without changing the position - if pup struggles fieresly - it is shows dominat traits . If it frets and whines and is startled - it is probably shy. Throw a toy and see if pup will bring it up to you - that pup is very human-oriented and very balanced. If there is a bunch of pups and breeder does not let you to play "one by one" , than see which pup is going to be first to get the toy - that is dominant pup !! He will try to carry it away and keep it for himself. Look at other pups. They will follow him - one will stay behind and not even try - that is very submissive pup.
If you are looking for a pet - the best puppy is one "in the middle" in all of that action. Not the "first" to do anything or "the last". Well balanced puppy will be interested in you, liked to be petted , give occasional rare lick. He/she will not turn the belly up immediately or urinate or excessively lick you or anybody in the pack.
Many breeders do not like "sound sensitivity test" - so bring one extra squeaky toy and make a short sound and see how they react. If any starts barking - hmm.. probably either dominant or scared to death LOL. If ears rise up and interest is shown but with caution - probably medium dog : ) !
All in all , I wish you the best of luck and I hope I was of any help LOL.
