goldenboy
Well-known member
I have a question that I think many people would like some clarification on. I am a breeder of Golden Retrievers. I occassionally keep a pup out of one of my litters. Typically I get the pick of the litter so I choose the one that has the most drive and expresses the most determination for birds. (I introduce them to hen pheasants and let them chase and catch birds in a pen) In my last litter where I kept a pup I also gave a pup to my daughter and her husband. It was my wedding gift to them when they got married. My son-in-law chose the pup I would have picked! So I was left with the second pick of the females in the litter. We only had three females so I had the choice of the last two female pups. The one I picked didn't stand out in the litter as anything special. They are now almost 9 months old what I have found is that the pup I have is extremely driven, is picking up training very well, and has really outperformed the dog I was going to choose! I am asking the question, has anyone else experienced this? In one of the litters I had my friend got the last pup available he wanted a hunting dog but he was not able to pick and was left with the last pup in the pen. She has turned out to be a phenomenal hunuting dog and the trainer was very impresed with her abilities to perform and take training. Are we, or am I missing something when I am helping people pick a puppy from the litter? I know they are only seven weeks old when I send them home, but I already can determine who is the bully of the litter and who is the wallflower. I guess what I am saying is I don't think that has a determination in how well they will perform in the field or in training. Would you agree?