Choosing a Puppy - Physical Inspection

Observing puppies in a litter can be an excitingany signs of ticks or fleas, red or irritated skin, or
experience for those who like to acquire one. This willbald spots.
give you an opportunity to observe the personalityTo make sure the puppy is not deaf, clap or make a
and the social behaviors of your puppies.noise and see if it gets distracted.
After you have determined which puppy you wouldIf possible, spend time with the puppy's parents to
like to bring home, get a closer look at your desiredget a feel for the dogs' personality and see how
puppy. Inspect it to makes sure they are physicallythey react to you. If you're not happy with the
healthy before you bring them home.parents, especially the mother with whom the puppy
The puppy should not be too thin to the point thatspends most of its time with, you shouldn't adopt
ribs are already showing. Choose another puppy if ittheir puppies.
is thin but with a round belly. This could be a sign thatOnce you've made your selection, ask for the
there are parasites inside your chosen puppy.puppy's veterinarian records to know about the
Furthermore, a perfect puppy should mot show signspuppy's vaccination and other health treatment it has
of injury or lameness as it moves.undergone.
Check the puppy's face. The eyes should be brightDon't rely on the owner's vet. Have your puppy
and clear without a discharge in the corners. For thechecked with your own vet as soon as you acquired
nose, it should be cool and damp to the touch.it. A general checkup and exam of your new puppy
However, if the puppy has just woke up, the nosecan help detect any illness and conditions that you
could be dry. If the puppy interacts well with you, itmay have not detected. This could give you enough
may be safe to say that the puppy is good. Eithertime to return the puppy to the breeder, if
way, there should also be no discharge from thenecessary, before you could make a real bond and
puppy's nose.affection with your pet.
Check the puppy's ears. No matter how floppy theirIt's really hard to let go of a puppy that you already
ears are, it should also be clean and shinny without ahave a bond or affection with, only to realize later on
discharge or dirty buildup.that it has an illness or condition that you have not
Touch its fur. Ideally, it should be clean, shiny anddetected.
well-maintained. Most importantly, there shouldn't be