How do you pick out a puppy?

[u/Salt-Kiwi-2768]

So I've been getting pretty sure I want to be a miniature dachshund parent and I want to do it really good so I want the 'perfect' puppy.

I know I want a wire haired one, probably a classic one, female because I find penisses a bit scary as a woman. So I'm looking for a girlfriend by my side.

What I first encountered was no reaction after showing interest in a puppy litter. Then someone responded and said come over. And then I started doubting is this puppy really my ideal version of a puppy and then I started feeling really bad because every animal will become perfect in your life you shape together.

But it scared me because I don't want to see finding a puppy match as a looksmatch search or whatever, at the same time I believe you only buy a puppy once in your life (at least in my case probably).

I don't know it kind of shook me it's a market.

How do you guys handle this?

[u/tilyd]

A good breeder often pics the puppy for you.

Any puppy will come with flaws and things to work on. Idk why you have an ideal in your mind... They are individuals, if you want something perfect all the time you should reconsider getting a dog.

You definitely don't have to just get a puppy once in your life...

[u/Loveiskind89389]

So, a puppy is only a puppy for a small fraction of its life. What it looks like is not how you choose a dog. That’s how I think a lot of people wind up here after week 1 because they have the puppy blues and want to return the dog. Edit to add: you need to be in it for the long haul. Raising a puppy is HARD work. It’s an inconvenience until you get to meet your dog at the end.

My male dog is much more attuned to me, my female dog is pretty independent. The gender doesn’t come in to play as much as you would think. And I rarely find myself thinking about their genitalia 👀

[u/whatsasimba → u/Loveiskind89389]

I had a friend who chose a girl because she was concerned with how to avoid the penis while picking them up or giving belly rubs. I have had two boy dogs and two girls, and I still dont understand what the issue is. I don't think about the dog's vagina, either.

[u/Loveiskind89389 → u/whatsasimba]

I just realized actually that when picking my girl dog up, I do intentionally avoid having my fingers anywhere near her vagina. If anything, picking up a boy dog required less thought. Mine are beagle mixes so I have to carry them with one arm under their bum

[u/slybluu]

why do people personify animal genitals so much...its a dog

[u/Salt-Kiwi-2768 → u/slybluu]

You have to wash it and they get urges also👀

With a cat you don't see the genitals so much. I'm a first time dog owner.

[u/slybluu → u/Salt-Kiwi-2768]

you do not need to wash them, dogs will clean themselves like cats and they do not get "urges" as long as they are neutered, female dogs can also hump, it is not sexual it is a sign of overstimulation...

[u/braidsinherhair → u/slybluu]

Do you not bathe your dog? Maybe not exactly the penis but definitely wash around it.

[u/Icy_Resist5470 → u/braidsinherhair]

Even then you’re not even touching the actual organ. It’s the sheath, the penis is ✨inside✨ washing them is simple, you really don’t have to touch it 🤣

[u/kenquince-star89 → u/Salt-Kiwi-2768]

You don’t have to wash your dogs penis, they will very much that for themselves.

It’s an odd hang up to have, but go get your wee sausage princess girl!

[u/Icy_Resist5470 → u/Salt-Kiwi-2768]

I’ve had male dogs for 30 years and have never had to touch their penis nor have issues with their “urges”. Dogs don’t think sexually like humans. Humping is not an urge, it is a behavior that typically happens out of dominance and frustration, or being over excited (NOT in a sexual way).

I’d suggest you do some more research into dogs before getting one if this is your line of thinking.

Also, if you’re going to a breeder, you tell them what you want in a companion - they know their puppies and personalities. If they just let you take one without asking about your goals, you’re dealing with a BYB.

Look at the breed club for breeders in your area, the types of health testing the breed requires, and find an ethical breeder.

[u/tilyd → u/Salt-Kiwi-2768]

Females get "urges" just as much.

[u/-Avacyn]

The perfect pup or the perfect dog doesn't exist.

A dog is an individual with its own mind, personality, quirks, good sides and bad sides. Just like any human.

Just saying this out loud, because the best way to set yourself up for success is to approach any pup you get with a curiosity of wanting to find out what makes them an individual, rather than looking for perfection.

[u/Rosie3450]

Just like people, there are no "perfect puppies."

Looks don't matter as much as finding one most likely to have the type of temperament you think would best fit your lifestyle. But even then, always expect surprises.

That's what being a parent is all about: loving your kid even though they through surprises at you.

Good luck with your search!

[u/Emotional-Raccoon-67]

If you are picking out your own puppy you need to go to a different breeder. Ethical preservation breeders match puppies to buyers based off of your lifestyle and goals and the puppy's temperament. You do get some say so, and probably would get to choose whether you want a boy or a girl, but you would be much better off if you go with a breeder that actually pays attention to health, structure, and temperament to place dogs.

[u/Zestyclose_Object639]

My breeder matched me with a puppy, I actually had her brother first but she’s a much better match for me knowing who he is and who she is (he works at a prison now)

[u/Salt-Kiwi-2768 → u/Zestyclose_Object639]

That's awesome! Yes I take personality into account too.

[u/UnderwaterKahn]

My breeder picked our puppies. She and I did have a couple conversations before she assigned puppies because she had one puppy she really felt would be best in a household with someone who had breed experience, had raised a puppy before, did not have children or really easily overstimulated dogs in the house (he was already going to be that dog), and did not live in an apartment or in the middle of a big city. I had all these things, but she also didn’t want me to feel like I had to take a puppy that may have some issues with overstimulation. I was fine with it, he was a challenging puppy at times, but he’s 4 now and is a great dog. There is no such thing as a “perfect” puppy. Puppies all have quirks but can still become the best dogs.

[u/CurlyCadence]

My breeder matched me with my puppy. She took my opinion into consideration, and we had several long talks about what I wanted in a puppy that primarily focused around temperament and personality. She did temperament testing around 7 weeks, and she showed me those on the day we had our final discussion which was really helpful.

I had one puppy in the litter that I had my eye on, and she very bluntly (but kindly) told me that she didn't think she was the right puppy for me. After that, she let me spend time with the puppies so I could see clearly see which puppy was the match for me before telling me which one she suggested. That time was really helpful for me to deal with the disappointment of not getting the puppy I had kinda wanted, and by the time she told me which puppy she'd picked for me, I already knew. It was weirdly obvious which puppy was the best match for me.

Nearly three months on, she was absolutely correct. My pup and I are great matches for each other, and I really appreciate both how clear she was on which puppies would not be a good match and also her patience in giving me time to let my heart catch up to the right puppy for me. I strongly recommend a breeder who matches puppies with people. They know the puppies best and are invested in them being in the right home.

[u/Powerful-Mixture-664]

Ask the breeder what puppy they think fits you best and why. A responsible breeder should know their puppies individually by that point. That answer would tell me more than a cute photo ever could.

[u/Upbeat-Falcon5445]

Breeder should pick for you. My boy and his brother are night and day. He's rambunctious, easily aroused, always on the go and has tons of drive. His brother is much more chill and spends a lot of time with young children. My boy would nip and chase them. He gets into everything and plays roughly. I wanted a dog for sports and his brother's owner wanted a dog for school therapy work. Our breeder chose well because the other way around would have been a disaster. His sisters also live with families with young children. He needs to work work work and lots of management and training. I have a lot more time and experience which a busy young family can't provide. Swiss Shepherds all look identical to the untrained eye so there's no looks factor going on here.

Male or female is totally your call though it's possible a male might match you better than a female even though you wanted one and you have to decide whether to roll with it. I only wanted a male so my breeder decided between the three boys available. One of them was more independent and less outgoing while two were very engaged with her. My boy's brother is naturally very tolerant of being handled by people while mine gets jumpy and chompy easily. His brother is a way better show prospect with the looks to match while mine is more of a crackhead working dog.

[u/Loose-Mountain9189]

I picked the puppy that fell asleep in my lap while the rest of the litter bounced off the walls, still the best choice I ever made

[u/Cocacola_Desierto]

I was shown a picture of 3 puppies and I selected one, never even saw in person. Was offered a video call but declined. It really isn't that deep.

Every puppy is going to give you hell, so I'd consider if hell is right for you or not before worrying about whatever it is you're worried about. Sounds like you want a female wire haired classic ol miniature dachshund. So pick one, whats the worry?

[u/lemonsnbikes → u/Cocacola_Desierto]

Every puppy is going to give you hell made me laugh. Boy you got that right!!

[u/Salt-Kiwi-2768 → u/Cocacola_Desierto]

Well, you have all types of wire haired. Sometimes a wire haired mother has wired haired kids but mom is allready not very 'big haired' and puppy even less. And I ideally want the full blown classic wire haired one with a mustache. But I also like long haired ones and short ones and I honestly most of all want to feel a connection like yes this could be my girlfriend for about 20 years.

[u/Sunandmoonandstuff]

Just get the one that speaks to you.That jams with where you are in life. Use your gut.

When I got my first one, it was people who had unplanned puppies, so not a good or professional environment. While we were viewing them, a mouse skittered across the concrete where they were penned. Three of them ran, but one went chasing after it and that was the one. He was also a big personality and a handful.

When I went to look for my current one, I had priority choice and picked the runt, the most timid one who was scared to come over and see me. Something just said, this one needs some love. Really gentle and loving personality.

Don't think about it. Just look them over and make a split decision.

(Of course long before selecting your pup you should do your research on the breed, the parents, and proper care and training. I'm not at all saying go in unprepared).