Can the runt be a healthy dog ?

[riaxray]

I will be getting my puppy in 2-3 weeks and she is the runt of the litter. Born 2 hrs after the others , smaller than the others, but just as peppy. Another poster got me worried because she said that there is a health problem with the runt of the litter. Is this true? Does anyone else have runts who are now big healthy dogs? I am very nervous because this is our first puppy and I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. There are 8 puppies but she stood out to me and came right to me. Any advice will be very appreciated. I do not want to make the wrong decision.

Thanx,

Ria

 

[Eleanor]

Runt

My beloved Mack, now at the bridge, was a runt. He lived to be 13 years old, had a perfect personality.

 

[LuvBxrs]

I'm no expert but.......

I've known a lot of people who have had runts & they turned out to be very strong & healthy dogs so I wouldn't worry too much. Good luck!

 

[Shakira's Ma]

My Shakira was the runt of the litter, it appeared that all but her and another was at least 2 weeks older then her. She has been very healthy and she is 11 months old right now and weighs 61 lbs. She has a beautiful, shiney coat and is healthy as a horse. I have heard that it is sometimes good to get the runt because they have been pushed around by the bigger pups and they tend to turn out to be the sweeter dispositioned dogs. I have owned nothing but runts and I have loved and never been dissappointed by the way they have turned out. Your pup will be just fine, don't worry.

 

[WYearta]

My Boomer was the runt of the litter of 9 pups. My sister got the biggest pup out of the same litter (Tonka). Boomer now weighs about 10-15 lbs more than Tonka, has trained a whole lot better, has an overall better diposition, and is a whole lot more solidly built than hers. Not that Tonka isn't cute, but, of course, MY Boom-man is cuter! I've spoken w/the breeder and she says based on what the other owners say about their dogs, Boomer is probably one of the bigger stockier dogs.

 

[AngelsMommy]

Runt

My Angel is the runt of the litter. She is 30 lbs and is already 5 months old. she is so sweet and wonderful and healthy!! She is very muscular just shorter. Our friend has her brother (you can see them in my picture gallery) and he is much larger than her now. Runts are the cutest!!!

 

[lafsalot]

As long as the breeder is reputable and does health testing, I see no reason why you shouldn't choose the runt. We similarly chose the runt (or rather she chose us) and she has the sweetest temperment - we couldn't be happier! Do keep us posted - Cathy

 

[riaxray]

Thank you

Thank you, Thank you all !!!!! I feel much better. I fell in love with this little baby who I can not wait to come home. I also talked to my vet and he said the same as all of you. The breeder has had all the pups checked out and they are all healthy. I am so glad that I joined bw thank you all for being there. I will keep you all posted.


Hugs

Ria

 

[Draymia]

Actually a true runt many times does have health problems, BUT, most small ones are simply just the small one of the litter. I have never had a true runt in any of my litters, but have had many smaller pups. They do great and usually just need to get away from the bigger pigs in the litter. :D


So don't worry, all should be fine.

 

[WYearta]

Cheryl-
What makes a "true runt"? I guess I always thought the runt WAS just the smallest in the litter.