I believe we as the people and/or breeders who put these pups on the ground are obliged to get them every opportunity we can to make the grade.... We all have different expectations from a dog so opinions & cull suitability will vary...
I personally do it a few different ways....
I only breed for myself if I am trying to improve or add/remove a trait (good or bad) from one of my lines.
If i'm using dogs that have matured & I know them like the back of my hand, I will wait until I have 4 or 5 suitable customers on my waiting/pick list with deposits down. I will then breed and let the gyp raise the pups unaccompanied by me (except the usual wormings, weight checks & microchipping) until 7 weeks. I will obviously observe (at every opportunity) the gyp & pups interacting, teaching & learning & trying to pick the pups that are close to the parents traits with the added or removed trait that i desire (if possible at that age), then spend a few days with some basic obedience which is only the "here" command. I then make my decision on 4 or 5 pups. The others are moved on to customers.....The remainding 4 or 5 are kept until 12 weeks, decide on 2 & give the other few to hunting buddies ( i still own the dogs).
The ones my mates get are there for my kennels use if I require. This way I actually have access to 20-30 dogs (3 or 4 different lines) but only have 12 in my yard.
ALL pups that are sold to customers have an "18mth Hunting/Working" Guarantee!
This allows a risk free investment to customer & assures me, I will ALWAYS here of any faults that my lines are producing..
If I'm breeding an unknown or new line I will keep ALL pups on hand and/or give a few to some close trusted friends that HUNT on a regular basis & are competent dog people.. This is what will happen with my new import TX Mason's Hope's first litter....
I rarely cull prior to 12 mths. But I believe there are a few traits that must show up before then....ie - natural drive. Overly timid dogs will go before then!
Good thread
