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KevinN
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« on: February 13, 2012, 01:10:07 pm » |
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What does runt of the litter mean? I'm not asking about physical aspects. Obviously it's the smallest/ possibly weakest pup in the litter physically. I'm talking about mental attributes - socialization, prey/ hunting drive, obedience. Does size during the first few weeks of life affect anything. I know many a dog man who ends up keeping what nobody wants out of his litter because of his confidence in the breeding. What's yall's experience with runts?
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"Let's talk some philosophy"
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matt_aggie04
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« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2012, 01:13:54 pm » |
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I know of two litters I raised off of my Brandy dog the runt went on to be one of the best if not the best in the litter. Dont know why, just what I observed. Also, both dogs grew up to full size and if I didn't tell you you would bever know they were the runt.
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"No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session" - Mark Twain (1866)
"I hate rude behavior in a man, I won't tolerate it"~Woodrow F. Call
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."~Thomas Jefferson
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ARhogdogs
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« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2012, 01:17:06 pm » |
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I pick the runts everytime just cause I like a smaller framed dog and I haven't had any problems. A couple have been exceptional.
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arrowbar
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« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2012, 01:55:21 pm » |
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I look at it as a double edged sword, the runt has to fight to live so the drive is usually high but it also doesnt get has much nourishment and this could effect the neurological development as well as the rest of the body and this could lead to some deficits. Not all litters have true runts meaning not all will have the smaller stature.
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Corey
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« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2012, 01:59:36 pm » |
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From my experience they have to have more "get after it" just to keep upin the beginning, once they mature most times there is little to no difference in size to mates but they haven' t lost the attitude. JMO
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charles
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« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2012, 05:35:00 pm » |
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I would agree with all comments so far. I kept a runt outa the last 2 litters n i couldnt tell size diff in the othr mates aftr a yr old. As far as hunt, im not hm enuf to hunt them to say ya or na, but both the runts seemed to hav the will pwr to b the first to accomplish its tasks.
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Why should I trade one tyrant three thousand miles away for three thousand tyrants one mile away? An elected legislature can trample a man's rights as easily as a king can!
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ARhogdogs
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« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2012, 05:47:03 pm » |
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both my runts i am referring to are smaller than the parents, thats the only thing i can refer them to. one is only 7 months old so still some growing to do but the other is a pit and not near as big as was expected. although he does have some arthritis problems at a young age. this very well could play a role i guess but idk, i usually just take it for what it is and dont read into it that far.
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YELLOWBLACKMASK
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« Reply #7 on: February 13, 2012, 06:02:03 pm » |
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The runt went on to be one of the best if not the best in the litter.
Highly agree. Have owned three runts that made ace dogs over their littermates all afforded the same training and opportunities. Can't explain it but definitely a believer. |
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KevinN
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« Reply #8 on: February 13, 2012, 06:39:25 pm » |
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As I expected. Good to know. Thanks Boys.
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"Let's talk some philosophy"
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BarrNinja
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« Reply #9 on: February 13, 2012, 07:45:29 pm » |
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What they said!
One the best dogs I have ever owned was the runt of the litter.
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"No man should be allowed to be President who does not understand hogs." - President Harry Truman
“I like hogs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Hogs treat us as equals” - Sir Winston Churchill
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txhogsanddogs
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« Reply #10 on: February 13, 2012, 07:57:10 pm » |
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I know of one person that hasn't owned many dogs but 2 of his dogs were runts and were aces for sure. TColt most everyone knows his Lasy dog and Soco, both different breeds but excellent dogs. I know my choice in the litter from now on!  |
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Proud TDHA Member!
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Reuben
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« Reply #11 on: February 13, 2012, 08:35:15 pm » |
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the best female I had was the runt but she was well built and she was nice sized when grown and didn't need any help to find and stop a hog...but day in and day out I would have to go with the best pup at the time of having to make a choice of which one to keep...does not mean they will be the best ones when grown but they will be the best ones at the time of deciding which ones go and which ones stay.
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Training dogs is not about quantity, it's more about timing, the right situations, and proper guidance...After that it's up to the dog...
A hunting dog is born not made...
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Lance
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« Reply #12 on: February 13, 2012, 10:22:02 pm » |
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Runt Power !!! Always root for the underdog !
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A scared dog dont get no meat !
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buddylee
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« Reply #13 on: February 14, 2012, 05:37:29 am » |
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I have a litter of 3 week old pups. The mothers milk was late coming in so I lost half the litter. The smallest puppy worked hard to get milk. Saw her hanging off the mothers nipple after the mother stood up and walked around. This was when they were a week old. I decided she had a lot of drive or desire then.
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