Picking a pup...possibly to show

Any advice on picking from a litter?

Apart from the obvious anything to look for if you intend to show your dog?

Really like one of the litter but her ears are slightly larger and havent pricked yet but shes only 7 weeks at moment and know this could change.

Should i take a chance on her or go for the one thats slightly smaller but ears are more in propertion with her body?? if it doesnt work out for whatever reason the dog will be loved regardless as a family pet

Thanks

Exciting times, looking forward to seeing some pics of your new addition.  The info in this article may be of some use Choosing a puppy

Thanks for that but im still unsure about the ears x

Personally, I would go by gut feeling first impression.
You say that you really liked one from the litter (“larger ears”) and she’s your first choice. You also say she’ll be a loved family pet no matter what. She’ll be spending much more time being a pet than a show dog.

When I went to pick up Nifty at 8 weeks old, only 2 of the 5 pups’ ears were dressed. When I look through my photos, Nifty’s ears have also changed (or she’s grown into them )

One other thing, there are “defaults” like teeth alignment that are only apparent when puppy teeth are shed so even if you pick the perfect puppy, you won’t have any garantee that it’ll remain perfect as an adult ...

Good advice above.

I would also go with gut feeling

Just one other thought, over here breeders sell puppies with a sales contract. They always add the clause that they cannot guarantee that the puppy will be good enough to show once adult.
There is probably a very good reason for them to add this - that it’s very difficult to be sure that puppy will grow into show material.

Im just so unsure of which one.

The other pup is a fraction smaller and seems a bit queiter than some but not at all shy. But all could change when she comes home?

The one i was talking about is more fiesty and always playing tug with another one. She is slightly bigger but not much (all very strong litter) theres something about her face i really like. Maybe I should just stop focusing on the ears?

Argh this is so hard, thanks everyone

Ears are weird in dogs - all breeds! They go through several changes in a short period of time.

At birth they're tiny little 'v' s that have no real shape at all.

at 7 weeks her ears will be virtually full size (whereas her head certainly isn't!) but won't have developed all the cartilage that forms the finished shape.

again, when she's teething they'll probably take turns in flopping over or standing virtually erect! Very cute.

Once she gets to about 5 months you'll have a good idea what they'll end up like. So you see, unless they're really awful now, it's impossible to say. It's also true to say that a show stafford's ears (unless very heavy or fully pricked) are a minor part of the whole head when being judged.

For now, forget the ears & concentrate on whether she's healthy, lively, friendly & being raised well. Plus, your own gut instinct. This pup will hopefully be with you for 15 years so you need to 'click'.

Are the parents show dogs? If so, have you seen any show reports that will point out any faults such as heavy ears?

Thanks Gilly

Yes everything is perfect breeders are lovely people and not far from us im certain we will keep intcouch and cross paths.

Had a stafford for 15 years and own one now, just diferent when the litter is so strong and you have a choice.

Been back today and one of the ears are in place they did so the day after we visited lol. Shes quiate a character a little more outgoing. The other pup is also gorgeous slightly more chunky but a little more laid back.

Going to wait til we collect her and decide on the day!

as far as personalities go now I wouldn't bank too much on one being quite, Hank was quite at the breeders and then when we got him home he was an absolute live wire and still is now

Ha ha thanks i know ...ive thought this and the breeder mentioned it too. Quiet one may liven up once shes in her new home!

Im so lucky to be getting one of these pups and really im probably overthinking things.

Off to pick her up tommorrow cannot wait

Good luck - plenty of photos!

You must be so excited. Can’t wait for the photos.

Very exciting times, have fun !

I bet you can't wait

Thanks it certainly is exciting...pics to follow

Oh someone please kill the suspense - which one did you go for in the end ? Do tell !

Cant wait to hear which one you went for. Ill admit i have no experience showing dogs so wouldn't know what one to pick. I picked my lexi because she was the only one "NOT" suited to showing due to a slight overbite..and i had no intention to show. She was also the only black one and i live on a farm yard sooo... #CantKeepAWhiteDogClean

We picked yellow shes abs gorgeous im having trouble with my password on here and cant get a photo on x

Is she home yet ?

This link will help explain the easiest way to post pictures https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t66250-how-to-post-pictures-using-servimg

Ooh, how exciting.
Is yellow the larger or smaller pup ?
Can’t wait for the photos

Come on, we're waiting.....