06/03/2023
Well said! 🤗
The Leftover Puppy Syndrome and the Pick of the Litter Myth
Whenever we have a pup or two left in a litter, I often get the question, “Why hasn’t anyone picked *this* puppy?” They might as well ask, “What’s wrong with it?” The answer is nothing. There is absolutely nothing ‘wrong’ with it. I simply haven’t had the right person come along for that particular puppy. The reasons for that are as numerous as there are people on the planet. Each puppy is an individual, just as each prospective owner is an individual.
It’s been an issue for as long as we’ve been breeding Australian Shepherds, which is over thirty years. I call it the Leftover Puppy Syndrome and it can happen whether it’s a smaller litter of four or five, or a larger one of ten or more. It’s the perception that whichever puppies haven’t been selected by eight weeks of age have some significant flaw that makes them somehow undesirable. This breaks my heart, because many, many of the most accomplished and best loved dogs we’ve ever bred were the last to find homes. This post discusses why that is. Later, I’ll give some examples that bust that myth to smithereens.
Let me back up, because I believe it starts with another myth that needs to die: the Pick of the Litter. There’s a perception that in each litter, there is ONE puppy whose qualities (structure and personality) far exceed those of the others and *that* puppy alone would be everyone’s ‘pick of the litter’. The problem with this belief is that it assumes everyone is looking for and prioritizes the same traits—that they interpret the breed standard exactly the same, are all pursuing the same goals, and have the exact same personalities themselves. It also assumes that the rest of the puppies are somehow inferior. That if you don’t get first pick, you are somehow settling for less.
Let’s break that down. Does everyone have the same goals for a puppy, even within a breed? No, they don’t. Some want to show in conformation. However, most aren’t interested in doing that, so already we can see not everyone’s goals are the same. Others want to do dog sports. While yet others simply need a companion that suits their lifestyle. See, we didn’t have to get very far to obliterate that myth.
Even if two people have similar goals, they may vary in how they value specific traits. Those wanting to show in conformation or breed eventually will each interpret the breed standard slightly differently and focus on different goals. (Notice I keep saying the word ‘different’?) If judges all interpreted the breed standard exactly the same, there’d be no point in multiple entries at a show because only one dog would win every time. As far as breeding, if we were all using the same dogs, pretty soon we’d have a bottleneck and no genetic diversity. There would be no kennels that specialize in show dogs, or working dogs, or performance dogs. Differences allow for diversity. And that allows breeders to meet the more specific needs of owners.
What if you have no interest in breeding or showing conformation and are primarily looking for a companion? A dog to accompany you on your many travels. To hang out with the grandkids on holidays. To be your emotional support when times are tough. While searching for a companion pup, you may have a preference as far as looks, but what’s going to matter most to you is the dog’s personality (temperament) and energy level and how that meshes with yours. Do you want a dog that’s sensitive to your moods and has a strong bond with you? Do you live in a shady neighborhood and would appreciate a dog that’s highly alert? Are you a softspoken person who needs a calmer, more sensitive dog? Are you a boisterous person who’d probably do better with a tougher, more resilient dog? Again, we’re all different.
What if you’re a dog sport enthusiast? In that case, a lot of the specific personality traits you desire will apply, but so will instinct and physical ability. Some trainers like a more bombproof, resilient dog. Some prefer a highly responsive dog that is what we call ‘biddable’—meaning a dog that wants to please you and puts your agenda above theirs. Some owners want a dog that is more independent with high drive and high energy. Others want a distinct on/off switch. Again, an owner’s needs will vary, too, even within the same discipline.
The needs and preferences of potential owners are vast. How does that factor into the Leftover Puppy Syndrome? Well, it depends not only on who comes looking at your litter, but also the puppies you have in that litter, the size of the litter, market saturation, and location.
Let me address the last two. I live in Ohio, where puppy mills and backyard breeders are abundant. If someone is looking for a companion, they may not know how to find a reputable breeder or differentiate the quality of the breeding stock from various breeders. I only breed a litter every 18-24 months; puppy mills and backyard breeders have a continuous supply. Too many BYB and puppy mills will saturate a market locally. Market saturation can also be reached when numerous breeders choose to have a litter at roughly the same time. This just happens. Nothing nefarious. We each tend to make our own individual decisions as far as the timing of litters. Sometimes there are not enough puppies for the number of people looking. Sometimes there are way too many. Supply and demand.
Location can be a big factor. We’ve sent puppies all over the US and to Europe. Some breeders want to introduce different lines. Some dog sport enthusiasts want a specific type of dog. These people are willing to ship a puppy or dog or drive great distances to get them. Other new owners choose to look for something closer. It can be that simple.
One final factor. I’ve discussed people’s goals and needs. The location of the breeder. Supply and demand, as well as market saturation. But there’s also the litter itself, how big it is, what it’s been bred for, and the assortment nature provides. Every litter will vary in depth of quality—‘quality’ being a subjective term. Also, it would be great if we breeders could order up the exact puppies that matched up with waiting owners, but that never happens. Sometimes when I have oodles of people waiting, I get a small litter. Or like this last time, when I only have a few people waiting, I get almost a dozen puppies. And trust me, there is almost never the right amount of girls vs. boys or specific colors. Breeding a litter is a little like pulling out your seven tiles for Scrabble. You get what you get. But in this case, you can’t stick your tiles back in the bag because you got all vowels and have a do-over.
It’s up to the breeder to sift through inquiries and decide, to the best of their knowledge and based on their experience, if what they have to offer fits your needs. After all, they’ve invested years or even decades in producing a specific line, so they need to know that each of their charges is ending up in the right hands. No breeder relishes a dog being bounced back because they didn’t vet a prospective home thoroughly or wants to deal with someone who complains incessantly about their dog.
Long ago, I learned it’s better for me to hang on to a puppy until I get the feeling this is the right home for *this* puppy. I’m sure a few people have been upset with me in that regard and that’s okay. I have to be the puppy’s advocate. I also need to consider that the relationship I’ll have with this person is going to last for the life of the dog.
My husband and I came up with a list of ‘Leftover Puppies’ from some litters over the decades. These were puppies that were the last to get selected, or for whom no suitable home came along and ended up staying here:
• Tarragon of Imagineer (Two-time World Frisbee Finalist) (John Casey)
• ATCH-OP, MACH. 5, PDCH Diamond Dust of Imagineer ASCA/AKC CD, MXF, RE, PTM, MXS2, MJS2, DNA-VP (Lisa Kucharski)
• Imagineers You Won't Be Sorry CL-3, JS-N (Holly Brubaker)
• ASCA Ch. Imagineers Cleared for Takeoff GS-N, JS-N, BN, CD, REX, RAX, RNX, CGC, TKI (Lanae and Adam Woods)
• Ch. Hot Java of Imagineer STDsd, DNA-VP (ours)
• HOF Eagle Creek's Prima Donna DNA-CP, OA, NAJ, RV-O/OAC-V, JV-O/OJC-V, GV-N,/ NGC-V (sired by a dog of ours but acquired from another breeder)
(And also, some of the best buddies in the world who never earned any big titles.)
As you can see, there isn’t necessarily anything ‘wrong’ with leftover puppies. Sometimes they’re just waiting to get matched up with the right person who’s going to help them shine.
Next time you’re looking for a puppy and it’s the last one left in a litter, don’t assume there’s something wrong with it. Ask about it. Let the breeder help you decide if that puppy’s right for you. If not, respect their decision. And if it is, count yourself lucky that you found a breeder who cares enough to wait for just the right situation for every puppy they help bring into the world.
(Pictured: ASCA Ch. Hot Java of Imagineer STDsd, great-great-great grandmother to our most recent litter. A puppy nobody picked, so we decided to keep her. Good thing we did!)
