Litter runt

Question
Hello Nancy,
Today, my family and I drove down to see the three week old fawn colored female doberman for which we had already sent a deposit. The breeder never hid the fact that she was the runt, but she is so tiny compared to her siblings. The breeder said we could have first pick of an upcoming litter if we are scared about taking the runt. She weighs just over a pound whereas her siblings are more like 3 pounds. She has been removed from her actual mother and has been nursing alongside a younger liter of weimeriner pups. The breeder says that our puppy is eating well and is coming along just fine. The puppy looks a little frail and was sleepy when we saw her (not as "playful" as her sibs).

Question -- would your advice be to pass on the runt? Or, may she turn out OK? I have heard much about runts be so much more prone to health issues. Thanks.

Answer
Thanks for your question.  Yes this is true that runts do have health issues in some cases.  However; my advice would be to get a regular puppy that you know will be healthy.  I say this because you have to ask your self if you would rather have a small puppy that is not her regulation size or would you rather get pick of the litter and be assured a healthy puppy.  Now you also have to ask the breeder what kind of health agreement they have.  Some say a 1 year garentee some are 3 years.  This is if the puppy dies they will give you your money back or give you another puppy.  The choice is up to you.  I personally would go for the first pick of the up coming litter.  But thats just me....Hope this helps mail me back and let me know.

Kati