slow to respond puppy.

Question
QUESTION: I am looking to purchase a mini breed for breeding purposes. I have viewed the pup and been informed it was a tough birth with her being the only pup surviving. she seems a little unresponsive and slightly less active than i would have imagined. Could this be as a result of the hard birth or just as a result of being the only pup in the litter? Is it likely to affect her in the long term if so.

ANSWER: Hi Louise

When purchasing a pup for breeding stock you want to consider all factors.  The number of pups in a litter, the ease/difficulty of the whelp, and so on.

A female that produces small litters means her  body kicks out a smaller number of eggs.  She may pass this on to her off-spring (if you are looking at a female).  Also you want free whelping lines and females that can delivery without complications.

A singleton doesn't have to mean there is problems with the pup, and often times they thrive as their is no competition for food.  They do however need more socialization as they lack in social skills.

How old is the pup?  And what breed is it?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Joyce, Thank you for prompt reply! She is a 7 week old miniature dachshund. She is definately in great condition and I have been advised that she is a little slower because she has had no littermates. I am more worried that it could be permenant damage due to a lack of oxygen....is this common?

ANSWER: She is 7 weeks old and "slower".  What exactly do you mean by that.  Singleton's are usually going concerns because they've had everything to themselves.

Brain damage can be a concern, how long was she without oxygen?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: She is not as alert as I would have expected. I'm not sure if she was with out oxygen. I  have two other dachshunds so socialising her would not be a problem. I am of the opinion that she is just lacking social skills but just needed to double check.

Answer
Lacking social skills is always a concern for singletons.  But she should still want to be around other dogs.

If you are using her for breeding and have some doubts, better to stick to your gut feelings.  Temperament issues can be pasted down to the off-spring.  And breeding animals should always be the best of the best.