okay dog lovers out there.....I know you have heard of the saying......he/she is the runt of the bunch. What is considered a runt of the litter so to speak???

Sometimes one puppy will be much smaller than the rest of the litter from birth. This puppy is referred to as the runt. These little guys need help sometimes to get enough food from the mother, as the bigger kids will push them aside. Many times these puppies are weaker overall and subject to health problems. Some grow up to be normal adults, some don't.

I've heard usually the 'runt' is the last egg time-wise to be inseminated by the male dog's sperm.

I helped a friend sell her dogs once and there was a runt that was so tiny! Well everyone wanted her she was healthy and all I guess people just want small dogs. I ended up taking the one that no one wanted since I wanted a puppy and did not care what one. My puppy (now young adult) stayed at 3-4lbs and the runt is now 7lbs which was even bigger than the parents! I always tell people just because it is the runt does not mean it will be forever!

Yes but it is true that normally the smaller dog is not as strong as the others. With this litter though they were all healthy and in good shape which can also happen.

pupsncups, that is not the definition of a runt. That is the misconception about runts actually. Runts catch up and can be just as big and healthy as the others down the road, if not bigger. If a dog stays small than it is because of genetics.

runt (rŭnt)
n.
1. An undersized animal, especially the smallest animal of a litter.
2. Offensive. A short person.

[Origin unknown.]

runt'i·ness n.
runt'y adj


I do not see any mention of "health problems" in that definition. Both of my dogs were runts. My miniature schnauzer is now bigger than all of her brothers and sisters.

Runt, is reffering to the size of the pup because it was the last egg to be fertilized. Over all they are just smaller because they were conceived last.

"Many times these puppies are weaker overall and subject to health problems. Some grow up to be normal adults, some don't."
That definition can describe ANY puppy really.

If you find a reputable breeder, your puppy will be fine. Whichever one you choose. As long as you research the dogs breeding history, and bloodlines of the pup in question.




Becky


***Edited By: pope1982 on 8/12/2005 12:53:18 PM***
Reason: ...