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Is it true that the runt of the litter is usually the smartest of the litter?
Is it true that the runt of the litter is usually the smartest of the litter?
Found [7] Posts :: Page 1 of 1
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Posted: 10:17:33 AM 7/13/2009
Is it true that the runt of the litter is usually the smartest of the litter?

Why would someone want the runt of the litter?
oxfordbostons
Posted: 10:23:25 AM 7/13/2009
When I have selected my pups in the past, I always choose the runt. I guess I just like them.

Are they the smartest? I don't know about that, really. I think it depends on how much time, energy and effort you are willing to put into a dog that makes it smart. You can't just expect him or her to know what you want them to do. They all have to be taught and trained.

Best of luck!
Friends will step in when the rest of the world steps out.
riley1
Posted: 12:08:30 PM 7/13/2009
Deja vu. Hey Ox, didn't I start a thread similar to this with a dog having a black mouth being smarter? I'm sure this is a myth with a runt being smarter as well. I've also heard it the other way around as the first born being the smartest, because it is the first to a teet. Or with two blue eyes in a working breed being a wash out and cannot herd as well. I did research on these topics, and they are wivestails by just people having these experiences with these type of dogs. That doesn't necessarily make them true. Hope this helped a little.
Animals, what animals? My children just have alot of hair!
rainbowzoo622
Posted: 1:26:12 PM 7/13/2009
This saying probably was started because the runt of the litter tends to get extra stimulation from the humans caring for it from a younger age than the rest of the litter. Because we pity it, we give extra time, attention, nutrients, etc. above and beyond what we give the littermates. Thus the runt is more likely to bond well with humans, read our body language better, more driven to please us, and so we find it "smarter."
http://www.dogster.com/family/614817
oxfordbostons
Posted: 3:07:36 PM 7/13/2009
Ahhh...I remember your post, Riley.

Yeah, I have to agree. The runts get a bit more attention, etc. but I have always picked them for some reason. However, as a breeder, when my parents come back to share info and pics, all of the dogs from the litter do well. I have photos from our litter in November of last year and I could not put them all in a line and tell you which one was the runt.

Cool topic thou.
Friends will step in when the rest of the world steps out.
illusionminis
Posted: 4:45:03 PM 7/13/2009
I don't think size has anything to do with it. the runt alot of times is just an egg that was fertilized last. Most runts end up the same size as their siblings. I would definatly agree, they do get some much more attention, but I don't think they are actually smarter
BIG HEARTS IN A SMALL PACKAGE
pyrmom
Posted: 7:10:29 AM 7/14/2009
It's something I've always heard too. Perhaps it's because they have to fight harder & be more clever to survive?
"Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant". author unknown
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