More on Puppies
While handling the puppies in the litter, examine their physical appearance a bit more closely. The puppies should feel smooth and sleek. Lumps and bumps could be indicative of poor care (allowing the puppies to be bitten or stung by insects or spiders) or poor health (such as skin disorders or tumors).
If possible, arrange to see the litter of puppies more than once to get a true feel for each puppy's character. For example, a puppy may appear sluggish if she has just finished eating. But when you visit a second time — right after the pups have woken up — that same puppy may be a wild little girl that loves to play.
Examine the puppies' eyes, ears, and anal region. There should be no signs of drainage or infection. Also, there should be no signs of diarrhea or anything abnormal. The puppies' coats should be thick and full with no signs of matting, thinness, or balding. Separate the coat hairs to look at the skin, too. It should not be red and irritated, oily, or scaly.
And don't forget to always ask to meet the pup's parents. This is perhaps the single best way to determine what a puppy's temperament will be. If the parents are outgoing, friendly, and well mannered, it is likely that the puppies will inherit a good share of this congeniality. Of course, the rest is up to you.
