Help! Runt Of The Litter...

BoxerMoments · #1 01-06-2009, 07:50 AM

Hello.. I was hoping to get some opinions, advice, help or whatever else... We finally made the decision to get our first boxer (first dog all together). I've wanted a boxer for sooo long and we found a good breeder that was very close to us that was expecting so we put a deposit down for a little boy. She just had 4 pups 1 week ago today and there was only one fawn black masked male which is the one I've always wanted but he was the smallest of the four. That was fine but now I just got an update from the breeder saying that she's been having to bottle feed him and he only weights 7 oz. whereas the other boy weights 1 lb 7 oz. clearly a huge difference. So now I'm worried about if he would turn out normal. Also, they didn't have his tail and dew claws done yet to be on the safe side because he was so little.. I find it upsetting because I've had my heart set on this one and have been waiting for about a month already only to find out he's not doing so well. The rest of them have a good amount of white markings on them, which is fine they look good, but just not the one I've always wanted. Sorry if this was a little long but please let me know what you all think... everyone seems to be so helpful on here... Thanks...

BoxerMoments · #2 01-06-2009, 09:12 AM

The breeder just let me know this morning he was up to 8.5oz. and that she's been feeding him goats milk around the clock and he has no problem feeding at all off the bottle right now and the vet said she shouldn't be too worried about him. She'll be sending me some pictures of them all later so hopefully it looks better then what I'm picturing in my head. I'd still appreciate everyone's opinions and help. Thanks!

SweetCody · #3 01-06-2009, 11:38 AM

Neither one of my dogs were runts, Cody was the largest of his litter and Aniah was bigger than him (different breeders) However I grew up with a runt pup and a runt kitty, as did my Mother. My grandmother always went for the runts, don't know why she just liked them better. We never had any troubles with it either.

Anyhow sounds as if the breeder is doing everything she can to make sure that the puppy grows normally and is healthy for you when it is time to pick him up.

Good luck.

meyerclan · #4 01-06-2009, 12:00 PM

Our boy Brewski was the runt of the littler by 8 weeks he was only 3.5lbs. At 4 mounths he's up to 31 lbs. From what I read the biggest problem with runts is people babying them. So they get spoiled. Also if you did your research and you trust the breeder she should be a good person to ask.
I say go for it if he is a good match for you but make sure he's temperment is what you want not just his looks.

BoxerMoments · #5 01-06-2009, 12:09 PM

I've been in constant contact with the breeder and she's been keeping me up to date with eveything and sent me a couple of pictures and I've been talking to her about it but I just wanted to hear from other people, you know? I've waited a long time to be able to finally get a dog so I wouldn't just take this dog just for his looks. I want a healthy happy dog and wanted to hear out siders opinions and past experiences with the same thing instead of ONLY talking to the breeder about it.

Gatorblu · #6 01-06-2009, 01:16 PM

Arabella was the smallest of the surviving pups from her litter. There were 11 of them! They lost 4 in the first 24 hours. She was tiny! The breeder watched her closely and she was usually the last to eat, but she always ate. She just turned two a couple of weeks ago and is up to 62lbs and not an ounce of fat on her. She'a my third Boxer and probably the most energetic!

Just-A-Clown · #7 01-06-2009, 04:14 PM

My opinion is not to take the pup home until he is at least 10 weeks old,they learn so much from Mom & litter mates during that time,also a responsible breeder will not let them go until they are 10 weeks
If his tail is not docked or dew claws removedby the first couple days it is to late & they will need to be amputated later
I raised my beloved Beau from 8 days old & it was round the clock care,feeding every 2 hours,I bought formula at the Pet Store I do not think goats milk has all the pup needs
Beau did grow into a beautiful boy that I LOVED deary,but issues from not being raised with litter mates arrived & we could not correct them no matter what,he was the BEST dog I ever had & I cherish his memory forever
If you really want this pup please let him stay with the mother & sibling for the full 10 weeks,it does make a difference
Also docking tail & dew claws can be done but also is painful to do later so really think about it before you get the pup,not to mention how expensive the vet bill will be for the operation
This is just mt opinion
Cathy

meyerclan · #8 01-06-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoxerMoments

I've been in constant contact with the breeder and she's been keeping me up to date with eveything and sent me a couple of pictures and I've been talking to her about it but I just wanted to hear from other people, you know? I've waited a long time to be able to finally get a dog so I wouldn't just take this dog just for his looks. I want a healthy happy dog and wanted to hear out siders opinions and past experiences with the same thing instead of ONLY talking to the breeder about it.

I am sure you put a lot into picking this dog just by how concerned you are. I was trying to reassure you but I think I may have not have expressed it correctly. I usually let my husband read things so they are said right but he's not hre. HAHAHA So if I offend you I am sorry. It's not how it was suppose to come across. I think with the right care and training he will be a great dog. My runt is.

ehayes21 · #9 01-06-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just-A-Clown

My opinion is not to take the pup home until he is at least 10 weeks old,they learn so much from Mom & litter mates during that time,also a responsible breeder will not let them go until they are 10 weeks
If his tail is not docked or dew claws removedby the first couple days it is to late & they will need to be amputated later
I raised my beloved Beau from 8 days old & it was round the clock care,feeding every 2 hours,I bought formula at the Pet Store I do not think goats milk has all the pup needs
Beau did grow into a beautiful boy that I LOVED deary,but issues from not being raised with litter mates arrived & we could not correct them no matter what,he was the BEST dog I ever had & I cherish his memory forever
If you really want this pup please let him stay with the mother & sibling for the full 10 weeks,it does make a difference
Also docking tail & dew claws can be done but also is painful to do later so really think about it before you get the pup,not to mention how expensive the vet bill will be for the operation
This is just mt opinion
Cathy

You don't have to dock their tails and get their dew claws removed later. I've known perfectly good tailed and clawed boxers.
I would say if the breeder is reputable, i.e. does health testing, has proved her dogs worthy of breeding and is experienced, then go with the runt.

Just-A-Clown · #10 01-06-2009, 05:26 PM

No you do not need to dock tail or remove dew claw,just want her to be sure that since it has not been done,if she wants it done to really think before doing , lots of Boxers have their tails & dew claws & they are beautiful with or without tails
Yes be certain you are with a reputable breeder