"Characters" of the Litter"

Leader of the Pack: One pup usually declares itself the leader of the pack. Pack leaders are first at everything. Even if they don't get there first, they'll bully their way through to the top spot.

The Adventure Lover: This pup puts up with the leader type and stands its own ground if it has to, but would rather quietly investigate what is going on in its world. The adventurer is usually inclined to be somewhat gregarious and capable of sharing its affection with all members of the family and is the kind of dog that would do just as well on the road with a handler as it would traveling to shows with its owner.

The passive Pup: Don't confuse the passive type of puppy with one that is downright shy. The passive pup is apt to allow its littermates take what they want and will avoid serious tussles at all costs. While the passive pup doesn’t run and cower, it would probably be more happy to walk the proverbial mile to avoid a confrontation. This type of pup does best with a steady, supportive owner who offers lots of attention and patience.  In the right hands, the more passive pup can be a whiz at learning because its goal in life is usually to please.

The Shy One: The shy one is a problem child, but one who comes at the opposite end of the spectrum from its pack leader littermate. This puppy seems to react in fear to almost everything, including litter-mates who play too rough, loud noises, or strange people. People who do not know what the situation really is are apt to assume the puppy has been abused when that is not the case at all. Shy puppies can be born to a litter in which all the other puppies have absolutely delightful temperaments. Shy pups show their temperament right from the time their eyes first open and when they begin to walk around the whelping box. Their treatment and experiences are no different than those of the other puppies. Try as you might, you may never really be able to conquer the puppy’s unfounded fears. This pup needs a mature person with no children who understands temperament difficulties and is still happy to provide a home for the pup. Some shy puppies grow to adulthood as quiet, devoted pets of elderly or at least mature couples. While the stability of the pups improves somewhat, new situations, strange people, or sudden loud noises are a problem through the dog’s entire life.

The Suspicious One: Always be very concerned about any young puppy that was properly socialized like its littermates and is still suspicious of strangers or openly aggressive toward littermates or especially people.