When it comes to puppy litters, the “runt” generally refers to the smallest dog. For instance, if you have a litter of newborn Great Danes, most will weigh one to two pounds. Yet, the runt may fall outside of these parameters, maybe only weighing several ounces. The runt may also seem weaker than its littermates and get left out of feeding sessions because of its size.
With proper care, the runt of the litter can reach a normal weight and thrive. Read on to learn more.
The Runt Is the Smallest Puppy
Mother dogs will generally have anywhere from one to 12 puppies, depending on their breed and size. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) explains, smaller dogs typically have smaller litters; bigger dogs have bigger litters. At birth, a litter will generally yield puppies of equal size. Yet, one may be smaller than the rest. That’s because, while in the womb, it might not have received adequate nutrition through its placenta. The good news is that with a steady diet of its mother’s milk, the runt of the litter will generally reach the normal size for its breed.
Here are some other things to know about runts:
- A seasoned dog breeder will generally identify the runt and separate it from its littermates during feeding time. That way, it doesn’t have to fight for milk or risk missing meals.
- Monitor a puppy’s development as it grows. If a puppy remains noticeably smaller than its littermates throughout its development, even with adequate feeding, it may require veterinary attention.
- Runts might not grow to reach their breed’s full size—and that’s okay as long as they don’t have other health problems.
Why Are Some Dogs Small at Birth?
There are many reasons why some dogs are smaller than their littermates at birth. For example, imagine that you have a litter of Golden Retrievers mixed with miniature Poodles to create Goldendoodles. Because this is a mixed breed, there will be variability within litters. Some dogs may take after the Golden Retriever parent and weigh close to a pound at birth; others may take after the miniature Poodle and boast a few ounces.
Unfortunately, some dogs are small at birth because of congenital health defects, such as malformed organs and cardiac problems. While these dogs can overcome these obstacles and live healthy lives, they require some special care considerations. For instance, a veterinarian may suggest supplementing the puppy’s diet with nutrient-rich formulations to promote weight gain. They may also prescribe medications to prevent or manage certain lifelong conditions.
When Would a Small Puppy Warrant Concern?
Low birth weight on its own isn’t cause for concern if a puppy is otherwise active, gaining weight, and eating normally. However, you may consult a veterinarian if:
- Your dog frequently gets sick. Low birth weight can correlate with weakened immune systems in puppies. A veterinarian can create a management plan that builds your dog’s immune system and fights off preventable diseases, such as kennel cough.
- Your dog isn’t as active as its littermates. Puppies can easily sleep for 20 hours a day! But during the runt’s waking hours, if you notice general lethargy or the dog seems nonresponsive to stimuli (such as treats and toys), this could indicate a problem.
- Your dog doesn’t gain weight. A puppy will steadily gain weight until they’re fully grown. If you notice stagnancy with growth, consult your vet. Your dog may need alterations to their meal plans to help them gain weight.
There’s no such thing as being overcautious when it comes to your puppy’s health. Talk to their veterinarian if you feel something is amiss with their health and development.
Are Runts Cheaper Than Bigger Puppies?
Instant gratification doesn’t exist when it comes to purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder. If you’re looking to purchase a purebred puppy screened for genetic health conditions, you’ll likely be on a waiting list long before it’s even born. Then, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the biggest one; you could pay full price and get the runt of the litter. But because runts generally reach normal size at adulthood, this isn’t a problem. So, you probably won’t pay less for the runt of the litter.
If you are paying significantly less for the so-called runt of a litter, this is a red flag. Experienced breeders know that size doesn’t matter at birth; a healthy dog will reach a healthy size. However, a backyard breeder might not know this and feel that runts somehow have less value than normal-sized dogs. They may also fail to disclose other information, such as congenital health defects, malnourishment, and overall failure to thrive.
Always, always, always do business with ethical breeders associated with kennel clubs and other breed-specific organizations. That way, you can ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy at a fair price.
What Is the “Pick” of the Litter?
Imagine that you’re looking at a litter of Labrador Retriever puppies, oohing and awing as you watch these yellow, chocolate, and black pups play. The runt of the litter, as noted, would be the smallest one, perhaps hanging off to the side as its larger littermates play. This is contrasted with the pick of the litter, which would be the largest, most boisterous puppy.
Fast forward a few years. Assuming that these puppies were healthy and ethically bred, it wouldn’t be so easy to differentiate between the runt of the litter and the pick of the litter. At adulthood, all dogs would be roughly the same size, give or take a few pounds and inches. We said it once, and we’ll say it again: runts might be small at birth, but generally reach a normal size upon reaching adulthood.
