Whenever we have a pup or two left in a litter, I often get the question, “Why hasn’t anyone picked *this* puppy?” They might as well ask, “What’s wrong with it?” The answer is nothing. There is absolutely nothing ‘wrong’ with it. I simply haven’t had the right person come along for that particular puppy. The reasons for that are as numerous as there are people on the planet. Each puppy is an individual, just as each prospective owner is an individual.

It’s been an issue for as long as we’ve been breeding Australian Shepherds, which is over twenty years. I call it the Leftover Puppy Syndrome and it can happen whether it’s a smaller litter of four or five, or a larger one of ten or more. It’s the perception that whichever puppies haven’t been selected by eight weeks of age have some significant flaw that makes them somehow undesirable. This breaks my heart, because many, many of the most accomplished and best loved dogs we’ve ever bred were the last to find homes. Later, I’ll give some examples that bust that myth to smithereens.

Let me back up, because I believe it starts with another myth that needs to die: the Pick of the Litter. There’s a perception that in each litter, there is ONE puppy whose qualities (structure and personality) far exceed those of the others and *that* puppy alone would be everyone’s ‘pick of the litter’. The problem with this belief is that it assumes everyone is looking for and prioritizes the same traits—that they interpret the breed standard exactly the same, are all pursuing the same goals, and have the exact same personalities themselves. It also assumes that the rest of the puppies are somehow inferior. That if you don’t get first pick, you are somehow settling for less.

Let’s break that down. Does everyone have the same goals for a puppy, even within a breed? No, they don’t. Some want to show in conformation but most buyers simply want a sweet dog, so already we can see not everyone’s goals are the same. Others want to do dog sports. While yet others simply need a companion that suits their lifestyle. See, we didn’t have to get very far to obliterate that myth.

Even if two people have similar goals, they may vary in how they value specific traits. Those wanting to show in conformation or breed eventually will each interpret the breed standard slightly differently and focus on different goals. (Notice I keep saying the word ‘different’?) If judges all interpreted the breed standard exactly the same, there’d be no point in multiple entries at a show because only one dog would win every time. As far as breeding, if we were all using the same dogs, pretty soon we’d have a bottleneck and no genetic diversity. There would be no kennels that specialize in show dogs, or working dogs, or performance dogs. Differences allow for diversity. And that allows breeders to meet the more specific needs of owners.

What if you have no interest in breeding or showing conformation and are primarily looking for a companion? A dog to accompany you on your many travels. To be your emotional support when times are tough. While searching for a companion pup, you may have a preference as far as looks, but what’s going to matter most to you is the dog’s personality (temperament) and energy level and how that meshes with yours.

What if you’re a dog sport enthusiast? In that case, a lot of the specific personality traits you desire will apply, but so will instinct and physical ability. Some trainers like a more bombproof, resilient dog. Some prefer a highly responsive dog that is what we call ‘biddable’—meaning a dog that wants to please you and puts your agenda above theirs. Some owners want a dog that is more independent with high drive and high energy. Others want a distinct on/off switch.

The needs and preferences of potential owners are vast. How does that factor into the Leftover Puppy Syndrome? Well, it depends not only on who comes looking at your litter, but also the puppies you have in that litter, the size of the litter, market saturation, and location.

Long ago, I learned it’s better for me to hang on to a puppy until I get the feeling this is the right home for *this* puppy. I’m sure a few people have been upset with me in that regard and that’s okay. I have to be the puppy’s advocate. I also need to consider that the relationship I’ll have with this person is going to last for the life of the dog.

The picture to the right is “Yogi” born a singleton, struggled to live the first two weeks to survive, was for sale and had 3 buyers. In the end, I kept him and he has turned out to be an awesome dog.

As you can see, there isn’t necessarily anything ‘wrong’ with leftover puppies. Sometimes they’re just waiting to get matched up with the right person who’s going to help them shine.

Next time you’re looking for a puppy and it’s the last one left in a litter, don’t assume there’s something wrong with it. Ask about it. Let the breeder help you decide if that puppy’s right for you. If not, respect their decision. And if it is, count yourself lucky that you found a breeder who cares enough to wait for just the right situation for every puppy they help bring into the world.