Myth
Myth-buster: There’s No "Pick of the Litter"
With the spring breeding season behind us and fall approaching, inquiries have started rolling in—and with them, a question I would love to banish: “How much for the pick of the litter?”
This is not just a simple question; it is a loaded one. It assumes there is a hierarchy—good, better, best—in every litter. But here is the truth: there is no “pick of the litter.” As my mentor wisely said:
I chose the best female to mother these puppies and the best male to sire them. Every puppy in this litter is a winner. Your pick may not be mine, and mine may not be yours.”
The Novice Buyer
When someone asks, “How much for a male?” or “What’s the price for the pick?” I know I am speaking with someone new to the world of responsible breeding. Another red flag? Haggling over price. As one breeder friend puts it: “The price is the price. Period.”
Litters are priced based on the parents’ titles, pedigree, and lineage—not gender or perceived "quality." There are no discount puppies here. (One renowned German kennel even says bluntly: *“Prices begin at $2,500. Do not offer us less.” While our Wolves Den Ranch German Shepherds are priced with families in mind, our philosophy is the same. This is not a used car lot; there is no haggling.
What Even Is a “Pick”?
The idea of a “pick” suggests there is a single “best” puppy in every litter. While breeders *might* evaluate puppies for future breeding potential, the notion of a goal “best” is a myth. Puppies change dramatically in their early weeks—the runt catches up, the bulky one slims down, and personalities appear. The “ugly duckling” at birth could be the standout by five weeks.
Beyond breeding potential, calling a puppy the “pick” is often just pride. But pride in what? Are you showing in conformation? Competing in IPO? Training for SAR or service work? Training for service dogs or therapy? Your ideal puppy will not be the same as mine—or the next buyer’s.
- A stunning show dog might lack the drive for Schutzhund.
- An elite SAR dog might not win beauty contests.
- A service prospect needs entirely different traits.
And if you just want a pet? Bragging about the “pick” is meaningless. What matters is finding the right match for you.
Your Puppy Is Your Pick
Here is how I handle the “pick” question: **Your puppy will be *your* pick. ** By six weeks, I know each puppy’s personality and potential. Families share their lifestyle, goals, and dreams—and together, we find their perfect match.
Unlike some breeders, I do not hide “held-back” puppies. At the first viewing, you will see the “entire” litter (yes, even the ones I might keep). Why? Because I want you to know your puppy is just as exceptional as the others.
After narrowing down by gender (though I encourage open-mindedness—got a house full of boys? A female may be ideal!), I will point out any reserved puppies. What ‘s still available? A group of outstanding pups, each with unique strengths. The reaction is always the same: “Wow, they’re all so nice!”
Are they identical? No. Sizes, markings, and personalities vary that is the point. But I will guide you:
- Need a family pet? I will steer you toward the easygoing ones.
- Dream of SAR? I have already noted the pups with the best noses (and started their “find it!” training).
In the end, you choose. And always, it is the puppy I envisioned for you—the one who runs to your child or curls up in your lap. That moment? Pure magic.
Pride in our Name
Rather than bragging about the “pick of the litter,” I hope our families take pride in owning a Wolves Den Ranch German Shepherd. That is the legacy I strive for: not a hierarchy of “best” puppies, but a community of proud owners who cherish their dogs—and the care behind them.
With the spring breeding season behind us and fall approaching, inquiries have started rolling in—and with them, a question I would love to banish: “How much for the pick of the litter?”
This is not just a simple question; it is a loaded one. It assumes there is a hierarchy—good, better, best—in every litter. But here is the truth: there is no “pick of the litter.” As my mentor wisely said:
I chose the best female to mother these puppies and the best male to sire them. Every puppy in this litter is a winner. Your pick may not be mine, and mine may not be yours.”
The Novice Buyer
When someone asks, “How much for a male?” or “What’s the price for the pick?” I know I am speaking with someone new to the world of responsible breeding. Another red flag? Haggling over price. As one breeder friend puts it: “The price is the price. Period.”
Litters are priced based on the parents’ titles, pedigree, and lineage—not gender or perceived "quality." There are no discount puppies here. (One renowned German kennel even says bluntly: *“Prices begin at $2,500. Do not offer us less.” While our Wolves Den Ranch German Shepherds are priced with families in mind, our philosophy is the same. This is not a used car lot; there is no haggling.
What Even Is a “Pick”?
The idea of a “pick” suggests there is a single “best” puppy in every litter. While breeders *might* evaluate puppies for future breeding potential, the notion of a goal “best” is a myth. Puppies change dramatically in their early weeks—the runt catches up, the bulky one slims down, and personalities appear. The “ugly duckling” at birth could be the standout by five weeks.
Beyond breeding potential, calling a puppy the “pick” is often just pride. But pride in what? Are you showing in conformation? Competing in IPO? Training for SAR or service work? Training for service dogs or therapy? Your ideal puppy will not be the same as mine—or the next buyer’s.
- A stunning show dog might lack the drive for Schutzhund.
- An elite SAR dog might not win beauty contests.
- A service prospect needs entirely different traits.
And if you just want a pet? Bragging about the “pick” is meaningless. What matters is finding the right match for you.
Your Puppy Is Your Pick
Here is how I handle the “pick” question: **Your puppy will be *your* pick. ** By six weeks, I know each puppy’s personality and potential. Families share their lifestyle, goals, and dreams—and together, we find their perfect match.
Unlike some breeders, I do not hide “held-back” puppies. At the first viewing, you will see the “entire” litter (yes, even the ones I might keep). Why? Because I want you to know your puppy is just as exceptional as the others.
After narrowing down by gender (though I encourage open-mindedness—got a house full of boys? A female may be ideal!), I will point out any reserved puppies. What ‘s still available? A group of outstanding pups, each with unique strengths. The reaction is always the same: “Wow, they’re all so nice!”
Are they identical? No. Sizes, markings, and personalities vary that is the point. But I will guide you:
- Need a family pet? I will steer you toward the easygoing ones.
- Dream of SAR? I have already noted the pups with the best noses (and started their “find it!” training).
In the end, you choose. And always, it is the puppy I envisioned for you—the one who runs to your child or curls up in your lap. That moment? Pure magic.
Pride in our Name
Rather than bragging about the “pick of the litter,” I hope our families take pride in owning a Wolves Den Ranch German Shepherd. That is the legacy I strive for: not a hierarchy of “best” puppies, but a community of proud owners who cherish their dogs—and the care behind them.
