If you've decided to get your new puppy from a breeder, and you've chosen the best breeder for you, it's time to start getting excited about all of those puppies. When the time comes, you may have a number of puppies to choose from, as litters are typically anywhere from 2 to 6 puppies, depending upon the type of dog.

Picking out your own special puppy is a very personal decision. Everybody likes different things for different reasons, but this puppy is going to be for you and your household, so you've got to focus in on what's best for your situation overall.

That said, your pick should be healthy, with an outgoing personality. These pups are likely to grow up and be the most well adjusted grown dogs. If possible, you should try to visit the puppies several times so that you can get to know their personalities and how they interact with each other before you choose.

Here are some other helpful tips for meeting and learning about your puppy's personality:

• Watch the puppies in play, without intervening. See how they interact with each other to find out a little bit more about their personalities and group dynamics.
• Spend at least ten minutes with each puppy you are considering.
• Sit on the floor with them, so that you can pick the pups up easily and observe them at eye level.
• Take the puppy to another room, away from the litter and parents to see if you can tell anything about the pup when he is away from his family and breeder. Hopefully, the pup won't be to timid or fearful in this situatuion.
• Take the personality wiggle test. Hold the pup in your arms and see if she is content to stay and cuddle with you, or does she want independence. This can tell you a little something about the pup's personality.

When you visit the litter, you should also watch for health related signs as well, to make sure that you are getting a healthy puppy. For some helpful tips, see Signs of a Healthy Pupppy.