What could be the problems with the runt of the litter?
What could be the problems with the runt of the litter? Dog Breed Discussions
A friend had a litter of 10 pups. The original runt died shortly after birth and we now have the second smallest of the litter. Could there be any problems at all with her in later life or even as a puppy?Her dad is an English Mastiff mix and her mother is a Boxer cross. My friend is not even sure of the dogs specific breed.Just to add a bit more detail, she's not only very small but has trouble with getting a nipple over her siblings and is constantly seeking warmth; can barely walk whereas the others can go a fair distance without falling. I do not base the term "runt" solely based on her size.I was after health based facts or possible problems later in life if there are any, not size etc.Thankyou so far though for the input.Both parents are still alive, mother is a 4 year old Boxer and dad is a 9 month old English Mastiff cross (not sure what with). Ill health or common illnesses such as Hip Dysplasia have not yet had an affect on either of them. Both are sized that of a small cottage.