Choosing a stock dog puppy can feel like a lot of pressure — and honestly, that’s because it is an important decision. The genetics and temperament you start with don’t just influence how your dog works on stock, they shape how easy (or hard) training feels for years to come.

One thing I want to say right away: there’s no reliable way to fully predict how an eight-week-old puppy will work on stock later in life. Anyone who claims they can guarantee that is overselling it.

What you can do is stack the odds in your favor by focusing on the right things before you ever choose a pup.

For me, the starting point is always working style.

Before looking at a litter, I ask myself what kind of dog I enjoy handling. I personally prefer dogs with less tension, medium to looser eye, and a thoughtful way of working rather than frantic energy. There’s no right or wrong style — but being honest about what you want to live with matters.

From there, I look closely at genetics and bloodlines.

Ideally, I want to see the parents working livestock, not just competing, and handled in different situations. Patterns across a line tell you far more than a single impressive performance.

Temperament is also huge.

Dogs that can handle pressure, stay biddable, and regulate themselves tend to be easier to train and live with long term.

Health matters too, but context is important.

DNA testing, hips, and overall soundness are valuable pieces of the picture — along with things like heat tolerance and mental steadiness.

Once all that homework is done, choosing the actual puppy is often simpler than people expect. Sometimes it’s first pick, sometimes last — and sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. That uncertainty is part of working dogs.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s making informed choices, understanding the limits of prediction, and giving yourself the best possible starting point.

Find everything you need to shape your stock dog's future... all in one place.

Join us today & get started with lifetime access!

THE BOOTCAMP

An online school for stock dog owners. Trusted by hundreds of passionate stock dog owners worldwide.