Is the Last Puppy Born the Worst One? Nope, Not Even Close…

There’s this myth going around that the last puppy born in a litter is the worst. Like… just because it came out last, it’s weaker or smaller or has less potential. Well, let’s clear that up right now: that’s total nonsense.

Sometimes the last one is the tiniest, sure. Other times? It’s the biggest beast of the bunch. There’s no pattern. And trust me, as someone who’s been doing this for years—there’s no study or real evidence that backs up that idea.

“Worst” Puppy? What Does That Even Mean?

First off, let’s stop using the word worst, alright? I don’t like it. Every puppy is amazing in its own way. They’re all little wonders. So calling one “the worst” just because it came last? No, thanks.

Now, if we’re talking phenotypically—as in, from the perspective of the breed standard, structure, bone, temperament, etc.—then sure, we can compare puppies. But again, that has nothing to do with the order they were born. I don’t even bother writing that down. It means nothing.

Every Puppy Is One of a Kind

Here’s the deal: even with the exact same parents, each puppy is completely different. One might have a thicker bone structure. Another might be longer or shorter. One might be more hyper, another more chill. One has a bigger head. One’s more compact. Same parents, same genes—but totally unique dogs.

So no, just because one pup was born first or last doesn’t mean anything. It’s not a race. It’s not a competition.

What Really Matters

What actually matters is how each puppy develops over time. I don’t even start seriously evaluating pups until they’re at least 4 to 6 weeks old. Before that, the only thing I care about is that they’re gaining weight and eating properly.

Another factor that really does affect growth? The size of the litter. If there are 12 puppies but mom has only 8 teats, it’s gonna be harder for everyone to get equal access to milk. That’s when the breeder’s job kicks in—stepping in, supplementing with milk, tracking their growth daily.

And after weaning starts? Once they’re all eating on their own, the size differences start to even out. Happens every time.

Size, Personality, and… Birth Order?

You might think the biggest pup is the strongest. Or that the firstborn is the “alpha.” But honestly? Nope. Each pup’s personality and structure develop over time. And every single one grows at its own pace.

Forget that old legend that the first one born is the most powerful, the most genetically advanced, blah blah blah. That’s just a story people repeat without facts. Genes don’t work like that.

What Makes the Real Difference

What really makes the difference is daily work. Weighing each pup. Watching their reactions. Making sure the little ones get fed. Adjusting their care based on what each puppy needs.

Some pups are chill. Some are firecrackers. Some are a little slower to grow. That doesn’t make them worse—it just makes them different. And that’s where the magic is. In those little differences.

Don’t Obsess Over Birth Order

So if you’re out there looking for a puppy, don’t ask if it was born first or last. That info won’t tell you anything useful. Look at how the pup behaves. How it interacts. How it’s been raised. That’s what really counts.

And if you’re working with a good breeder who tracks each pup’s development closely? Then trust that process. The real difference comes from proper care, good genetics, and a breeder who knows what they’re doing.

So yeah—let’s toss that “last born is the worst” myth in the trash where it belongs. Every pup is unique. Every pup has potential. And birth order has nothing to do with it.

Catch you in the next one!