I have had many queries about the runt of a litter and what they are so I thought it was time to blog about it. Some people say a runt is the smallest one born, others say its the smallest and last. Personally, I don't think there are runts in any litter, however, a canine dictionary defines a runt as:
Runt: - // noun
In canine terms, the runt of the litter is the puppy that is considerably smaller than the other puppies at birth, and that might be slower to develop and ultimately, reach a smaller adult size.
This definition, therefore, determines there is a runt in every litter this being the smallest and weakest, but I have had small puppies born which appear to be weak. Careful monitoring over those first few days after birth shows them gain strength and weight growing quicker than others in the litter. Does this still make them a runt? I don't presume so. I have had larger puppies develop slower and still reach maturity at the same stage. In my opinion, the term "Runt" is just a label brought about from old tales.
My parents bred fox terrier pups, they always referred to the runt as the pup that was rejected by the mother. In these cases we would hand rear the pup until it was weaned. In all the years of their breeding and of the many litters they raised, I can only ever remember hand raising two such pups. One died shortly after birth the other grew to maturity at the same rate as the rest of the litter. As I was very young and had raised the pup myself, my parents allowed me to keep that pup who became my constant companion throughout my childhood. She lived for in excess of 15 years without any health issues. We had to have her put to sleep after she was mauled savagely by our neighbours pit bull terrier.
So, what is a runt you say. I say a runt is nothing more than a name.