Pick of the Litter means having the right to choose first from a litter of puppies. It’s a legal and contractual right, usually secured with a deposit. The person with this right can choose any puppy they want, regardless of size, color, or temperament. The choice is personal—the reason doesn’t matter.

There can also be second, third, or fourth picks, depending on how many puppies are in the litter. The value of each pick depends on the number of puppies available. If there’s only one puppy, that pick holds the highest value.

Breeders and buyers should always have a clear plan before choosing a puppy—decisions should be based on goals and traits, not emotion.

The term can also refer to the “best” puppy in a litter, though professionals typically use more specific terms to describe dogs with exceptional qualities.

Who gets the first pick depends on agreements between the breeder and buyers. The breeder owns the litter and may sell pick rights in advance. However, if a buyer doesn’t complete payment, their right to choose can be revoked and offered to someone else.