Is the runt of a litter of purebreds the worst to breed?

Question

Is the runt of a litter of purebreds the worst to breed?

Answer 1

It will usually produce the size of it's littermates. So, it is possible to have problems with the whelping. Have your vet check its bone structure to be sure it can safely have/carry a litter.

Answer 2

no, my neighbor had a runt who had babies and it had like 10 puppies. all cute.

Answer 3

Sometimes the runt catches up and is the same size as its litter mates. Sometimes not. That being said, every purebred cat is not breeder quality and most should never be bred. Unless the cat is part of a planned breeding program, where you have studied pedigrees and talked to breeders, please spay or neuter the kitty.

Answer 4

It depends on a number of things, among them: Has the runt attained full adult size? Is she otherwise healthy?  Is she a good representative of the breed?  Do you have permission from the breeder to breed her?

When I was breeding Abyssinians, I would not breed queens who had not achieved championship status in either CFA or TICA.  I also had weight, overall health and disposition requirements as well as limits on how closely the queen was related to my stud(s). I had one runt who met the above requirements and successfully bred her.  I had several that remained too small, who were spayed, sometimes shown and placed in loving pet homes.  For the record, I also had one who was not the runt of the litter that for reasons unknown did not meet my minimum weight requirement until a year or so after she was spayed.  She did well at shows, but I thought she was too small to breed.  (I still have her and she is still very dainty at 9 years old.)  Hope that helps.  purrs

Answer 5

First of all, you need to answer why you want to breed this animal. There is absolutely nothing to prevent a runt from being as splendid an individual as any of its littermates if you are looking for a pet, but J C was spot on when pointing out that the runt may not be a very good prospect for breeding. Frequently they are sold at a discount, or with a spay and neuter agreement which means that the breeder will exchange the animals "papers" for proof that it has undergone spaying or neutering. This is to protect the quality of the breed and insure that only the very best of the species is allowed to pass on their genes. All other animals should be spayed/neutered in the very best interest of the animal itself. Please don't think that breeding purebred cats is easy, or particularly  "fun", or even terribly profitable after all of your costs and veterinarian care are factored in. If you want to see the Miracle of Birth by breeding this kitty, be sure that you first see the Tragedy of Death at any animal shelter that has more animals than they can find homes for.

Answer 6

The only purebreds that should be bred are those who have achieved their championship in the show ring.  All others should be spayed/neutered.  This especially goes for the runt, as this one isn't the finest example of breeding.