Why the Last Puppy of the Litter Isn’t a “Problem Puppy”
If you’ve ever reached out about one of our puppies and noticed that only one puppy is still available, you’re not alone if your first thought was:
“Why is that one still here?”
We get this question often, whether the puppy is an Aussiedoodle or a Polish Tatra Sheepdog, and it’s an understandable concern. In many areas of life, being the “last one” can come with negative assumptions. But in responsible, ethical breeding, that assumption simply doesn’t apply.
The truth is simple: every litter has a last puppy — and that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them.
Every Litter Has a First Pick and a Last Pick
In every litter, families choose puppies in a certain order. Some families are looking for:
A specific gender
A particular coat type or color
A certain size range
Or just that instant connection when they meet a puppy
As families make their selections, puppies go home one by one. Someone is always first, and someone is always last. That order is based on timing, preferences, and availability — not on quality, health, or temperament.
If a litter has six puppies, five will go home first, and one will go home last. There has to be one.
What the Last Puppy Is Not
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that the last puppy must have something “wrong” with them. Let’s clear that up.
The last puppy is not sick, aggressive, poorly behaved, or less desirable. At Abbott Family Farm, every puppy — regardless of when they go home — receives the same level of care and attention.
All of our puppies:
Receive consistent veterinary care
Are raised in a family environment, not kennels
Are handled daily and well socialized
Come from thoughtfully planned pairings
The last puppy was raised alongside their littermates and received the exact same start in life.
Timing Matters More Than People Realize
In many cases, the last puppy is available simply because of timing. Families may delay their decision because of:
Travel or vacation schedules
School or work commitments
Waiting for a specific gender
Choosing to plan for a future litter
None of these reasons have anything to do with the puppy itself. Sometimes the right family just hasn’t crossed paths with that puppy yet.
The Last Puppy Is Often a Hidden Gem
Interestingly, families who choose the last puppy often come back later and tell us it was the best decision they could have made.
Why? Because puppies who stay a little longer often:
Show clearer personalities
Have increased confidence
Have more exposure to household routines
Receive additional one-on-one time
That extra time can make the transition to a new home smoother, especially for families who appreciate a puppy with a slightly more established temperament.
Why the Last Puppy Isn’t Discounted
Another common assumption is that the last puppy should cost less simply because they are the only one remaining. Ethical breeding doesn’t work that way.
The care, food, training, and veterinary expenses for a puppy continue every day they are with us. Their value doesn’t change based on how quickly someone reserved them.
Our puppies are placed based on quality, health, care, and responsible breeding practices — not speed.
Finding the Right Match Matters More Than Speed
Our goal is never to place puppies as fast as possible. Our goal is to place them thoughtfully and responsibly.
Sometimes that means a puppy stays with us a little longer while we wait for the right family, lifestyle, and expectations to align. That patience benefits both the puppy and the future owner.
Final Thoughts
The last puppy of the litter isn’t a red flag. It isn’t a warning sign. It’s simply a puppy whose family hasn’t found them yet.
Whether you’re considering an Aussiedoodle or a Polish Tatra Sheepdog, we encourage you to look beyond the idea of “last available” and focus on the puppy as an individual. Many families discover that the puppy they hesitated over ends up being exactly the one they were meant to bring home.
Interested in meeting one of our available puppies?
We are located at Abbott Family Farm in Lebanon, Oregon, and meet-and-greets are available by appointment.
Visit our website to view our current availability of Toy and Mini Aussiedoodles or Polish Tatras and learn more about our dogs and breeding program.