[MyFairLacy]

I think it's fine to put a deposit on the puppy now as long as there is a written receipt or contract stating that you'll get the deposit back if the puppy dies or develops some type of health problem before leaving the breeder. Most breeder will refund the deposit or replace the puppy if something happens to the original one while in their care. Being that much smaller than the rest of the litter though - be prepared that something might happen to him. I know someone who had a litter a year ago - 2 girls and one boy. One of the little girls was so much smaller than the other two and stayed a lot smaller. She never opened her eyes and needed special care and had to be bottle fed in between feedings from the mother. At three weeks she passed away. She was just too small and something was wrong with her. So just be prepared that something can happen and make sure the breeder has a policy to refund your deposit if it does. I hope everything goes well