First pick is over rated and way too obsessed over, other than assuring you better odds of getting a puppy before the litter whelps. Some of my best, and those of many others, have been the "leftover", last pick, etc. Some of my worst have been first pick. And vice versa. Because it is a roll of the dice, at 7-8 weeks. IF the breeder is knowledgeable and has run stuff themselves, whatever venue you're looking at, then by all means ask for their input, which one would they choose for themselves for potential FT or HT or whatever venue. If they haven't run or produced anything themselves, are just breeding paper and titles, don't really know all that much about the actual dogs in the field, you'll have to take their advice with a grain of salt. Some don't actually know much or do as much as they claim. Look them and their dogs up on EE before you put a ton of weight into what they are telling you. Of course, hopefully you have done all that before you ever put a deposit down.
I try to rule out the negatives first, are there any physical flaws that I don't personally like? Shy/timid? Middle of the road is good, sometimes the "naughty" one is eye catching but maybe not the best prospect for a team player. So many want the "alpha". Or they think they do, and have no clue, what alpha even is, or what to do with it.
But most of all, remember that at 7-8 weeks, you can only tell so much, the dynamics change when pup leaves the litter. If the pedigree and clearances are there, pick the pup you like, do your part in socializing and training the dog you got, and go as far as you can or want.
