2007-06-16 12:27:24 · 15 answers · asked by Jessie 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Depending on the breed, 8 - 12 weeks. Many times the Toy breeds, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Jack Russel Terriers, etc., need to stay with their mother and litter mates the extra four weeks.
2007-06-16 12:31:14 · answer #1 · answered by Katslookup - a Fostering Fool! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No sooner than 8 weeks. In many places it is actually illegal for owners/breeders to sell or give away puppies less than 8 weeks old. In large breed dogs especially, 12 weeks is even better. While a puppy can be physically healthy and survive quite nicely if taken away from their mothers and litter mates at 6 weeks of age it almost always causes mental instability and behavioral problems later in life. Those two weeks between 6 and 8 weeks of age are crucial for them to learn how to be dogs. Puppies removed from their mother and litter before 8 weeks of age are more likely to be dog aggressive and more likely to bite as well as more likely to be just plain unsocial than those left with the mother until 8 weeks. Puppies left with their mother and litter mates until 12 weeks tend to be even more emotionally stable than those taken away at 8 weeks.
2007-06-16 12:35:03 · answer #2 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the breed. In most states, it is illegal to give away, buy, or sell them before they are 8 weeks and they need that time to learn bite inhibition with their siblings. However, some breeds (especially toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese, etc) need to stay with their mom 10-12 weeks because they don't mature right after birth as fast as say a Lab or a German shepherd.
2007-06-16 12:31:14 · answer #3 · answered by Cave Canem 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe 8 weeks is the normal time for puppies to take for being weened off their mother.
2007-06-16 12:35:20 · answer #4 · answered by Micki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
7-8 weeks but 8 weeks is best although they should begin being weaned and put on moistend puppy food at 4-5 weeks
2007-06-16 12:30:06 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
8 weeks for most, some as early as 6. The first 6-10 weeks is the most important for your puppy as this is where they learn to play, eat, and learn from other puppies.
2007-06-16 12:37:24 · answer #6 · answered by shadowcast 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the state, most 8 weeks, but some are 6 weeks.
2007-06-16 12:31:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
About 7 to 8 wks. and eating on their own.
2007-06-16 12:38:15 · answer #8 · answered by Help 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
8 weeks minimum for all dog breeds; smaller dog breeds such as chihuahuas and toy poodles should stay a few weeks longer in my opinion.
2007-06-16 12:38:38 · answer #9 · answered by liveyourlife 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
8 weeks is about the norm
2007-06-16 12:29:30 · answer #10 · answered by tricycle_pilot 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋