I know with cats, that the kittens shouldn't leave until 12 weeks old, to learn social skills from the parent. But what about dogs? Some one has told me it's 8 weeks old, someone else has told me 6. Who's right?
2007-07-10 21:41:08 · 34 answers · asked by LilyB7 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
They are both right. It really just depends on the breed. Like my chihuahuas diidnt leave their mommy till after 12 weeks due to them being soo small. I have also heard of bigger sized dogs leaving their mom around 6 weeks. I think it all depends on the breeder and their preferences. Dogs will usually pick up good leaning skills from both the mommy and their siblings. Keeping them too long with the mommy does harm also. They sometimes wont learn to cope without the mommy which leads to a scaredy pup that wont do well being socialized. I hope this helps in whatever small way! Take care!
2007-07-10 21:48:37 · answer #1 · answered by grumpybaby1226 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most breeders that I've purchased from sell the puppies between 8-12 weeks. It really depends on the breed. Some larger breed, sturdier puppies can be sold at 8 weeks, but something like a small chihuahua really shouldn't be let go until around 10-12 weeks. It really depends on how well the puppies are eating and all that good stuff. 6 weeks is way too early in my opinion. I've never received any of my puppies before 8 weeks of age.
2007-07-10 21:57:44 · answer #2 · answered by Alexis R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone as has already indicated reputable dealers will not allow you to take a pup that is less than 8 weeks old . However if u do decide to take a pup or pups at 8 weeks then you should expect to be with them 24 hrs a day for the next 2 weeks at least . At 12 weeks they are much more mature and independent .
My 2 dogs taken at 12 weeks drove the breeder nuts on the day I collected them as one went swimming in the pond and the other dug up all her dahlias . They were confident enough to go out on thier own and inspect everything they could reach - at 8 weeks they lack confidence and often end up as timid dogs .
2007-07-11 01:35:05 · answer #3 · answered by zorbisuk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no right and wrong rule about this, it depends on the breed, the size of the litter, the dam, the experience of the new owner and other factors. That is why the Kennel Club themselves don't state the ideal age - because there isn't one.
With a very large litter, there is no way even the most devoted of breeders can spend sufficient time with each individual puppy - in that case it far better for a puppy to leave earlier rather than later. I have had puppies from 6 weeks to 8 weeks old who have had no problems and would prefer to get them early as the earlier they can be taken out & introduced to new situations, the easier they will cope later on.
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=1252&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=242&f=0
2007-07-10 22:31:21 · answer #4 · answered by anwen55 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To a certain extent it depends on the breed. Delicate dogs like the miniture breeds will stay with the litter for longer. Larger more boistrous dogs are weaned earlier and are more independant at an earlier age. Some breeders will hold on to a pup until 14 weeks but I think this is far too late.
From experience I advise that 7 weeks is the best age to take a pup to its new home. It is fully weaned, has learned its basic manners from mum and the litter mates and is confident and curious about the world.
Every week later makes it take longer to settle in, and every week earlier makes it less confident.
2007-07-11 01:21:27 · answer #5 · answered by PetLover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That really depends on the breeder. Some let them go earlier and some later... Our Bichons do not go to new homes until they are 9-10 weeks old. And our Poms stay until they are 11-12 weeks old. The that depends on how well they do and are eating and gaining weight on their own. If they are real small or need a little extra care they stay longer.
2007-07-11 04:43:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
a puppy should never leave mum until 8 weeks old, some breeders wont let them go till 12 weeks, also it depends when they are ready to leave some take longer. I had three of my girls at 6 months because they would not let them go any earlier.
2007-07-10 22:05:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I asked my Vet this Question and he said that puppies can leave as early as 6 if they are eating and drinking OK but they were still 7 weeks when i let them leave,
I got my first JR at 7 and my second at 6 and we have had socialising problems(Big Time) so it is probably best at 7 -8
2007-07-11 03:14:39 · answer #8 · answered by carolinehancock2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can leave mom at six weeks but need to stay with siblings till 8 weeks. Social skills are learned from siblings not the mother. Moms back off by 4 weeks to wein and at six weeks I get everyone spayed and neutered including mom. She still sees them and occassionally they get a drink still but most moms bounce out of the way. They are ready for adoption at 8 weeks.
2007-07-11 01:24:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the size of the dogs. Bigger dogs mature more slowly and so should leave the mother later. 8 weeks for smaller breeds - jack russels, mini foxies, terriers, etc - and up to 12 for bigger dogs - great danes, wolf hounds, rotties, etc.
***I have raised abandoned kittens from 2 weeks old, and they still learn all the social skills.
2007-07-10 21:46:03 · answer #10 · answered by Barb Outhere 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋