what age?

[lorriem]

We have picked out a yorkie a few weeks ago. We went to visit her yesterday and the breeder said that all the pups will get their first shots monday and then we can take her home. I can't believe that a 7 week old would be allowed to go home so early. We have three other dogs (not yorkies but one papillion,mini schnauzer and a mini doxie) we took them home between 10 weeks and 12 weeks. I did call our vet and they said that at 6 weeks this is common. I also talked to another breeder and she won't let hers go home until 12 weeks? I don't have a clue on what to do.

[Bhikku]

We got our first Golden at six weeks, our second at seven weeks. I recently got my yorkie pup at eight weeks.

Personally, I think anything less than eight weeks is too early. And there are people here who say that you need to way until the dog is three months (12 weeks)...but I think that's too late.

It's up to you.

[Mom of 3]

I got mine at 8 weeks, or a few days after. But my last Yorkie, lacked 2 days of being 8 weeks. I wanted to take her early, as she was small, and I wanted to make sure she ate, and cleaned her up some. The breeder knew me, so there wasn't any problem. I am glad I did, because after I got her home (two days later), she was broke into, and someone took her Yorkies. 3 puppies and her stud.

[SweetPea53]

I received mine at 12 weeks, she was socialized, on kibble, and had developed her own personality.....I think that 11/12 weeks is a great time...plus they have a bit more weight so low blood sugar you don't have to worry so much about...

[Ladymom]

This breeder is not following the YTCA Code of Ethics which requires breeders not to sell Yorkie puppies before twelve weeks old. Any breeder who violates the YTCA's rules is not a reputable breeder.

The breeder is also either uninformed or deliberately risking her puppies' health. Vaccinations given before nine or ten weeks of age are worthless because the puppies still have maternal antibodies from nursing which attack and kill the viruses in the vaccine. This is called the "window of susceptibility" which means that puppies are completely unprotected and at great risk from deadly disease like parvo and distemper.

In many states it is illegal to sell a puppy before eight weeks of age.

[juliaw04]

In my opinion, anything before 8 weeks is too early. I brought my KaCee home at 10 weeks old. I think you are better off leaving the pup with it's mother for at least another week and then do what feels right to you. Since you have small dogs, you should know what you're comfortable with. Just know that the younger they are, the more needs they will have. If you think you are up to the task of taking care of a younger pup, then bring it home. If not, wait until it's older.

[Verna]

I got Maximus at 8 weeks. I've read anything younger is too early. I had them keep him one more week to make the 8 weeks. It was hard b/c he was so cute and couldn't wait to bring him home!

[erickajm]

HA! Two of Zoe's babies were still nursing at 8 weeks! The one definitely was more than ready by 10-11 weeks. I can't imagine letting mine go that early.

[scrapindee]

My puppies leave at 12 weeks. They have had all their shots--except Rabies. They are micro-chipped. They are socialized. My club's breeder code states 12 weeks for placement.

[lorriem]

I want to thank you al for your answers. I agree since like I had posted all my dogs have come home to me between 10-12 weeks. The last one the pap when we first saw her and her sisters she didn't have the mom near them which to me is a good sign that the pups do well with out the mom in the same room. They were about 6 weeks at that time but Amy didn't come home until she was 11 weeks.
The yorkie that I would like is with her mom and all of her sisters all the time and the last time we were there that sent a red flag since the Mom was still trying to nurse. We were told that she would be getting her first puppy shot next monday a little bit after she is 6 weeks old. My vet said many in the last few years have been sent home at 6 weeks and he would check her over as soon as I decided when to bring her home. I called another breeder and she has pups also so I will go see them and she keeps them for 12 weeks. I am afraid that i have fallen in love with the little one and if I don't take her someone else might who is not aware of her special needs. I cannot sleep I am so unsure what to do.

[CupofDog]

Its a tough call. On one hand, you don't want to support this unethical breeder...on the other hand, the puppy didn't do anything wrong!!

I know some people on YT have strong feelings and will tell you absolutely not to buy from this breeder and support unethical backyard breeders....

My advice is to wait and go to an ethical breeder. Not because of any reason other then your dog's health and your heart. Breeders like this don't do genetic testing and often lie and make claims about the health and weight of the puppy that are ridiculous and untrue. You could end up with a dog that is very sick and you will be even more attached...and thousands of dollars of vet bills later, lose a puppy you love.

I rescued a puppy (Ella Bean, my Yorkie mix) who was at a shelter from a Puppmill raid and I knew the risks inherent in that and I also have a well bred Cavalier king charles spaniel from a great breeder. My Cavalier has more health issues then my rescue (nothing serious, but still)!! It just shows that no method is fool-proof.

My point is, that even the best of intentions and the most careful research guarantees nothing - so why take any more risks then necessary? Whatever you decide, we can't wait to see pics of your new baby and hear all about your decision!

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by CupofDog

Its a tough call. On one hand, you don't want to support this unethical breeder...on the other hand, the puppy didn't do anything wrong!!

I know some people on YT have strong feelings and will tell you absolutely not to buy from this breeder and support unethical backyard breeders....

My advice is to wait and go to an ethical breeder. Not because of any reason other then your dog's health and your heart. Breeders like this don't do genetic testing and often lie and make claims about the health and weight of the puppy that are ridiculous and untrue. You could end up with a dog that is very sick and you will be even more attached...and thousands of dollars of vet bills later, lose a puppy you love.

I rescued a puppy (Ella Bean, my Yorkie mix) who was at a shelter from a Puppmill raid and I knew the risks inherent in that and I also have a well bred Cavalier king charles spaniel from a great breeder. My Cavalier has more health issues then my rescue (nothing serious, but still)!! It just shows that no method is fool-proof.

My point is, that even the best of intentions and the most careful research guarantees nothing - so why take any more risks then necessary? Whatever you decide, we can't wait to see pics of your new baby and hear all about your decision!

I couldn't agree more. My Lady is from a backyard breeder and has so many health problems, diabetes, epilepsy, just to name a few. She was perfectly healthy until she was four years old, too. Now, at thirteen, her medications, diabetic supplies and routine vet check ups run about $5,000 a year. That doesn't include illnesses/emergencies that run about $500- $1,000 each. She's had two of those this year.

She is one of the lucky ones, too, to have made it to 13. Poorly bred dogs often have a much shorter life expectancy.

She is also lucky that I am an empty nester and started a bow business to support her medical needs!

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

I couldn't agree more. My Lady is from a backyard breeder and has so many health problems, diabetes, epilepsy, just to name a few. She was perfectly healthy until she was four years old, too. Now, at thirteen, her medications, diabetic supplies and routine vet check ups run about $5,000 a year. That doesn't include illnesses/emergencies that run about $500- $1,000 each. She's had two of those this year.

She is one of the lucky ones, too, to have made it to 13. Poorly bred dogs often have a much shorter life expectancy.

She is also lucky that I am an empty nester and started a bow business to support her medical needs!

I love the bow business idea!!!!!!!!!!
It gets pricey, I know it!

Often times, the 'inexpensive' or emotional choice becomes the most costly down the line...

Be clear about what you are prepared to take on and that should help guide you!

[lorriem]

Thank you for your answer.Like I posted I went to two ethical breeders One for my pap and one for my pom and both had major birth defects. The papilion when the breeder was told about the birth defect said I will take back the dog and I said no way I will keep my dog. I had her at that time for several months. Our vet did help us through Xrays and making calls to her himself and we got to keep her and got our money back (we lived in FL at that time and they have a puppy lemon law). We did give her $200 back though since we thought that was the right thing to do. So I do no about the expence. Funny you should say you have a King Charles. I love them but I have read that they have many heath issues. So sad since they in my opinion are so loveable.
I would love to post a picture of our maybe yorkie but cannot since the picture is to big. This board is just like the city data web site and they have no problem resizing the pics to fit so I thought this web site would be the same.

[CupofDog]

Yeah, I often have trouble resizing photos too.

Cavaliers are wrought with health problems - so working with a trustworthy breeder is exceptionally important. But they are SO cute and loving...so Backyard breeders and puppy mills try and capitalize on that (just like every other breed it seems, these days), continuing to contribute bad genes to the dog's breed!

Since you have experience with this and good breeders/ bad results - I think the real issue is what you are prepared for both emotionally and financially...