I'm finally getting a baby!

[Anna Banana]

I have been lurking around yorkietalk for quite a while now, but I haven't been a big poster or anything, because I don't have a yorkie yet. However, I am pleased to announce that I have found a perfect yorkie baby boy to bring into my family. His picture is in my avatar. I am so excited that I'll be bringing him home in just about a month! I meant to take tons of pictures, but I fell so in love, I didn't remember, so I had to go back and take just a few pictures of my precious baby boy.

I have a question though, the breeder said that the puppies would be ready at 8 weeks, and that surprised me. They are on the larger side, expected to be 6 to 7 pounds, and very healthy, but is it normal to release puppies this early? Would it be better for the puppy to stay longer with its mother? I was considering asking her if she could keep him for a few weeks longer, and maybe I could pay her more for the extra time and effort this would involve. Would that be beneficial, or would it be better to just bring him home? I must add, the breeder is wonderful, experienced, and really cares about the puppies, its not like I'm buying from a puppymill or petstore that just cares about the money, so I'm sure she'll go along with whatever I decide.

Thanks for the help!
Anna

[Booboo'smommy]

Hi Anna,
I've got mine when they were 8 weeks old and they were just fine. Some breeders do not allow them to go at that age but I guess it depends.He looks so sweet. You are going to be a really proud mommy...WELCOME TO YT

[Patti]

Congratulations. I know what you mean about pics. We drove over 3 hours to see Cali 3 weeks before she was ready to come home and I forgot to take even one picture! Your baby looks so cute. I brought Cali home at 9 weeks but she was on the tiny side, 1 lb and she needed to be watched very carefully for hypoglycemia. AS long as the breeder feels he is ready to go and he is a little bigger he should be fine.

[carold]

Hi Anna,
I'm the same way. Just 'lurking' waiting for my yorkie baby. Congrats on your new baby. Does he have a name yet?

[Mardelin]

How exciting for you.....I'm sure you can't wait.


Most puppies are just being weaned at 8 weeks old, and require more time with mom....Mom has so much more work to do than just feeding them. Socialization being one of the jobs. The recommended time for a breeder to allow a puppy to go home is 12 weeks of age or longer.
When transitioning to a new home and new environment they tend to not eat well for a period of time. So, these wee ones should be on a solid food and eating well before they leave the breeders home. In addition they should have a minimum of 2 vaccines, which begin at approximately 8-9 weeks.....
The breeder should make sure that every precaution is taken to make sure that the puppy's transition is as smooth as possible.

[MsCheryle478]

Congrats on your new little boy. I can't wait until he is in your arms forever. As for when a pup should leave their mommy. I breed my German Shep. once a year. It has varied with each litter she has. I always do natural weaning for the pups. Meaning I let the Mom decide when she is done. It has worked for us and she seems to know best. Once she has weaned the pups completely, they are all eating good, had their shots/worming and an A+ check up at the vet. They are good to go. But again, each litter has varied on what age in weeks this was. Maybe it isn't good to compare this type of litter though to a Yorkie litter. I know Yorkies are more fragile.

[blkeyesuzi]

Molly was 12 weeks, but was still tiny, tiny.....11 oz. She's almost 4 lbs. now and will be 2 years old in august. We actually considered having her stay longer than the 12 weeks, but the breeder was close-by and I had Molly with me 24/7. She was never alone and I understood everything involved with caring for a tiny little one. Since your little boy is a good healthy weight, perhaps your breeder knows best. You're going to be a great Yorkie mommy! Congratulations!

[patty58]

We brought Murfee home at 8 weeks. He was 1.4 lbs. We never had a moments trouble with him. He slept with me from that first night and I never left him. He was and is fine at 5.5 lbs and 3 years old. Congratulations! I know you will enjoy him.

[Rhapsody]

Congratulations! I prefer to bring a pup home that is at least 12 weeks; to make sure the baby is fully weaned and healthy (especially after learning so much here). But I have gotten puppies at 8 wks with no adverse effects.

[simplyyorkies]

My girls came home at a little over 10 weeks - but I was prepared! I took time off from work, had my vet appointment for the following day, had all my food, nurta drops, heating pad - everything ready.

Congrats on your new little one - just read as much as possible about Yorkies, talk to the breeder and make sure your vet is experienced at handling Yorkies.

[BlondieGirl87]

Just wanted to tell you Congratulations on your new little one! Cannot wait to see pictures!

[JiggityJig]

You've gotten and will get all different opinions on this subject.

I would certainly not bring one home any earlier than eight weeks....that said, we did get Kiki at eight weeks, and never had a bit of problem!

In my (unexpert!) opinion, I would go by the size of the pup. I'd be uncomfortable bringing home one that young if it weighed less than two lbs.

Someone also mentioned the weaning process. I think a lot of problems occur with pups when breeders deliberately wean them or separate them from their moms too soon. But often the mom on her own weans them early. At eight weeks, Kiki had been weaned (by mom!) for quite awhile, and was well established eating solid food.

Oh, and that's another consideration....how good they're doing on solid food. Hopefully you have a breeder who will be honest with you on all these points.

Congratulations, and good luck!!!

[appylover]

Hello Anna. Congratulations on your new baby. I'm another lurker without a Yorkie. Your puppy is adorable.

[MarilynMonroe]

hey and welcome! i dnt have my yorkie yet, but i like to get involved and get to know everyone! so they can help with all my questions when i do get her! im still searching for my perfect girl...

[Dior'sMom]

congratulations on your new boy.