My sisters Yorkie Chloe was let go at 6 weeks, I also had one a long time ago let go at 6 weeks, and Maddie went home with me at 7 1/2 weeks. Sophie was 12 weeks, Ryder 14 weeks, and Faith 15 weeks.
Let me tell you, there was a HUGE difference in the ones who stayed longer. They were more active, better socialized, happier, they adjusted much more easily, ate well, etc.
Maddie had sugar drop after sugar drop, I had sooo much trouble keeping weight on her, she was shy and withdrawn, etc. She was only 1 1/2 lbs. We were afraid of a liver shunt, but after TONS of testing found out it was nothing, just that she was TOO young to have ever left the breeder. I had to work and work on her.
Chloe and the other one were completely not ready, they would just lay there and cry, couldn't go outside, etc.
A lot of a puppy's development happens between 6 and 12 weeks, it's just TOO fragile of a time to ever let them go.
My STANDARD size ones go at 12 weeks...tinies I keep until I feel they're completely ready, which is usually 14 to 16 weeks, but MAY be longer. I don't ever take a chance. |