The 12 week rule of thumb may be a good one but did not apply in my case. We got Gracie at 8 weeks but she weighed 2 pounds and now is over one year old and is over 10 pounds. Maybe that is what made the difference but we did not have any problems with her and she is happy, healthy and very well adjusted. If the puppy is smaller it would probably be a good idea to leave it with the mom until it's closer to the 12 week age.
Gracie had a lot more black as a puppy that she does now. Some people have posted they're dog changing to silver at just a few months old but Gracie didn't start changing until around one year old. Just like people they're all different.....
Hope you enjoy your new puppy!!! |