I got Cash at eight weeks and he had never had any health problems. The only times he has been to the vet is for his vaccinations and for the one time he accidentally ate a bag of nuts - he was fine (my bank balance wasn't).
I didn't know that pups needed to be that age when they go to their new home, but unfortunately the fact that I am now educated doesn't change a thing. The fact of the matter is: In South Africa, there are no breeders who keep their pups until that age. If I were a breeder, I would keep them (maybe forever
), but I am not.
So, what should a prospective yorkie owner in SA do? I think they should just do the best they can... Buy from a good breeder who keeps the dogs in the house, get a health guarantee (also not readily available here, one breeder laughed at me when I suggested it) and make sure that the pup is in good health.
I reckon I might be unpopular for this, but I am getting June at eight weeks. I don't have a choice. It is a really good breeder. She is responsible. She loves her dogs. She is well-versed in all things yorkie. She gives them only the best. And she lets them go earlier.
I guess it is just the social climate we are living in, but I am sure when more people know about this and more people are able to do something about it, we too will be able to leave the pups with their momma until 12 weeks.
