General rule of thumb for Yorkies is 12 weeks. (I would say with 10 weeks being the absolute minimum.) It really isn't something determined by when the dog is fully weaned and eating solid food. The 8-12 weeks mark is a cruicial time for the pup to be with mom and littermates as they learn valuable socialization skills. (Many times, people have issues with excessive biting with pups that have been placed at a young age.) In addition, smaller dogs are more prone to hypogycemia than larger breeds. The smallest things can throw them out of their normal "balance" and put them at risk...including the adjustment period when they are in their new homes. Keeping the pups with the mom longer decreases the risk for this as well. |