[Mardelin]

Reasons for keeping a pup at 12 week minimum.

1. Eight weeks pups on the average are just beginning to eat well on their own. A pup will at times go off food when transitioned to a new home, this can lead to hyperglycemia.

2. Eight to 12 weeks training by the dam is begun in earnest. In addition the breeder is also socializing the pup and assisting in basic training....

3. Eight to 10 weeks is the recommended age for initial vaccination protocol to begin. (Check out library for vaccination protocol).

4. 16 weeks is the earliest a breeder can have a pup Bile Acid Tested for Liver Shunt. Also, at this age the pup has received it's required set of puppy vaccines, with the exception of Rabies, which in Toy Breeds not recommended until 6 or 7 months of age.

5. 12 weeks is the minimum however, a pup shouldn't be released until it's reached the 2 pound range (vaccinations shouldn't be administered with a pup under this weight without the breeder working with the vet to insure the pup's welfare).

6. Because 8 weeks (fear factor) is considered a dangerous period in a pups life, an experienced breeder understands this and will monitor the pup to insure all is well as they want to insure an easy transition for the pup as well as the new family.