[Rhetts_mama]

I've seen a couple of comments here along the lines of puppies and children being cuter and more desirable at younger ages than slightly older. I would have to say that if that is a criteria in why you are bringing one home when you do, then perhaps a stuffed animal would be a better idea. That way it will stay little and cute forever. If you can't "bond" with an older child or dog, then the problem lies more with you than them.

As to whether one "believes" a pup is healthier at 12 weeks versus 8, one only has to look at basic biology. Specifically, the age at which the natural immunity passed from dam to pup starts to vanish. At 8 weeks, the immunity conferred during gestation and nursing has all but vanished and the pups are still too young to be immunized safely or effectively- that leaves them vulnerable to a whole host of potentially deadly diseases. Lets face it, MOST pet owners don't take the advice of keeping the pups away from public access until they are full immunized. At 12 weeks, their immune system is at least minimally responsive to vaccines.

In addition, the incidence of hypoglycemia decreases with the maturation of the body's ability to maintain glucose homeostasis. Part of that process is the availability of body fat to convert to glucose. The larger the pup, the better the process (baring any other underlying diseases).

Liver shunts are another problem with this breed. The minimum age for getting base line testing is 16 weeks. An experienced breeder is cognizant of the signs and symptoms of liver shunts and MVD that can appear in younger pups.

The socialization issues have already been well covered here.

Can a pup be brought home safely before 12 weeks? Yes. But just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be done if it's not in the best interest of the dog to do it.