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Originally Posted by 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. |
Somehow I missed you, and I'm sorry.
Thank you, as with Nancy's post, this is what kind of health reasons I was looking for, that should be important to all Yorkie lovers, breeders or buyers.
Real reasons, not just because someone said so.
I keep telling everyone I am new to Yorkies, not to dogs, so I have a skewed mindset when it comes to dogdom. Not that I am not willing to learn, but I need to ask questions. I'm not always going to agree with the reasons given, especially when they go against what I have known for most of my life.
BUT I am willing to listen, and I am willing to learn, and I am willing to say you're right! Or at the very least admit when a lightbulb goes off in my head.
It's funny, because though I watch Pixie for the signs of liver shunt.. I had not actually thought of that as a reason. And this is why I ask these questions that seem to have obvious answers. Because the answer isn't obvious to me.
When I read your reply and I got to the liver shuts, it was like a lightbulb went off. I already agreed with the other health reasons given, but this was just one more factor for WHY 12 weeks is minimally what is best for the puppies.
And that is what matters throughout all of this.. what is best for the puppies.
I appreciate your answers. You always have great information, and you never come across as condemning in your words.
Because of that, I don't feel defensive when you reply. If you want to reach through the interwebs and throttle me, it never comes across in your replies, and I thank you for that.