[Jacksmom052709]

First of all, congratulations and welcome to YT.

I can tell you from first hand, personal experience that it is far better to leave a pup with its mom as long as you can - 12 weeks is optimal, but even if you can have her hold your pup until 10 weeks would be better than letting it go at 8 or 9 weeks. I got Jack when he was 10 weeks old; however, he had been with the "store" I bought him from for at least a week or two prior to me getting him (I didn't do any research at the time about this breed - actually I was looking for a different entirely when I got Jack - that is a whole other story though).

Fast forward to me bringing him home and finding this website after the fact. Fast forward another year and half to when we got Izzy. This time I researched my breeder (who happens to be a member here) and I was able to watch Izzy grow - my breeder kept her until she was 12 weeks old.

The differences between Jack and Izzy are like night and day. Jack is very socially awkward - we had the whole biting/mouthing issue with him when he was young - he had no idea how to interact with other dogs including sniffing, playing or anything and was just terrified of other dogs or other people. It took a good while to potty train him as well. He is extremely smart, just wasn't as "developed" as Izzy.

Izzy was social from day one, lovable, always happy, plays well with other pups and humans - she was nearly potty trained also. She gives kisses freely, Jack does not. Complete opposite of Jack - she has actually taught Jack some things about being a dog... sniffing, playing (and he is still somewhat awkward with playing with her) but he is coming out of his shell - a year after having Izzy.

I know not all breeders want to keep pups that long or any longer than 8 weeks, but if you can have her/him keep your pup past 8 weeks, I would highly recommend it.