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Originally Posted by Lovetodream88  Small dogs are still learning from there moms until 12 weeks. The parents may appear healthy but there can be illness and diseases that run in the lines that they parents don't have but can still pass on. A puppy can appear very healthy but not show signs of illnesses until 2 years old. Small dog pups are at risk for hypoglycemia and getting them to eat can be hard. The Yorkshire terrier club of America does not allow there members to let puppies leave mom until 12 weeks. Check it out it's ytca.org |
Small dogs are just that, small dogs, they are not a different species. Many mother dogs begin to run for the hills once those little dagger teeth come in because it hurts when they try to nurse. They separate themselves from the pups so not much learning from mom is going on after they are fully weaned. I have seen some moms jump up into the owner/breeder's arms to get away from pups at 5 weeks!
As far as illnesses go, if the reason for keeping pups until 12 weeks is to look out for genetic diseases that may not pop up until 2 years then 12 weeks is not enough time, why not hold the dogs until they are 2?
The food thing is a simple fix, most eight week old pups are fully capable of eating puppy kibble, if not, just moisten the food or feed them can food until they can eat it better. Some of these tiny 12 week pups can't eat un-altered food all that well either.
Like with all dogs, every pup is different and every litter is different and the time to let the pups go should be assessed on a case by case basis. My pup came from a litter of 5, his poor mom was spent, ad he and his litter mates will not be "teacups", they were very sturdy and rough and independent, they all had good appetites and charting to be on the higher end of the scale as adults. He was as big s a lot of the 12 week pups people get. Now with some of these pups that are merely a few
ounces at 8 weeks, its best for their safety to stay wit a educated breeder until they can pass certain milestones that are needed to go t a new home whether that be 12 weeks or later.
I have read the ytca.org article on age and it honestly does not give any real reasons for keeping the pups until twelve weeks other then
"Yorkshire Terrier Breeder will not release a puppy to a new home before it is twelve (12) weeks old. This ensures the puppy is old enough to have had some of its shots, has been checked by a veterinarian, and a health certificate issued"
All those things can be accomplished earlier then 12 weeks. It is with most other breeds. Its merely a preference. Now if one is looking for a show prospect, I would not purchase one or take on home until he dog is several months old and the coat has at least begun to grow in, and you could get better idea of the proportions and confirmation.