I believe all puppies (all breeds) should be with their mothers and litter mates for at least the first 8 weeks of their lives (or more). This is really only a "common sense" health and development issue. It helps them to get off to a much better start.
I know many pups leave their mothers younger than 8 weeks for any number of reasons and do well. But, I can't believe that an especially small little puppy that isn't eating well on its own yet is ready to be taken from its mother. And, Yorkies (and other little dogs) especially often fall into this category.
A puppy's sense of security, its sense of trust, its behavior, and it's socialization skills are also developed during these early weeks with its mother and litter mates. This time is probably one of the most important developmental periods it experiences during its life.
I know for sure that most of us (99.9%) endorse these little puppies being with their mothers a minimum of 8 weeks - and feel that 10 or 12 weeks is even better.
And, as I sit here thinking about this -- I feel it has to be better for the little mothers also. They deserve to have and care for their little pups a normal period of time. And, I'm sure that their being able to wean these little guys helps bring closure to their losing them later on.
Carol Jean |