Ugh

[dawn27]

Originally Posted by joyce evans

I've had dogs all of my life both mutt & pure. After being on this site for the last few months I'm sure learning some things. I too picked up my pup at 8 weeks but I didn't know any better. Not sure if this is a Yorkie thing or if it should apply to all. I picked up my Min Pin when she was 5 weeks old because her mom got bit by a snake. Lots of people sell or let go of pups at 6 & 8 weeks. My pup is fine but I still watch her like a hawk. Can someone tell me if this 12 week rule should apply to all puppies??

I have a hard time finding any information on line or otherwise that states that the 12 week rule way of thinking and doing is best. Other than the strong opinions of members and some known breeders here on YT. Not even my vet who three out of the four Doctors are certified in small breeds says that keeping a pup until they reach the age of 12 weeks is a must. I believe that is should be based on each individual puppies progress, not just because the puppy is a small breed pup. Puppies progress at different rates than another one in the same litter. Therefor you cant just lump them into on category just for the pure fact of size and breed.

Here is a link that states that:

"Dogs are considered puppies from birth to one year of age and go through several puppy stages and development periods. However, each dog develops differently, with smaller dogs tending to mature earlier and some large breeds not physically mature before they are two years old."

Newborn Puppy Development - Stages of Puppy Development

[dawn27]

Originally Posted by Hrossen11

Yes, he is mixed, yorkie maltese, the poodle thing is his maltese mommy

Well he's adorable and his name is very suiting for him !

I look forward to seeing this little guy's grow up...

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by Hrossen11

And thank you for educating those out there.

I'm so glad your open to listening to everyones opinion and beliefs! Its nice to see this is people.

I hope you will stick around to see all the different schools of thought here on YT and all the information there is to learn, I'm still learning everyday!

[chachi]

The YTCA the parent club of the yorkie says it is best for pups to be with the mom untill 12 weeks. Is there a better reference point than the parent club. And surely they are going to know more about rearing puppies and what is best than a vet

[normarae63]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

The best way to know for each breed is to look at the breed club like with yorkies there's is the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America and there website is ytca.com. Small breeds mature slower then larger breeds. A lot of breeders let puppies go younger then 12 weeks because it costs them more money and more time but reputable breeders arnt in it for the money they are in it to better the breed.

Taylor-right now the YTCA site is down for rework. Thanks for spreading the word about the "mother club" for Yorkies. Normally it is THE place to start when you want to go about finding a Yorkie the right way; sadly I knew so little until coming to this site as I'm sure many others did too. It's only through the sharing of information that people learn.

[joyce evans]

Originally Posted by Hrossen11

I wish it applied to all breeds since they learn from their litter mates. I don't have any personal experience with getting large young puppies since both of my 12 year old large dogs were rescued from the shelter at 3 months and 6 months. But from fostering, the older pups do better in single dog homes

I purchased a Doberman several yrs. ago at 4 wks old. She had a German Pedagree 3ft long (not joking) and both her parents were show dogs. She was a great dog that lived to be 14 yrs old. Never any problems. WOW guess I was lucky. Right now I have 2 adopted and 2 strays that I took in besides my Yorkie, Min Pin and Lab. Yes 7. I love them all. Never thought about them learning from their litter mates. Wonder if "ONE BAD APPLE" could apply here???? Oh well still love all of mine and will forever! I'm sure my other dogs are already in the process of teaching my pup some bad habits...

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by dawn27

I have a hard time finding any information on line or otherwise that states that the 12 week rule way of thinking and doing is best. Other than the strong opinions of members and some known breeders here on YT. Not even my vet who three out of the four Doctors are certified in small breeds says that keeping a pup until they reach the age of 12 weeks is a must. I believe that is should be based on each individual puppies progress, not just because the puppy is a small breed pup. Puppies progress at different rates than another one in the same litter. Therefor you cant just lump them into on category just for the pure fact of size and breed.

Here is a link that states that:

"Dogs are considered puppies from birth to one year of age and go through several puppy stages and development periods. However, each dog develops differently, with smaller dogs tending to mature earlier and some large breeds not physically mature before they are two years old."

Newborn Puppy Development - Stages of Puppy Development

There are dozens of generic links on both sides of this argument; however, YT is full of valuable information as to why pups should stay with their moms until 12 weeks. NOT THAT THEY HAVE TO.

Also, I have talked to many, many, many, many, EXPERIENCED and reputable breeders here, in person and actually around the world who have all explained to me why. Perhaps you could read the info here and/or contact directly some of the reputable breeders here and get their perspective? Would love to see you come to this side of the fence where what's best for the pup is above all else, including affording your pups every possible chance of a well rounded life by keeping them a little longer...honestly, how could that be anything but beneficial?

[joyce evans]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

The best way to know for each breed is to look at the breed club like with yorkies there's is the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America and there website is ytca.com. Small breeds mature slower then larger breeds. A lot of breeders let puppies go younger then 12 weeks because it costs them more money and more time but reputable breeders arnt in it for the money they are in it to better the breed.

Then I do have a question..Since smaller breeds mature slower does that also mean that they nurse on their mothers longer?? Hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question but I may want to breed my girl one day so advise is very helpful.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by joyce evans

Then I do have a question..Since smaller breeds mature slower does that also mean that they nurse on their mothers longer?? Hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question but I may want to breed my girl one day so advise is very helpful.

Having had been a BYB in the past, YES I SURE WAS (my BYB operation wasn't for profit, it was 100% uneducated ignorance, I NEVER MADE A SINGLE CENT OFF THE BACKS OF MY DOGS), I can answer this. Regardless of the breed some pups will need to stay with their parents longer, it depends on the size, maturation and general health of the pups, IMHO.

Hopefully some reputable YT breeders will be around to answer this better.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by joyce evans

Then I do have a question..Since smaller breeds mature slower does that also mean that they nurse on their mothers longer?? Hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question but I may want to breed my girl one day so advise is very helpful.

No question is stupid, not asking is stupid!!! You may want to post in the breeders section questions like this.

Also, I beg you truly beg you to read and read and read YT some more before you even consider breeding. There are many reasons why you should but many, many, many more why you shouldn't.

Whatever decision you make please make sure you are thoroughly educted! Thanks

btw: Welcome to YT!!!!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by joyce evans

Then I do have a question..Since smaller breeds mature slower does that also mean that they nurse on their mothers longer?? Hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question but I may want to breed my girl one day so advise is very helpful.

Honestly I have no idea this question is better left for the breeders to answer. I know some bad breeders will force the puppies to stop and separate the pups from mom which is wrong on so many levels to a certain extent nature needs to run its course and the mom will take care of it. I do urge you to do lots of research about breeding before doing it there are so many things about it I didn't know until I joined here and still learn more everyday. Like the parents should have genetic testing, its also best to know the lines of your dogs to know if certain health issues have happened, its also dangerous to breed a dog under 5 pounds and stuff. When ytca.com is back up its one of the best places to start. We also have a breeding section where more of the breeders check out and see questions because sometimes they get lost in this section.

[Britster]

Don't worry about it! Honestly, 90% of people I know got small dogs at 8 weeks and under and they are perfectly fine healthy socialized dogs.

I think for every dog that has issues that was taken from its mother at 8 weeks, you will have just as many with issues taken 12 weeks and later. Most dogs go to new homes at 8 weeks old and most do perfectly fine with it.

I got Jackson at 9 weeks old and wouldn't have wanted him to stay there any longer anyway! He's a great dog, never had any issues as a pup either.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Britster

Don't worry about it! Honestly, 90% of people I know got small dogs at 8 weeks and under and they are perfectly fine healthy socialized dogs.

I think for every dog that has issues that was taken from its mother at 8 weeks, you will have just as many with issues taken 12 weeks and later. Most dogs go to new homes at 8 weeks old and most do perfectly fine with it.

I got Jackson at 9 weeks old and wouldn't have wanted him to stay there any longer anyway! He's a great dog, never had any issues as a pup either.

When its already done you can't do anything about it but the mother club says 12 weeks for many reasons and good breeders are always part of the mother clubs for there breed. Also Jackson was bigger then most yorkies at that age and was around other dogs to learn from.