What age should dogs be adopted out?

[sarahp]

A friend just said she got a new puppy, which of course is very exciting. Then she said it's a chihuahua, so tiny. And it's 6 weeks old. And not spayed. And she got it from a breeder.

This is way too young for a little puppy isn't it???? I said to her that I was shocked, and she said she was a little surprised also, and apparently it's their first litter as breeders.

Sounds like they're way too inexperienced for this sort of thing!!!!!

 

[arlyn]

I wouldn't take a puppy under 10 weeks myself.

 

[loveysmummy]

Toy breeds like Chi's should stay with mom ideally for 12-14 weeks (the latter preferably).

But your story is very typical of Back Yard Breeders..

 

[sharky]

This is not odviously written but what I have been told by good breeders..

Extra large breeds about 8-9 weeks

large 8-10

medium 8-10

small 10-12

extra small 12-16

 

[goldenkitty45]

Most dog breeders let them go at about 6 or 9 weeks old. You have to remember that chihuahuas are little to start with. I can see bigger dogs leaving at 8 weeks, but smaller ones you could hold onto them another month.

If I were you, I'd return the pup at that age and look for another breeder.

 

[nekochan]

6 weeks is WAY too young for a Chihuahua especially...
In general no dog should be taken from the mother/littermates until 8 weeks old at the earliest, and for toy breeds it should be 12 weeks or more.

Actually, in many areas it is illegal to sell a 6-week-old puppy.