home at 8 weeks or 12?

stacepaetzel · #1 24th October 2010, 07:20 AM

So after losing our Laila in the summer, we are thinking of adding a new pup. I found a good breeder with whom I feel very confident. The only problem is that we would like to be able to choose our pup from the litter and bring him/her home at 8 or 9 weeks. However, since the breeder shows her pups, she won't release any of the cute flashy pups to a pet home until they've grown enough to determine their potential as show pups. There is a very beautiful 12 week old puppy that is available to a pet home, and we are seriously considering bringing her home. Other than the fact that I love little puppies (and you only get to have a few in your lifetime), is there any reason we shouldn't take a 12 week old pup?

Caney Creek · #2 24th October 2010, 11:07 AM

No reason at all to pass on a 12 week old pup, considering that it's going to be coming from a reputable breeder who has been spending adequate time with it during the past several weeks I think it should be just fine.

Madea · #3 24th October 2010, 05:36 PM

i will be getting my new puppy also at 12 weeks. i talk to the breeder everyday. She sends me pictures and videos at least 3 times a week. I named him "JUSTUS". She also started calling him that at 5 weeks old...I wanted to make sure that i was off from work at least 3 weeks when he arrived. I could only get three weeks together in November 10...I get to see him interact with his mommy with my web-cam. I miss him so much..Tyson looks at the videos with me and his little tail is just a wiggling.

Mega's Mom · #4 25th October 2010, 01:17 PM

I brought Cornelius home at 16 weeks (also from a breeder that shows her dogs). They are still puppies but he was a little closer to being potty trained. That's a plus in my book.

whiskers · #5 25th October 2010, 07:35 PM

The only concern I would have is that the socialization window is closing, but reputable breeders are usually pretty diligent about socializing the pups, so if you're comfortable with the breeder then no, I don't see an issue. 12 weeks is still young enough that you're not missing any of the "fun" puppy stuff.

Box Boys · #6 7th November 2010, 06:28 PM

I wouldn't worry at all about getting a 12 week old pup. Any good breeder is going to be socializing the pup and spending lots of time with it. The breeder I got Buster from just recently decided between two of her female pups and has one now available again and she's 16 weeks old. I say go for it, if that's the one that you want. Good luck!