What do you feel is the best age for a puppy to leave mum?

I find it interesting that 10 or 20 years ago it was perfectly acceptable for a puppy to leave its mother at 6 weeks, but now it seems to be frowned upon, people seem to think it is "cruel".

I would say that if the puppies are well reared and socialised then 6 weeks is OK, although 7-8 weeks is probably better. If I was buying a puppy I would want to collect it between the age of 6 and 8 weeks, certainly no younger and no older either.

What do other people feel is the best age? As a breeder, I like my pups to leave around 7-8 weeks, but they are certainly more than ready to leave by the time they are 6 weeks as they are usually eating solid food by the time they are 3 weeks old.

It would be interesting to see what others think.

i said 8 weeks (meaning max). i dont think its 'cruel' plenty of dogs have been hand raised from day one with no mother! but certainly they do learn alot at this young stage. six weeks is probably ok if giving the pup to someone experienced who will understand that this pup is vunerable at this age, but certainly not to joe public. maybe 8 weeks is a better age for generalising.... again each dog is different, as are different breeds.

I would prefer 8 weeks, but I think it depends on how experienced the breeder and new owner is and how the bitch is coping with the litter. A friend of mine got his lab at 6 weeks and he's turned out fine, although he's never learnt how hard to bite when playing and I thought this might have something to do with leaving the litter early? This dog was his first and I think it would've been better for him to have the dog later so the dog had more time with the breeder and his litter mates. With him being first time dog owner he didn't know much about dog behaviour and had a habit of not listening to my advice (about play biting).
If it was me I wouldn't mind having a pup at 6 weeks as I have a lot of experience with dogs, but my personal preference is 8 weeks.

My pups go at 8 weeks, although like you say they could easily go at 6 weeks, but I think those last 2 weeks with mum is important!

If I was buying a pup I wouldn't want to collect it till 7+ weeks not before

I think lots of ideas from those times are frowned upon now- such as use of choke chains, rubbing the dogs nose in its own mess so as to toilet train etc


Was going to put 7 weeks as the youngest I think it should leave but then re read and saw you have said the *best* age- so I have put 8 weeks but then both of mine came home at 7 weeks- so can I press twice

well i say 8 weeks, but i had my keisha at the age of 5 weeks!!!! i hated the fact that they could have spent more time where she was!! She was taken (not weaned) off her mother milk at 3 weeks!!!! She was fed amongst 5 other pups AND nearly 8 adult dogs so she basically faught for her food. Took me ages to get her out of the habbit of diving into her dinner and rushing her food. She still does it from time to time. We had to put our hands by her bowl, take it away from her and give it back just si she would be used to having her food taken away so she wouldn't bite!!! Now we can take a bone off her without her even caring.

I stayed in the "breeders" house for no longer than 15 minutes when i went for her because i didn't feel they wanted us there to be honest but it didn't bother me. We drove nearly 5 hours to get her and 5 hours back. She was worth it though, hard work but a pleasure to be around. She looks excellent!!

I, as i said i would, kept in touch with the "breeders" because i thought it was the decent thing to do. Send them pics as she is growing, but haven't had one reply!!!

Anyway, after all that I say 8 weeks is best!!

:smt023

7-8 weeks, most of mine left me at 8 weeks, Stanley left at 7 1/2 weeks as did Jag. Bryn stayed until he was 10 weeks and Iggy stayed til he was 12 weeks

(although waiting for Milo now, the 7-8 weeks seems along way away, he is 5 1/2 weeks now )

i have put 8 weeks as thats when i got max and he was perfectly happy and settled really well with us so it seemed a good age. i felt guilty enough taking him from his mother then even though she looked thrilled to see the back of him i couldnt of taken him any younger

dont know if you have seen the pup we have he is only 7 weeks today and was re-homed through boxer welfare a wee white boy and sadly he is deaf but doing great we were lucky enough to have a great person that could offer him a great home

Mine have always gone at 8 weeks, also i like have them around.