Hi everyone
I would just like to check with any breeders, when you have a litter of puppies at what age do you allow viewings to prospective new owners?
My reason for asking is that I have just enquired about a litter of puppies. The woman was very helpful and seemed knowledgable we discussed viewings which she would be happy to arrange but they are only a week old!
To me this seems a little young. I am happy to stand corrected if this is normal but just wanted to check
Many Thanks
Lou

When this has been discussed before, everyone seems to have differing opinions -but I've never seen anybody mention a week! What would be the point? At a week of age puppies sleep, make little grunting noises, can't see, can't hear and can't walk! Plus the bitch will need peace and quiet with them. Personally I allow visitors from 3 weeks for those that are really keen to come, those that want to see the personalities have to wait until 5 weeks.

Thanks

My thoughts exactly but just wanted to check!

I let people view the puppies at 5 weeks under close supervision..

4 weeks for me as i dont think there is anything to choose from before then and like it has already been said, mum needs some quiet time with her babies and allowing strangers in when they are that young could upset some bitches.

If people are nearby or passing then they are welcome to come and see the dogs, they may get to peek at the pups but the visit is about meeting the rest of the gang.

Anyone with a distance to travel I advise them to come after they pups are four weeks, as by this stage they are running around and playing and you can see the developing personalities.

As for choosing pups, this will not happen until they are old enough to be evaluated, at around 7 weeks.

So it depends on the purpose of the visit.

Apart from exhibitors, I always choose the pups for my families but if they have shown interest for a long time, especially if they have children (that I would have already met) then I sometimes suggest that they come and look at tiny pups.
I feel very privliged to have experienced the wonder of whelping and rearing litters and am happy to share the experience with those who I consider suitable and my bitches have always agreed with me. :) :)

When this has previously been asked the large percentage of us say from 4 weeks.

Yes 4 weeks onwards

i dont bred but all three times ive got a new pup its always been 5 weeks for looking / choseing and 8 weeks to bring home.
My youngests breeder let me chose at 7 weeks as i had first pick but i still went for the same dog that i liked at 5 weeks when i first saw the litter.

We've always viewed pups from between 4-5 weeks old and collected between 7-8 weeks old.
One breeder said i could see them at 2 weeks, i did but it made no difference in making any decisions, they were alive and not a lot else could really be said about them at that stage.
Also too young you could be bringing in infections to the pups and this i know worries many breeders i have spoken to.