Last time I bought a pup from the youngest age, he left his mum at 12 weeks. I thought this was standard practise, for the dog to be old enough to be on its own, leave it's mum (although I know she's had enough by then!) and even be around other dogs.

Now it seems 8 weeks is the norm. That seems extremely young to me - especially when I'm used to them a good 4 weeks plus older!

I trust the breeder who told me this, as she seems lovely and knowledgeable, and clearly adores her dogs.

Can I have other breeders opinions please (especially on dachshunds!) Has opinion changed over the last 10 or 20 years about leaving age?

In general terms 8 weeks is the norm, but, the tiny toy breeds commonly stay with the breeder till 12 weeks.

Dawn R.

Yes, opinion has changed.  In large/medium breed dogs it's normal for them to go to their new homes at 7-8 wks.  Some breeds (labs for eg) are even going to new homes at 6 wks, which imo is a bit too early.  Toy breeds tend to wait till they're 12 wks still because they are so small and vulnerable till then.  IMO I think the ideal time is 7 wks.  At 8-9 wks many dogs enter their 'fear' stage, which is think is a potentially dangerous time to go to a new home at.  7 wks gets them just before this.

My puppies are 7 weeks old today. 1 leaves tomorrow, one on Saturday and the other next weekend. the two that are leaving this week are going to experienced collie homes and the one I'm keeping another week is going to a new owner. I think it depends on the pup and the new home. My last two borzois I got at 6 weeks old.

HI Binxy !! ;) already spoken to you regarding this , but will add to this poll . i have 4 bitches & 1 dog in my house ( mini dachsies) & if i have a litter of pups , they are born & raised in the house as part of the family. i let my puppies go to new homes from 8 weeks as i believe 1 to 1 cuddles & training ! need to start from then . very hard with 5 adults & poss 6 puppies all wanting 1 to 1 attention & only 1 me !!! i keep in contact with all new owners, & all pups settle in well & thrive from that age . i got my last 2 dachsies , brother & sister , at 7 weeks because mum was snapping at them & i had no problems whatsoever.
regards Caron :):):)