We put a deposit down on a yellow lab. She was supposed to be ready to go home at 8 weeks and now the breeder says 6 weeks as of last week. All of the other adoptive parents have complied and are picking the puppies up tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (since they are six weeks as of today). She will let the puppy stay until 8 weeks, but is really emphasizing how all of the other puppies are leaving. So, even though my husband and I wanted our puppy to stay until 8 weeks, she will not get the benefit of being with her littermates after this weekend.
I am going to visit tonight, even though it's a bit of a hike. We just want to see and interact with the puppy :). However, I'm concerned about this situation since I've heard and read that puppies should not go home until 7-12 weeks. I looked up Michigan law and it is only illegal for pet shops to sell before 8 weeks old. What do you think?
Okay, so when I visited, she said it was up to me. I just had to get her by 8 weeks. I guess sometimes it's hard to know tone and body language by email. The phone call I had with her said the same, it was up to me, but I thought she implied that she wanted me to take her now. I'm glad I went to visit. Thanks everyone!
Report this breeder and do not take the dog, if they are doing this VERY questionable act I wonder what else they have done that is questionable ... find another breeder and another dog.
I think you are dealing with someone who doesn't care about animals, just money. Very sad. I would not buy a dog from this person. Actually I would not ever buy a dog. Period.
Puppy is better off staying with Mom until 8 weeks. Breeder probably wants to get rid of all the puppies early because it will cost her less money in food, etc. and be less work than to have them 2 more weeks. If she's pushing having them picked up at 6 weeks, has she had them get their first shots and deworming? Because 6 weeks is the earliest you can have that done and most decent breeders will make sure to get their puppies off to a healthy start before they go to new homes. She's not doing anything illegal by selling them at 6 weeks, but it's not optimal either.
I agree. I think she has an ulterior motive for getting the puppies out early and I wonder how reputable she really is or if she's just a backyard breeder/puppy mill. She doesn't sound like someone who has the dogs' best interest in mind. I realize you may have your heart set on this puppy, but I think in the long term you have to think long and hard about taking it and supporting this person. Personally, I'd report her.
I would not take the puppy. A good breeder would not release the puppies before 8 weeks. They may be healthy, but that is too soon and sounds like it just about the money for her. I agree with others that she is probably trying to breed again, which is too soon, and I would wonder/question how soon yours can after the previous litter. Poor breeding, reckless breeding can translate into health problems in the future. If you can get your money back, you should. Are they AKC registered? Does she belong to any breeding group? If not, don't take the puppy.
Reputable breeders would not allow this. If your breeder is pushing you to do this, I would assume she is doing other things that aren't acceptable. Other things, that are negligent and detrimental to these poor animal's health. 10-12 weeks is the most common among good breeders, and nothing less. I would not trust a breeder who is pushing this, and I would wonder what the dogs actually go through under her care. I think you should report her to whatever breeder association she belongs to (If she doesn't belong to one...there is your biggest red flag), or the animal authorities in your area.
I agree with Kristina. Way to young and only setting these poor puppies up for behavioral issues. You will find YOUR doggy, this isn't the one. If the breeder is so careless with this, what else have they done that will be detrimental to these pups seeting them up for such issues as Hip displasia, cancer, etc........Does she have a policy on returning dogs if you have issues? That doesn't make it okay, just ONE test to see how much care they are taking. This could be very heartbreaking! (dog without the proper bite inhibition or devestating health issues)
6 weeks is too young to separate from mom and litter.
They shouldn't even be starting weaning until they are 5 weeks and that's supposed to be done gradually so they don't get tummy upset.
I'd report her . Sounds like she's trying to get them out of the way cause she's got another litter on the way.
I will ask my aunt when I can what her policies were on puppies going home , she was a Lab breeder and shower for 40 years.
ETA: I spoke with my aunt she said 8 weeks for hers. To ensure the first set of shots has taken and the puppy is OK. She also said that wanting them out earlier could be a sign of a shady breeder.
When I got my Newfoundland pup many years ago, from a very reputable breeder (I am in MN and had to go to SD to get one...$1500 and travel expenses later...and this was 15 years ago), he came to us at 7 weeks on the dot. But he was 24.5 pounds (at vet visit the next day!).
Some of the littler pups left the same day we picked up. 2 of them were being put on an airplane that day to go to Colorado. This breeder had more than one female so did not "mill" puppies out from one female over and over. They were a family setting.
I would find out why they upped the schedule? Did they suddenly have a trip coming up? Lots of graduation events or other things that might cause stress for the pups and mommy connection? They might actually have a very reasonable answer for you. I would ask first, but be cautious.
Good luck!
I'm a veterinarian. If at all possible, let her stay with her mom the extra two weeks. It isn't about the size of the puppy, it's about emotional and behavioral development. Enjoy your new family member! :)
Always heard 6 weeks... Took our rottie home at 6 weeks. She's 4 years now.
I got my English Springer Spaniel at six weeks, 4 days. She did fine and
turned out to be the sweetest dog ever!
That's not a good breeder. It's what is known as a backyard breeder. They are breeding for a profit only. I'd run away fast.
I recently encountered this situation with my cat as she had kittens. I thought it was 6 weeks but confirmed with an animal hospital that puppies/kittens SHOULD NOT be separated from their mom until 8 weeks.
I saw a huge difference in those two weeks. That breeder should know better.
You are right. Stand your ground.
I've gotten all three of my Golden Retrievers after their 6 week vetting, so about 6 weeks and a few days, to 7 weeks. All were healthy happy and strong.
I don't know why your breeder changed her mind, and sure, I suppose it's better to wait til 8 weeks, but in all likelihood your puppy has been weaned for over a week already. A lot of moms decide they are done with their pups at that time.
I guess I would get to the bottom of why it changed. But I would also just go get my pup a little early and then just not recommend this breeder to anyone who asked.
Enjoy her, congrats!
:)
As a former breeder myself, I followed the 8 weeks philosophy. It could be the case tho that the parent dogs run a little bit larger than average for the breed and the pups have developed a little faster than usual.
Have you voiced your concerns to the breeder? Is the breeder a recognized breeder among yellow lab breeders? What's the reason for cutting the weaning time two weeks short?
I'm guessing there isn't a real huge problem, it's just generally a safer bet to wait a little longer.
