Age of puppies
- Thread starter Angela
- Start date
Sound Bay Newfs
Active member
Newf pups should go to their new homes at 10 weeks for socialization and cardiac heart tests.
BluwaterNewfs
New member
There is a difference between what is the appropriate age and what is legal. The legal age, if there is one, would depend on your locale. FOr newf puppies, a reputable breeder will hold them till 9 -12 weeks of age by which time, the breeder will have had them check by a cardiologist. There are some trainers that feel pups should go to their new homes as young as 7 weeks. this is before a fear period begins. In some breeds, the puppies do go home at 7 - 8 weeks.
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Ivoryudx
New member
It depends on where you live and where the pup is to go as to what the law is. I believe in the U.S. a pup can not be sold across any state line less than 6 weeks of age. Each State as their own laws for sales within them. I have no idea in Canada.
Of course this is just the laws not necessarily what is best for any one pup or breed of pup.
Very sad for those Newfie pups to be seperated at such a young age.
Of course this is just the laws not necessarily what is best for any one pup or breed of pup.
Very sad for those Newfie pups to be seperated at such a young age.
ardeagold
New member
True. In Maryland the law says 8 weeks. In Delaware the law says 6 weeks. And the states are right beside each other.
I'd say Newf puppies should stay with their mother until 10 weeks. They still need momma until then. And..the heart checks can be completed by that age.
Golden pups, on the other hand, are SO ready to be placed in their new homes at 8 weeks...and momma is more than ready to let them go. Heart checks can be performed at 8 weeks prior to them leaving.
I think six weeks is too young, period.
ingriddavis
New member
Yes, it looks like this has been covered well. 8 weeks is pretty standard in most states. There is no enforcement of this age either, except in the case of shipping pups, when a USDA certificate is needed, which is at least 8 wks.
Personally, I find puppies, Newf pups, do better if held on until 10 wks of age. That little bit of maturity makes a big difference in terms of their new home adjustment, potty training, fear periods, etc. Plus, a breeder can obtain at least one cardio check, although many innocent murmurs will still be audible at 10 wks.
Interestingly,The Blind School, in New Jersey, I believe, trained mostly Goldens, and Labs, and actually bred them right on site. After many tests, and studies, felt the best age to "foster" the pups out to their training homes, prior to formal training, and ultimate placement, was 7 weeks of age. They felt that 8 wks was a big fear period.
Of course, this was primarily for Labs and Goldens, perhaps a few German Shepherds.
Not Newfs.
Personally, I find puppies, Newf pups, do better if held on until 10 wks of age. That little bit of maturity makes a big difference in terms of their new home adjustment, potty training, fear periods, etc. Plus, a breeder can obtain at least one cardio check, although many innocent murmurs will still be audible at 10 wks.
Interestingly,The Blind School, in New Jersey, I believe, trained mostly Goldens, and Labs, and actually bred them right on site. After many tests, and studies, felt the best age to "foster" the pups out to their training homes, prior to formal training, and ultimate placement, was 7 weeks of age. They felt that 8 wks was a big fear period.
Of course, this was primarily for Labs and Goldens, perhaps a few German Shepherds.
Not Newfs.
ardeagold
New member
I think that most trainers feel the same. I've heard the same thing from those who train theirs to use in the fields. I've actually heard that they prefer 6 weeks, so the puppy will "imprint" more on the human therefore making it easier to train and work with. The bond is much stronger.
Of course, this would be sporting dogs...not sure whether other breeds are the same. I don't think it's what should be done with Newfs. They're much more babyfied at that age than Goldens/Labs are.
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Angela
Super Moderator
I actually don't know what the law is in Canada, or whether each province is different. But I do know that 6 weeks to be taken from their mother is plain ridiculous and in this case is just a money making business.
No registration, no contract, and the "breeder" is moving when this litter is sold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was just curious as to the actual age puppies can be sold.
So, another thought, all those puppies that end up from Hunte Co. into pet stores, probably in both countries, they have to be six weeks old also??
Thanks for all your replies so far.
ardeagold
New member
Sounds like a bad breeder, period. Not sure about the age that Hunte takes puppies. I do know it's under 8 weeks tho. They go to their facilities first, THEN to pet stores, and many aren't 8 weeks old by the time they get there. In fact, after 8 weeks, in many breeds, the "cuteness" factor starts to fade, so they're not as "marketable".
Can you check into the Canadian laws...and call the CKC on this woman? Don't all purebred dogs have to be registered in Canada?
Can you check into the Canadian laws...and call the CKC on this woman? Don't all purebred dogs have to be registered in Canada?
R Taft
Active member
Ditto here, Ronnie
Pipelineozzy
New member
I don't think there IS a law in Canada. We see pups as young as 5 weeks in new homes at work, which makes me grit my teeth. I think 10 weeks is a minimum, and that the socializing with Mom and littermates is crucial. Many people think that as soon as mom quits nursing, you can let them go, but they understimate what they learn from their littermates.
Sun Valley
New member
Angela, I saw that post on the other forum also and think the 'poster' should be told about this forum because there is so much more info and activity on NN.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann
Since I'm in Nova Scotia & keep pretty on top on Newf things, this would be a borker, miller or BYB. There is only one reputable breeder in NS that I know of & her puppies go at 10 wks. Parents have health clearances etc. Puppies have shots, heart checks, worming etc. There is a miller/BYB who breeds his girl every heat, judging from the ads on Kiji.
M & M's Mom Linda
New member
Max came to us at 12 weeks...Marcus 9.5 weeks. I really feel that Max was at a better age. Both had their cardio checks.