Puppy info

[E H Collic]

Hi my queston is should i pick up my rotti pup at 8weeks or 16weeks? I was told that 16 weeks is to long if it was a big litter .She had 9. Very big and healthy.Thanks E COLLIC..

[Orville Story]

I don't like to see a puppy taken from the litter until 8 weeks. As long as the breeder is spending time with the puppys there will be no ill effects at 16 weeks or even 1 year old. If the beeder does not spend time with the puppies, this could retard their socialization towards people. Being with littermates is a positive if the puppy also spends quality time with people.

[MEDIC]

I GOT MAXS AT 5 WEEKS I THINK IT WAS TO EARLIE.

[hunter_rott]

I think you should pick up your puppy at 8 wks. We got our rottie at 7 1/2 weeks and he was from a litter of 7. He is now 14 1/2 wks and weighs about 31 lbs. He is very obedient and follows commands. He is very gentle and loving plus he has a friend (beagle 17 wks.) to play with. I think that you would have your hand completely full is you waited until 16 wks. The puppy would miss out on alot. It would take him some time to be obedient to you as if you were to pick him up earlier. Puppies have a short memory span and the sooner you start training the faster they will learn.

[geriva]

We were told that it is not advisable to buy a puppy that is younger than 8 weeks.
In the Netherlands you can buy puppies from 8 weeks and older.
At the age of 8 - 10 weeks the puppies are still in there instilment-phase (?)(this means that they remember everything that happens, and they copy the behaviour of the mother-dog). It is important you are there with your puppy.
Our puppy was 10 weeks old when we bought her and she is doing fine as well.
Buying a puppy older than 16 weeks is not advisable because you miss a great deal in the eduction of you puppy. (especially with Rottweilers it is important that you know that they have had a broad, well educated up-bringing, in order to avoid problems when they get older...)

[Killfactor]

just a note, some breeders Make you wait 10-12wks, mine would not let me have my dog til after the new year even though she was old enough to let go, cause she didnt want her to come home to a mad house, which makes me feel better that someone cares about their litter more than the money they get when the pup leaves. anyhow, I would say its up to you, I dont believe there is a problem with waiting til it is 16wks, whatever fits your schedule so the pup comes home to your full attention.

[LucyJ]

Rotties are great dogs, very smart. We adopted Chief at 7 MONTHS old. He has adapted quickly. He is protective of his new home and family. And is doing very well in Obedience Classes. I don't think it matters at all how old the dog is as long as it's not too young. Others here who have adopted or rescued dogs even older than mine can attest to that.

[AngelBunny]

Our younger dog came to our home thru rescue when she was 5 mo old. She didn't know one single thing (not even her name because we changed it).

Now, at 21 mo old, she's very well trained and well adjusted.

[abelmanalo]

Puppies are vaccinated against the major contagious diseases from 6-12 or even 14 or 16 months. a puppy obtained after this period should have all its shots done, and would mean better chances for survival, of course.
However, there is no harm in getting it at 8 weeks if you continue the program.
As you separate your pup from its littermates, you change its whole pack order with you being a member.... it will have to adapt to that accordingly.



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Abel Manalo
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of the Philippines