su888 Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 I have enquired about a nice looking staffy, however am concerned about the age the seller is passing it onto me at 6 weeks old. Should i be alarmed, he said the VCA recommends 8 weeks, but 6 weeks will be ok. Thoughts? I'm due to have a look tomorrow morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lab lady Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 NO!!!!!! it's too young to be leaving mum and litter mates, go elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 6 weeks is too early. I think there are some rules to that effect. is your chosen breeder registered ,etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBT101 Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 Way to young. They are not meant to leave the mum till at least 8 weeks which is Canine Regulations. Might dont go till bout 9 weeks.....At least Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
su888 Posted September 3, 2010 Author Share Posted September 3, 2010 excuse my stupidity but what are the problems associated with it leaving the litter/mother at this age? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 First it is absolutely against the regulations for all registered breeders to let puppies go before 8 weeks and in NSW at least it is actually against the state law. The law also requires them to be microchipped and vaccinated and for the vaccine to have been given time to take effect before they leave. Puppies need that vital socialisation period from 6-8 weeks to learn how to be dogs, how to interact with other dogs and how to learn bite inhibition. Puppies removed from the litter before 8 weeks are far more likely to be timid or agressive with other dogs as adults. The bottom line though is that ethical breeders do not sell puppies at 6 weeks. Staffy's are a dime a dozen at the moment and there are more unscrupulous breeders producing them than any other breed at present. There are still plenty of reputable ethical breeders to choose from so there is no need to go to one that is unethical, breaking ANKC regulations and possibly state laws. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parkeyre Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 I have enquired about a nice looking staffy, however am concerned about the age the seller is passing it onto me at 6 weeks old.Should i be alarmed, he said the VCA recommends 8 weeks, but 6 weeks will be ok. Thoughts? I'm due to have a look tomorrow morning. Depending on your state; it's illegal to sell puppies that young. Any ANKC registered breed who sells pups that young is; in my honest opinion, unethical. Would they pup have even been vaccinated? Microchipped? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puppoochi Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 Way too young, it's against regulations. Irrespective of regulations, I let mine wean naturally, and my bitches have always let the bubs feed up until they are 8 weeks old or more. Poor lil bub. If you found this breeder on here, I would get in touch with TROY to let him know. I would also inform the controlling body of the state of where the pup is. This breeder is totally unethical. DO NOT BUY THIS PUPPY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizT Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 (edited) As stated by previous posts there are rules and guidelines designed to help the tranistion to the new home and this person is not abiding by them. It is unlikely they are a registered breeder as it is an irresposible thing to do with possible repercussions. Edited September 3, 2010 by LizT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkehre Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 Sadly Staffords get a reasonable amount of bad publicity (as do my breed), so temperament is paramount. Leaving home early could be detrimental to any pup's temperament. Non ethical breeder, run a mile. Personally I recommend you spending a lot more time researching the breed and general husbandry etc and put in some quality time finding a reputable, ethical, registered breeder that you will spend time getting to know and them getting to know you. Please do not be in a hurry. This is an awesome breed of dog. You owe it to yourself, your community and the breed to purchase carefully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stolzseinrotts Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 I have enquired about a nice looking staffy, however am concerned about the age the seller is passing it onto me at 6 weeks old.Should i be alarmed, he said the VCA recommends 8 weeks, but 6 weeks will be ok. Thoughts? I'm due to have a look tomorrow morning. You have been given good advice, I would like to add my comments......... Run a mile from this so called "breeder" It is part of the Vicdogs (VCA) code of ethics that a breeder will NOT home a puppy before they have reached 8 weeks of age. The puppy still needs to be with its litter mates and mother as this is the age of learning! And also vaccinations cannot be done before 6 weeks of age allowing the 10-14 days for it to take effect prior to going home. Again a breach of the code of ethics if it is not done prior to homing. In fact I would go as far as saying that you should report that breeder to the VCA for NOT complying with the code of ethics. I am over these breeders who to do NOT respect the code of ethics and do as they please. They should be held accountable for their actions. The breed you are looking for is a popular one, please take the time to find a reputable registered breeder who does the right thing by their dogs as well as their puppy people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakway Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 Firstly puppies should not be vaccinate until 8 weeks so the pup would not be vaccinated. Secondly in most states in can be against the law to to sell at this age. Thirdly if the breeder is a registered breeder their ethics are non existent. Personally I would run a mile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBT101 Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 Although there are plenty of litters available at the moment, here in WA they are of very short supply. I have had emails everyday from people looking for a stafford puppy but do not want to get one from the Eastern States. And again, please do not get a stafford at 6 weeks. It would be interesting to know if it has had its vaccinations, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBT101 Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 Firstly puppies should not be vaccinate until 8 weeks so the pup would not be vaccinated.Secondly in most states in can be against the law to to sell at this age. Thirdly if the breeder is a registered breeder their ethics are non existent. Personally I would run a mile. I thought it was 6-7weeks, then 10 weeks. Everyone round here gets them done at that time. Think they leave it till 7 weeks so the puppies are that little bit stronger... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoL Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 Run, run as fast as you can! Save your money, prepare to spend a little more and buy from a reputable, ethical breeder who will health test their stock for AT LEAST L2-HGA and HC (have you asked this person about health testing???). Do your research about the breed and ask as many questions as you like about the breeder, their practices, their dogs. Ask to see ORIGINAL health clearance certificates and also ANKC main registration certificates (in NSW they are blue). You will be doing yourself a favour in the long run. Ask as many breeders as possible, even if they don't have anything available. The Stafford as a breed is overbred and not everybody who calls themself a breeder should be as the dollar is their bottom line. It really does pay to take your time about things and do your research. Quality comes to those who are prepared to wait. Good luck and there are plenty on DOL who would be more than happy to help answer questions and point you in the right direction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizT Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 (edited) Firstly puppies should not be vaccinate until 8 weeks so the pup would not be vaccinated.Secondly in most states in can be against the law to to sell at this age. Thirdly if the breeder is a registered breeder their ethics are non existent. Personally I would run a mile. I thought it was 6-7weeks, then 10 weeks. Everyone round here gets them done at that time. Think they leave it till 7 weeks so the puppies are that little bit stronger... I think you are right, every pup I've bought has had it's first vaccination to be followed up at 12 weeks with the second, when I've purchased it at 8 weeks of age. Anyway regardless of vaccination age the pup is still so vunerable. Many publications state that 12 weeks is a better age to go to the new home and I've known of people who find an 8 week old puppy overwhelming and have asked the breeder if they could hold on to it until 12 weeks of age. (My sister for one). Personally, I think you need to have support at home for a very young puppy as they are very demanding, even if only for a short time with care and feeding etc. Edited September 4, 2010 by LizT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remblak Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 I have enquired about a nice looking staffy, however am concerned about the age the seller is passing it onto me at 6 weeks old.Should i be alarmed, he said the VCA recommends 8 weeks, but 6 weeks will be ok. Thoughts? I'm due to have a look tomorrow morning. Name and shame as far as I'm concerned What kind of un-ethical breeder??? would let their 6wk old baby leave at this young age absolutely ridiculous!!! If I were you, I'd be running a mile and finding a reputable, ethical breeder who not only keeps their puppies till the appropriate but also health tests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellz Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 ANKC Code of Ethics aside, no caring, reputable, responsible breeder would consider allowing a puppy to go to a new home at that age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra777 Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 excuse my stupidity but what are the problems associated with it leaving the litter/mother at this age? Think you've been told quite enough not to so I'll give "why' a go Puppies need to learn how to be dogs, this information doesn't come built in. A good bitch will teach her pups just so much in the time between 6 and 9 weeks - how to speak dog if you please. Staffords of all breeds really REALLY need to be well acquainted with correct dog language, they are a breed which is more likely to be aggressive than fearful if they feel threatened or uncertain, which a dog which doesn't speak dog very well can feel in a lot of every day situations. If there's one thing this world doesn't need is another "'staffy'' attacking some ''poor innocent'' dog in a dog park. Staffords looooove using their teeth, not necessarily nastily but they loooooove to chew and bite. Pups in a litter teach each other bite inhibition and, perhaps just as importantly, how to control their pressure and strength when they do bite. By bite I don't mean attack, I mean simple every day things like playing and accidentally making contact with people-skin. Lastly, because it is against the code of ethics of the ANKC to release puppies at this age, you seriously have to ask yourself about the OTHER things this ''breeder'' might not be doing correctly. There are literally thousands of Stafford puppies out there, you won't miss out by waiting and buying from someone who demonstrates their concern for their puppies in a pretty basic way like keeping them until they're old enough to be rehomed. The ONLY exception would be if the pup is a single puppy which was orphaned at birth, and even then the breeder is still bound by the COE not to place it at six weekes anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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