I think a big part of these interminable arguments about tabs is based on people using the same words to mean different things. In the following, I'm trying to avoid espousing my personal religion here, I just thought it would be good to try and explain the various sects. Anyway.
Puppies may be placed in new homes once they are eating well on their own. However, they will be better adjusted and make better pets by staying and interacting with littermates and the Mom-dog until they are at least eight weeks old--older generally is better.
-- Early Arrivals. Dear Early: Every breeder has their own opinion about when the best time to let their puppies go to their new homes. Some go earlier and others go later. But the general rule of thumb is that puppies should go to their new homes in the 8-to-12 week-old age range. Toy breeds which are smaller than most dogs and very fragile at an early age usually stay with the breeder past 8 weeks.