Adopting A Puppy

The puppies are not quite 6 weeks old, so should still be with their Mom until they are (preferably) 8 weeks old and should have their first set of shots before leaving for their new homes. They learn vital socializing skills from the mother and litter mates during this period.

Jeanne is right, if the parent (s) are NOT up to date on their own vaccinations then you should absolutely NOT take this puppy!!! At only $30, my guess is that this was probably an accidental litter - the owner doesn't appear to be out to make money, just to regain some of their costs.

You should also be allowed to take the puppy to see a vet of your choice - within 48 hours after bringing it home - to make sure that you are getting a healthy animal, and you should be able to return it if not - getting your $30 back as well.

The owner should give you at least a day or two worth of whatever food they are feeding - changing foods with no transition time ( around 7 - 10 days) can cause you all kinds of grief... like diarrhea which in turn can cause even more serious problems like dehydration, vomiting, etc.

I would also either research both the Corgi and Beagle to check on any genetic issues within the breed to see what health concerns are there, as well as to see if there are any that are found in both breeds. That will tell you if there are any major things to worry about in the future - especially things that affect both breeds.

Corgis are essentially a dwarf, which is why their legs are so misshapen and that combined with their elongated back can cause all kinds of problems. Beagles have their own breed problems as well.

All babies are adorable, but not every one is the right one for you - so make the choice with your head and not just your heart!!! Better to let a "cheap" one pass you by, and get a healthy one. The shelters and rescue organizations are always looking for great homes for the animals in their care!!

There are also way too many people out there who consider themselves breeders, just because they let their animals reproduce with no real knowledge of what they are producing, other than the $$$ signs that shine in their eyes!


Just as an FYI - I have over 30 years experience breeding dogs, purebreds granted because that is where my interests lie, but the basics are the same no matter whether you are looking for a purebred dog or a mix - a fancy designer name doesn't make the dog any healthier.

GOOD LUCK!!!

I just thought of this. Are you certain the Mom dog is up on her shots? The gal should be able to show you proof. If she can't, I wouldn't take the pup. There are plenty of pups/young dogs at the Animal Shelter.

That does seem early to separate from the mother. Usually 6- 8 weeks is considered the basic minimum. I do hope you can have your dear puppy.

Pups used to be sold at 6 weeks. Now the thought is 8. I have Newfoundland and they don’t go until 11-12 weeks.
But if you don’t are her she’s goong to someone else, correct?
If so..might as well. If you could pay and the breeder will keep her till 8 weeks great. If not, then you get to be mom a little early.

Pups shouldn't be adopted until they are 8 weeks.

So, my almost 16-year-old daughter and I have decided to adopt a puppy. (We have a 14-year-old cat that we've had for 13 years.)
Anyways... A friend of a friend has puppies that she's selling for $30. They're beagle/Corgi mixes.
My question and concern is... She's already sold three of the puppies and they were born August 19th. Isn't this too soon to separate them from their mother? Or am I wrong?
My daughter and I fell in love with one of them, and if we don't adopt her someone else will and I know that we can take good care of her.
Should I do it or not?

This is the puppy that we were drawn to. She's the runt of the litter. My daughter wants to name her Luna.