8 Signs Your Dachshund Puppy Is Ready to Leave Breeder
Dachshunds often mature at a slower rate than other breeds, and in my extensive experience with a team of Owners, Breeders, and International Show Judges, it’s a proven fact they’re not fully grown until about 3 years old.
While the law allows leaving a Mother and Breeder at 8 weeks, I advise waiting longer—it’s usually in the best interest of the puppy, even if bringing them home soon is tempting.
8 Signs Your Dachshund Puppy Is Ready to Leave Breeder – Short Answer
A Dachshund puppy is ready to leave the breeder when it’s healthy, well-socialized, eating solid food, showing confidence, responding to people, adapting to new environments, following simple routines, and meeting the minimum legal age—though waiting beyond 8 weeks is often better for its long-term well-being.
1. Legal Age vs. Developmental Readiness
The legal minimum age to leave a breeder is often 8 weeks, though it varies by country. From my experience with Dachshunds, they are slow maturing and not emotionally ready at 8 weeks.
As a Value Add, the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes 8 weeks as the legal minimum, but many breeders recommend waiting until 10–12 weeks for better social development. This extra time helps the puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted companion.
2. Role of the Mother in Early Development
Every mother, in both the Human and Canine world, is different, but Dachshund mothers are often attentive and good caregivers. Given time to nurture and care for their pups, they may nurse until 7-8 weeks or more. At Coots at Eversden, we are Mom led, letting Mothers dictate when they are ready to step away before starting the weaning process.
This gentle, natural transition gives puppies the best start in life with proper nutritional and social support. A puppy not pushed to leave at 8 weeks can develop naturally, gaining vital support, discipline, and skills from its Mother.
Being fully detached before leaving helps avoid separation anxiety and other development issues. With routine—feeding, resting, activities at set times—pups build confidence, good toilet habits, and settle into homes later with ease. This makes the transition stress free for the puppy, family, and Mother, much like what you’d learn from early puppy care when preparing for early puppy care.
3. Socialization and Routine Formation
A puppy shouldn’t step outside until fully vaccinated, or at least after the first vaccination if in a secure, safe, clean garden area. To establish good toilet habits, it’s best to wait until they’ve mastered this before the puppy leaves for its new home.
Puppies’ first vaccination is at 8 weeks, and no time is afforded to this vital life skill if they leave too soon.
4. Environmental Desensitization
Desensitising a puppy to household sounds, sights, and smells takes time, and you can’t rush it. Learning through play, problem solving, and interaction with older infants and adult dogs is essential for preparing them for development. It’s not appropriate to start this until at least 8 weeks.
They learn the most from other dogs—good skills like how to follow, which later support recall, an important skill when out and about as an infant.
5. Health & Vaccination Milestones
The first vaccination is typically at 8 weeks, but puppies should stay with their breeder until at least 10–12 weeks. This gives them time to recover from the vaccine and avoid early exposure risk before their immune system is stronger.
It’s only safe to start toilet training after the 1st vaccine, ideally in a clean yard, where they can explore without health concerns. This extra time not only protects their wellbeing but also helps them adapt to routines and develop confidence before joining their new home, a process often highlighted in understanding how puppies grow when tracking developmental stages.
6. Breeder’s Role in Long-Term Health
Breeders should carefully track genetics, health history, and temperament to ensure healthy litters. Buyers shouldn’t have to worry about issues like overbites, cancer, or patella problems, and puppies from responsible breeders are far less likely to face such hereditary conditions.
Always choose breeders who perform OFA testing or an equivalent for IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) risk, giving your puppy the best chance at a long, healthy life.
7. Additional Skills Before Rehoming
Litter box training with grass pellets helps set the foundation for future potty success, making it easier for a puppy to adjust when moving to a new home. Alongside this, learning from older dogs in a pack teaches valuable social etiquette and strengthens recall skills—both vital for a well-behaved adult dog.
These habits cannot be rushed or developed in isolation; they need consistent exposure, gentle guidance, and time to grow naturally, ensuring the puppy leaves the breeder with confidence and good manners.
8. Ideal Rehoming Age for Dachshunds
12 weeks is widely considered the optimal age for a puppy to leave its breeder, giving them time to develop emotionally and physically. Some breeders, like Coots, even offer to rehome at 6 months for better outcomes, as puppies at this stage are more socialized, healthier, easier to train, and less anxious in new environments.
Waiting also allows them to practice and perfect life skills under their mother’s and littermates’ guidance. Resources like making the transition comfortable also remind new owners that small details matter when ensuring a smooth adjustment.
Always avoid breeders who rehome before 8 weeks or skip crucial social development steps, as rushing this stage can lead to long-term behavior, training, and confidence issues.
Final Thoughts: It’s Worth the Wait
Early separation may be more convenient for some breeders, but it’s rarely better for pups. Choosing a breeder who prioritizes the puppy’s readiness over just age leads to healthier, happier dogs that are well-prepared for life in their new homes.
Always do your homework, ask tough questions, and trust breeders who are willing to delay for the puppy’s sake, ensuring their long-term wellbeing and confidence.
FAQ’s
At what age can Dachshund puppies leave their mother?
The exact time that’s best for a puppy to join its new home can vary, but most breeders and veterinarians agree 8 weeks is a good minimum. Some states have laws preventing puppies from being sold any earlier. This ensures proper growth, socialization, and readiness before leaving the breeder.
How long should a puppy stay with the breeder?
The best possible time for puppies to change homes and leave the breeder is between 10 and 12 weeks of age, especially if the breeder has the time and talent to start their early training and social development before rehoming.
When should you stop breeding dachshunds?
Male Dachshunds can breed until age 10 without a DNA test, and up to age 12 with one on file according to the AKC. Many breeders choose to retire males earlier for health and quality reasons. By age five, most dogs are potty trained, calmer, and past destructive habits.
How long is a Dachshund considered a puppy?
A Dachshund is generally considered a puppy until about 12 months of age. They reach physical maturity between 12–18 months, but mental maturity can take longer. During this time, they still need puppy-level training, socialization, and care.
