Based on our experience, we do not place any of our Frenchie puppies into their new homes prior to 8 weeks of age (they need the socialization of their litter mates and mom until then). We actually prefer to keep them until they are 9 weeks of age so they get a little more socialization time with their litter mates so they are a little better prepared to go to their new homes, and they will have much more protection based on the vaccinations they will have had. Occasionally, we will want to keep a puppy a little longer because, just as in human babies, Frenchie babies mature at different rates. By 9 weeks of age, most are eating like horses (after being off of mom’s milk for a two or three weeks), while occasionally others are still very picky eaters, gaining weight slowly, and are a little slower in their development.
We know how hard it can be to wait for your little bundle of joy, but we want to make sure your puppy is well prepared to go to your home before being placed with you. If we have made plans to place your puppy in your home at 9 weeks, but, based on his/her development, we make a recommendation that we keep your puppy for another week or two, please understand that we are only doing so to ensure that your puppy is fully prepared to leave litter mates and mom and to come live in your home.
By 9-weeks of age, when we start placing our puppies into their new forever homes, our puppies will have already had a nasal DAPP and Bordetella vaccine at 5-weeks, their first two of three required DAPP shots (at 7 weeks and 9 weeks), and the first of two Bordetella shots (given at 9 weeks). The 3rd DAPP & 2nd Bordetella shot is due at 12 weeks. A rabies shot will be due from 12 to 16 weeks. Based on the age of your puppy when placed with you, you will be responsible for obtaining the vaccinations that your puppy still needs, which will be detailed in your Sales Contract. We have also given your pup regular de-worming meds and preventive treatments for coccidia and giardia (although all dogs carry coccidia, and giardia is everywhere, and both can flare up under the stress of moving to a new home, a diet change, a new environment, etc.). Also, before placing your puppy with you, we will take him/her to our vet for a thorough health examination to make sure your puppy is ready to be placed in your home.
If we deliver your Frenchie puppy to you, he/she will be hand delivered to you by one of our responsible airline or surface nannies, either to your nearest major airport in the case of air delivery, or to your front door in the case of surface delivery. Puppies can be air shipped as cargo with United Airlines, and sometimes with other carriers when the temperature is below 75 degrees, but we just won’t do it for the comfort and safety of your puppy.
