How do I make sure of the age of my puppy???

by Melissa
(Pennsylvania)

So I just recently got a little Siberian Husky puppy from a breeder. The breeder told me before I got there that the puppy was 9 weeks old. When I arrived it was clear that she was not 9 weeks, but I was not sure just how young she was. I saw two of her sisters and a brother and they were all the same size so she is not just a runt.

I also saw the parents of her, and besides being on the thin side in my opinion they were normal height and size. I have been looking up videos and searching behaviors of siberians since I got her and I think she is probably about 4 weeks old. Luckily she was already weaned and besides suckling in her dreams she eats and drinks well.

Is there any way to for sure tell the age of a puppy? My guess (now this is just a guess) is that the breeder put the ad up for this puppy when she was 3 weeks old. That would make her 4 weeks and 1 day today (Nov 2). The breeder told me they wanted to get rid of the puppies quick because they lived in a city type environment and not paying attention both of their females got pregnant. They were left with 16 puppies and had many noise complaints.

Now this is no excuse to get rid of a puppy that early I know and she should still be with her mother but this is what I feel she was using as an excuse. The breeder has yet to come clean about her age, but it is clear that she is no where near 9 weeks. If you would like a picture just let me know and I will upload one so you can see. By the way I don't know if weight helps, but she is 3 pounds now. She was underweight it looked like when we first got her and we had her to the vet the next day and she was 2.4 pounds. So since then it has been about 3 days and she gained that much weight since she has been able to eat when she is hungry.

Thanks very much. I hope to hear back soon.






Hi Melissa
It's impossible for me to say how old your puppy is, but your veterinarian should be able to make a fairly accurate estimation by examining her.

Taking a look in her mouth should help... her baby teeth should normally start coming at about 4 weeks of age. She'll continue cutting teeth on and off over the next couple of months.

If she's weaned and is eating and drinking normally that is good and she's putting on weight so is thriving.

From what you say these were unscrupulous breeders who simply wanted money for these puppies and were unconcerned with their health and well-being. I hope the rest of these puppies are also lucky enough to find loving, forever homes.

There can be some issues to deal with when puppies leave their doggie families too early... such as excessive biting/nipping, and fearfulness or anxiety around other dogs/people. These can be overcome with lots of love, consistent corrections, socialization and patience.

At this point, exactly how old your puppy is probably a moot point as you now have her and are taking care of her. I would recommend getting your vet to check her out and give you his/her opinion though as it helps to have a reasonable assumption of maturity.

I wish you lots of luck with your puppy and am sure that she'll grow up to be a happy, healthy girl because she's obviously loved.