Ready To Leave Litter?

[emc]

When are pups ready to leave the litter? From what I know it's usually around 7-8 weeks but this guy who posted on my Chihuahua message board claims that everyone seems to be selling their pups at around 5 weeks of age. Is this common practice? The message thread in question is located at
http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/thread....threadid=56421
in case anyone would like to answer this guy and set it straight.

Chihuahuas On The Web
http://www.freewebs.com/chihuahua

Puppy Posters
http://www.accessv.com/~email/tshirts/dg.htm

[Renee750il]

I wouldn't be willing to buy a dog from anyone who would allow them to leave at such an early age. Wonder what other bad breeding habits he practices?

[Debi]

It is my thought that AKC requires they be at least 9 weeks old....not sure if I have that correct...but I DO feel 5 weeks is just tooooo young. I would be leary of that person.