We have had two pups come in the house at 5-5 1/2 weeks. Bandit was my son's male doberman. His mama, Bela, had 14 puppies and couldn't feed them all, so they were on supplimental feedings and weaned early. He was the largest of the bunch and I took him home and continued the routine. He was the most loving, tolerant dog I have ever owned, great with people and other dogs. Strider was supposed to be 7 weeks old when we got him from the animal control/shelter. According to the vet he was much younger tho. He is a collar eating velcro dog/terrorist but he is young yet.Although I never (well not often, as we are off to buy collars 6 and 7 today)regretted getting my dogs early or not, I do prefer that they be closer to 8-12 weeks.
Stella