buying a 8 week old vs a 16 week old

Question
Hi

We are in the process of buying female puppy. We have found a very reputable breeder (shows her dogs) that has a 16 week old female Bichon puppy. They've decided that she won't be big enough to show as an adult and would like to sell her. So far she has been showing this pup and so she has been socialized well but would also be very comfortable with her current home.

We also have an option to buy an 8 week old puppy from another breeder (who we know little about). This registered breeder has well over 15 Bichons (I'm concerned about the breeding being too close).

Will there be issues with the older puppy....will she find it hard to get used to us and a new home? Are we best of buying the little one...where we can all bond together? Thank you.

Answer
Just because they show dogs doesnt mean the dogs are quality marked, I know that is a harsh comment but in reality its the truth, show dogs belong to people that show , they are part of a social circle and yes some of them take turns in winning that is the reality especially in the UK.They think they have the franchise on their breed through breed club committee membership.
I know of one UK show breeder that I am happy with and that is Manoirs Bichons, Pauline carries out the same tests as I do . Show dogs dont compete until they are 6 months of age so I find the reference that she is already showing this dog unrealistic, unless the dates of her registration are incorrect and yes this happens too , sadly.
At 16 weeks I really dont think that the dog could be truly assessed for adult size, many will develop much later on.
Simply because a breeder shows does not mean they are reputable, I can tell you of several show judges that have and do run puppy farms .Many breeders in the UK linebreed, unless they fully understand the complxities of this process they really shouldnt do it.Many lines in the UK have juvenile (hereditary) cataracts and they are born from show kennels that failed to test their progeny before breeding.
Please take a look at my health site and see exactly what I am talking about, we declare all poor lines, some in the UK show circuit have heart murmurs, other eye problems, other have both these and severe patella problems with the offspring they produce.Ask the breeder for clear eye certs before considering the purchase of any bichon frise in the UK.Ask about ANY known disease the mating has produced previously, ask about the lines chosen to produce the pup, how close are they related, are there any problems within the lines from either side.
Unless the breeder can give you these answers and show you the certs then I would go with another breeder that is able to satisfy you that the pup is sound.
Generally the age is irrelevant, if they have been socialised correctly they should give you no problems, however , showdogs tend to be more withdrawn due to the life they lead, it wouldnt pay to be happy with everyone would it ?
I can honestly say that I have seen 2 year old dogs that go to a new home and be better in a short space of time, than a puppy that has lived with you since 8 weeks.
www.eurobichons.com