Placing Puppies

Question
I have a litter of Mastiff Puppies.  I have planned to keep them until they are at least 8 weeks old.  My husband thinks we should let them go to their new homes earlier because they are no longer with their mom.  She abandoned them at 1 week and we bottle raised them.  The pups are 5 and a half weeks old now.  I know they learn so much from their mom and from each other, how long do you recommend waiting?  Thank you

Answer
As a breeder, you should not place them until they are at least eight weeks old, as they need the interaction with their dam and littermates so that they learn to "talk dog" and also learn how to inhibit their bite.

One book that every breeder (and new puppy owner) should read is "How to Raise a Puppy that You Can Live With" by Rutherford and Neil; I used to give it out with every puppy I placed.