Every puppy begins life depending completely on the mother for milk, warmth, and protection. But as puppies grow, they slowly change from drinking milk to eating solid food. This process is called weaning. It is a natural and important step in a puppy’s development.
Most puppies begin weaning between 3–4 weeks old, and they usually stop drinking milk completely between 6–8 weeks old. But the exact time depends on the puppy’s breed, size, health, and behavior. Smaller breeds sometimes take a little longer, while stronger or more independent puppies may move to solid food faster.
In this article, we will look closely at three breeds—Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, and Corgis—to understand how and when their puppies stop nursing. Each breed has different growth patterns and personalities, which can change how they experience the weaning process.
When Dachshund Puppies for Sale Usually Stop Nursing from Their Mother
Many people searching for dachshund puppies for sale love these long-bodied, short-legged dogs. Dachshund puppies follow a similar weaning timeline to most small breeds, but their emotional attachment to their mother can make the process special.
Dachshund puppies usually begin trying solid food around 3 to 4 weeks old. At this age, their teeth start growing in, and they become curious about the world. They will walk around, lick food bowls, and explore soft puppy mush.
By 5 to 6 weeks old, Dachshund puppies eat more solid food and drink less milk. Their mother also starts spending less time with them because their teeth become sharp, making nursing uncomfortable. She will still allow short nursing sessions, especially
when puppies are scared or tired, but feeding time becomes shorter.
Around 6 to 7 weeks old, most Dachshund puppies can stop nursing completely. They can eat soft kibble soaked in warm water or puppy-specific wet food. They learn to drink water, chew properly, and digest food better.
Some Dachshund puppies may still try to nurse for comfort, not hunger. This is normal. Emotional weaning takes a little time, and the mother naturally reduces nursing until the puppies fully stop.
Because Dachshunds are small dogs, they must eat high-quality puppy food with good protein and fat levels to support their long bodies. Good nutrition during weaning helps them grow strong backs and stable muscles.
By 8 weeks old, Dachshund puppies are fully weaned and ready to join new homes with solid eating habits.
When Miniature Schnauzer Dogs Stop Nursing and How Their Personality Affects Weaning
Owners who love miniature schnauzer dogs know that this breed is smart, energetic, and confident. Miniature Schnauzer puppies are usually strong and active early, which can make weaning easier and faster for them compared to some other small breeds.
Miniature Schnauzer puppies begin tasting soft solid food around 3 weeks old. They show curiosity quickly because Schnauzers are naturally bold puppies. They explore food bowls earlier than more timid breeds and often take small bites even when they are still nursing.
By 4 to 5 weeks old, Miniature Schnauzer puppies start reducing their dependence on milk. Their mother begins encouraging independence. She will nurse them less often, give shorter sessions, and sometimes move away when puppies try to feed. This behavior is natural—she is teaching them to grow.
Most Miniature Schnauzer puppies fully stop nursing between 6 and 7 weeks old. Their teeth grow fast, making nursing uncomfortable for the mother. They also eat solid food more confidently than many small breeds.
Because Schnauzers are energetic, their nutritional needs during weaning are important. They need food rich in protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. If they do not eat enough, they may lose energy quickly. Solid food helps support their fast growth and active behavior.
By 8 weeks, Miniature Schnauzer puppies are fully weaned. They should transition to eating dry puppy kibble (sometimes softened with water). They also need fresh water throughout the day.
Their confidence and curiosity help them wean easily. However, owners must still be patient and support the transition with the right food and feeding schedule.
When Corgi Puppies for Sale Stop Nursing and Why Some Corgis Take Longer
People looking for corgi puppies for sale usually know that Corgis are energetic, smart, and very food-motivated. These traits make weaning both fun and sometimes challenging.
Corgi puppies begin the weaning process around 3 to 4 weeks old. They start tasting puppy mush, exploring bowls, and chewing soft food. Because Corgis love eating, many of them enjoy the new
flavors and show excitement toward solid food early.
By 5 to 6 weeks old, Corgi puppies eat noticeably more solid food. Their mother naturally reduces milk feeding. Corgis grow quickly in this stage and need high-quality puppy food to support muscle development and bone strength.
Most Corgi puppies stop nursing completely between 6 and 8 weeks old. However, some Corgis may try to nurse longer—not because they are hungry, but because they enjoy comfort. Corgis are emotional dogs, and nursing makes them feel safe.
Weaning for Corgis is easier when solid food is soft, tasty, and nutritious. Mixing dry kibble with warm water or adding a little wet food helps them transition smoothly.
Because Corgis have long backs, early nutrition is critical. Poor nutrition during weaning can lead to weak bones and joint problems later in life.
By 8 weeks, nearly all Corgi puppies are fully weaned and ready to join new families with good eating habits.
General Puppy Weaning Timeline (Simple Explanation)
0–3 weeks → Only mother’s milk
3–4 weeks → Begin tasting soft food
4–6 weeks → Eat more food, drink less milk
6–8 weeks → Most puppies stop nursing completely
8 weeks → Puppies are fully weaned and ready to go to new homes
What Puppies Need During Weaning
Soft food (puppy mush)
Clean water
Warm, safe feeding space
Patience and repetition
Gentle encouragement
Small, frequent meals
Signs Puppies Are Ready to Start Weaning
Teeth beginning to grow
Interest in food bowls
Ability to walk steadily
Trying to chew soft items
Mother becoming less available for nursing
How the Mother Helps in Weaning
She shortens nursing sessions
She walks away more often
She encourages puppies to explore
She teaches independence naturally
She reduces milk over time
Differences Between Dachshund, Schnauzer, and Corgi Puppies
Dachshund
Slower emotional weaning
May stay attached longer
Needs nutritious food for long back support
Miniature Schnauzer
Confident and quick eaters
Wean easily
High energy requires strong nutrition
Corgi
Food-motivated
Sometimes nurse for comfort
Fast physical growth
Owner Mistakes During Weaning (and How to Avoid Them)
Changing food too suddenly
Feeding hard kibble too early
Forcing puppies to eat
Not giving enough meals
Letting puppies nurse too long
Ignoring mother’s natural signals
How Many Meals After Weaning?
6–8 weeks → 4 meals/day
2–4 months → 3 meals/day
4–12 months → 2–3 meals/day
Small breeds must not skip meals to avoid low blood sugar.
Understanding When These Puppies Stop Nursing Helps Owners Raise Them Better
Now it is clear that all three breeds follow a similar weaning pattern. Most puppies begin learning to eat solid food at 3–4 weeks and stop nursing by 6–8 weeks.
Each breed has its own personality that affects the process.
Dachshunds may wean more slowly, Schnauzers often wean confidently, and Corgis may wean fast but need emotional support.
With patience, soft food, routine feeding, and understanding the mother’s natural behavior, every puppy can grow strong, healthy, and ready for life in a new home.
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