DOG FAQ - Should I breed my Miniature Schnauzer?

Considering the number of health issues in casually bred Miniature Schnauzers, breeding is a very important decision. To have a litter of puppies requires a lot of work and effort. Some think having a litter will get their ‘investment’ back or be a quick way to make some money. This is not wise considering the number of poor quality, casually bred members of the breed there are already. Breeding should not be taken casually. Serious breeders give a lot of thought to heredity of conformation, health and temperament. If you are considering breeding your dog.

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DOG FAQ - Why will the breeder not let me pick my own Miniature Schnauzer puppy?

A serious breeder breeds for their breeding program, not to produce a commercial product. Some might hang onto some of the puppies for a while to see how they develop. The breeder will ask you questions to determine what type of temperament you are looking for. Some puppies tend to be more outgoing and/or boisterous and some are calmer. The breeder has spent time with the litter and has the opportunity to observe the individual temperaments. The breeder also has more experience in placing puppies than the potential buyer who probably purchases a puppy just a handful of times in their lives.

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DOG FAQ - Why am I required to alter my Miniature Schnauzer?

A responsible breeder is extremely choosey as to what he considers to be breeding quality. The rest of the puppies will be sold as pets most likely with an agreement to alter them prior to receiving the AKC registration. If someone has plans to breed, the breeder should be approached for a breeding quality Miniature Schnauzer. That would require different stipulations and the breeder would possibly require you to co-own the dog with them or consult with them on breeding decisions. This is to help the aspiring breeder to learn and have a mentor. This also helps to protect the breeder’s line.

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DOG FAQ - Why does the breeder ask so many questions?

The serious breeder cares about the puppies and wants to make sure that the puppy goes to the best home. You might be asked questions about yourself and your family, the type of home you live in (apartment, townhouse, house, etc.), if the yard is fenced, previous dogs you have owned among other things. This may seem personal but the breeder has a genuine interest in placing the puppy in the best home. The serious breeder considers this an adoption process, not the selling of a product. On the other hand, you should be asking the breeder questions also.

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DOG FAQ - What should the breeder provide me with my new Miniature Schnauzer puppy?

The breeder should provide you with a record of the dates/types of wormings/shots and a pedigree at no charge. The breeder will hopefully provide you with written instructions on feeding, training and care of your new Miniature Schnauzer puppy. They should show you proof of eye exams on the parents and the puppies at eight weeks of age. A serious breeder will usually provide you with a written contract and a warranty against development of hereditary problems. This benefits both buyer and seller. Serious breeders will be willing to take the dog back at any point if you are no longer able to care for the dog. They will be available to provide advice on training, feeding, and raising puppies.

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DOG FAQ - What is a "Schnoodle"?

“Schnoodle” is a clever marketing gimmick for a cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Poodle. There is nothing wrong with mixed breeds, but these breeders are simply creating a product and marketing it with claims such as non-shedding and ‘best of both breeds’. They use the marketing term ‘designer dog’. Simple knowledge of genetics will show that the claim that the dog will get the ‘best’ of both breeds is without merit. There is no control over which genes the parents give and it could just as well be the worst of both parents. They claim the mix will be healthier than purebreds because it is not doubling up on genes of both breeds. It is just as possible that both parents happen to have the same bad gene for cataracts, for example, whether they are Miniature Schnauzer or Poodle. There is also the claim by many, including some veterinarians, of ‘hybrid vigor’. This again, is not scientifically accurate. The term hybrid refers to the crossing of two different species, not two different dog breeds. They are still canine familiaris. And please remember that veterinarians are not trained in school to be genetic or breed experts. However, if they are a serious breeder an individual may have gained practical experience.

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DOG FAQ - Why not a Parti-color Miniature Schnauzer?

As with the White Miniature Schnauzer, this pattern did not represent the ideal the originators of the breed had in mind. The first developers of the breed informed breeders who came up with parties to not breed them. Again, serious breeders breed to preserve the breed as it was intended by its originators.

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DOG FAQ - Why not a White Miniature Schnauzer?

The Miniature Schnauzer was developed to be an identical version of the Standard Schnauzer. The Standard Schnauzer has never come in the white color. Our history of the evolvement of the breed indicate that there probably were introductions of other breeds to reduce the size of the original breed. The originators of the breed recommended not breeding the whites and parti-colors that appeared. This was to preserve the breed as it was intended. The original German standard for the breed did not include whites; thus, the US standard stays true to the wishes of the originators of the breed.

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DOG FAQ - Is there such a thing as a Silver Miniature Schnauzer?

When the Salt and Peppers are machine-clipped, the characteristic banded hairs disappear and they become a solid shade of gray, which can vary from a very light gray to dark slate gray. Some people will refer to Miniature Schnauzer that have a very light gray undercoat as ‘Silver’, but they are officially Salt and Pepper. When a lighter Salt and Pepper is machine-clippered, the resulting undercoat can look almost silver. Once the dog has been clippered, what is left is the solid undercoat.

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DOG FAQ - Is there such a thing as a ‘Toy’ Schnauzer?

No. There is no recognized breed called the ‘Toy Schnauzer’ or ‘Micro-Mini’. The breed was developed to be a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer, but not so small as to be a toy breed. Some commercial breeders are producing Miniature Schnauzers that are less than 10” tall. This is a disqualification according to the breed standard. Sometimes the term ‘Toy’ is used to describe them. The ‘Toy’ Schnauzer is not a separate breed; it is simply an undersized Miniature Schnauzer. Serious breeders breed to preserve the breed as it was intended by its originators.

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DOG FAQ - Where can I find a Miniature Schnauzer puppy?

Not all breeders are knowledgeable or have the good of the breed at heart. Your best bet to find a healthy, well-adjusted puppy is from a serious breeder who is knowledgeable of the breed and the health problems commonly seen. Neither the AMSC nor the AKC (American Kennel Club) regulates breeders. An AKC registration does not guarantee quality. It certifies only that the animal is purebred and the offspring of the parents shown on the AKC registration certificate. Even then, its accuracy depends on the honesty of the breeder registering the litter. Visiting local dog shows is also a good way of meeting serious breeders in your area.

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DOG FAQ - What size and weight are Miniature Schnauzers?

The breed standard calls for the height at the withers or shoulder blades to be at least 12" and no more than 14". It does not specify any particular weight for the breed. That will depend on size and bone structure. A dog measuring 12" to 14" will be 11 to 20 lbs. Some breeders are producing Miniature Schnauzer that are under 10" tall. This is a disqualification according to the breed standard. Sometimes the term 'toy' is used to describe them. The 'Toy' Schnauzer is not a separate breed, it is simply an undersized Miniature Schnauzer.

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DOG FAQ - Does the Miniature Schnauzer shed or cause allergies?

Miniature Schnauzers shed very little. They tend to cause fewer and less severe reactions in people allergic to dogs than breeds that shed more. Of course, anyone allergic to dogs should spend time around the breed before buying a Miniature Schnauzer because individual reactions vary widely.

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DOG FAQ - What kind of personality does the Miniature Schnauzer have?

The standard says it all: "the typical Miniature Schnauzer is alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. He is friendly, intelligent and willing to please. He should never be overaggressive or timid." The Miniature Schnauzer is generally sweet, loving and loyal. They often have a favorite person, even though they will love the whole family. They will bark when someone comes to the door. Properly trained, though, they will stop when the owner indicates that the person at the door is welcome and not a threat. Miniature Schnauzers are generally intelligent and learn quickly. Many have excelled in formal obedience trials and are seen more and more in agility competitions. Though the breed was not originally bred to 'go-to-ground' for prey, he will gladly chase rodents wherever they go, including under ground. Miniature Schnauzers are eligible to participate in earthdog trials and some excel at them.

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DOG FAQ - Aren't there different sizes for the Schnauzer?

The Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers are distinct breeds though their conformation is very similar. The Standard Schnauzer was bred to keep the vermin population down on the farm, herd and guard the farm. The Giant Schnauzer was bred to do all those things plus pull carts and also has been used for police work. The Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers have similar but distinct personalities.

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