Attention - Check out potential breeders very carefully

Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed) and that they screen for health problems before they breed.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How much do miniature Schnauzers cost for a puppy?

The price of miniature schnauzers vary by breeders but look to spend about $800.00 or around there for a puppy.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Should the ears be cropped on my Miniature Schnauzer?

The breed standard allows for both cropped and uncropped ears for Miniature Schnauzer and has a very good description of each. Ear cropping is usually done between seven and twelve weeks of age. The earlier it is done, the faster the puppy heals. The ear cropping process should be done prior to the puppy being placed as a pet and handled by the reputable breeder.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

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.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

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.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

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.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

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.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

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.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

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.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

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.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover

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.

Miniature Schnauzer - Dog Lover