How to Choose a Reputable Schnauzer Breeder

When we met our Miniature Schnauzer, Livi, and picked her up from the breeder’s home, I was already lovingly busy with three kids who were each spaced just under two years apart. Did I go to the breeder’s home prepared with well-informed, well-researched questions to ask? Did I go prepared with a strong understanding of what makes a reputable, ethical breeder? Not at all. I was busy trying to wrangle the three kiddos and gear myself up for a new puppy. Luckily, we got…well…lucky with a great breeder who had maintained a strong, healthy pedigree of Schnauzers.

Luck aside, here’s what I should have known, and done, to be prepared for choosing a reputable breeder.

Selecting a reputable Schnauzer breeder should be based on a knowledge of ethical practices. A reputable breeder will limit litters to once per year, and will breed only for the improvement of the entire Schnauzer pedigree. A reputable breeder will also genuinely care for the individual dogs as well as the entire breed.

The Importance of Finding a Reputable Schnauzer Breeder

Finding a reputable breeder is critical to ensuring a pure Schnauzer breed.

Good breeders not only act as a bridge between you and a purebred Schnauzer, you should also be able to rely on them for any follow-up, in addition to your veterinarian, throughout your Schnauzer’s life.

You may also want to read my article on The Only 3 Ways to Know if Your Schnauzer is Purebred.

Characteristics of a Reputable Breeder

While Schnauzers are fairly expensive purebred dogs, there is the philosophical belief that reputable breeders aren’t in it for the money.

Being quite the opposite of disreputable breeders who run “puppy mills” for the purpose of mass breeding popular dogs, ethical and reputable breeders genuinely love canines, have respect for them, and want the best possible life for them.

In addition, ethical breeders only breed for the improvement of the canine breed. For example, Schnauzer breeders should have high standards for both the dam and sire with regards to pedigree, health, intelligence, and overall quality.

“Reputable, ethical breeders will breed for the improvement of the canine lineage.”

THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE

The Humane Society has helpful guidelines for selecting a good breeder, and additionally, they encourage people to consider adopting a Schnauzer.

So, here are some important characteristics that all good breeders share:

Ethical Breeders are Knowledgeable, Honest, and Transparent

A good breeder is willing and able to answer all of your questions. She can tell you the pros and cons of a Schnauzer, and share with you many of the common health problems or temperament challenges your Schnauzer might experience.

For example, depending on which size of Schnauzer she breeds, she will know the common health concerns.

For example, Standard Schnauzers are generally genetically healthy. Miniature Schnauzers have the most health issues and are prone to weight gain, diabetes, pancreatitis, and bladder stones. Giant Schnauzers are prone to hip dysplasia and bloat. All Schnauzers, but Miniature Schnauzers in particular, are highly prone to dental problems.

She will also know your Schnauzer’s parents, and potentially the grandparents. In fact, because good breeders work to improve the breed, she should know whether or not your Schnauzer’s lineage has been professionally evaluated and tested for genetic diseases. This is an effort to breed known genetic problems out of the litters.

Ethical Breeders Limit Litters

A reputable breeder will safeguard the health of the dam, sire, and puppies. Good breeders who own dams will often only allow her to deliver one litter per year. Female Schnauzers are generally physically capable of producing up to three litters per year, averaging six puppies in each litter.

However, the gestation, birth, and nursing cycle can take a toll on the dam. As a result, ethical breeders limit litters to one per year and work to keep mama healthy. This also helps to ensure healthy puppies and a resulting strong, improved Schnauzer breed lineage.

Good breeders will also only specialize in between 1-3 canine breeds rather than breeding many varieties.

Ethical Breeders Offer a Healthy Environment

Good breeders will offer a clean, spacious, and healthy environment for the dam and her puppies.

There will be a safe, clean, supportive whelping area. As the puppies grow, there should be comfortable kennels, appropriate gates and play pens, and room to grow, learn, and play.

Because many breeders will also crate train and potty train the puppies, they should do so with patience, respect, and skill.

Ethical Breeders Should Get to Know You and Answer Your Questions

Good breeders will care very much who they are sending their puppy home with, and will want to ensure that you can provide their baby with a good life.

A good breeder will not sell directly to pet stores. Generally speaking, careful breeders will not even sell pups through online marketplaces unless they are able to meet the new pet parents in person.

In addition, here are some questions you will want to ask all breeders you are considering:

13 Questions to Ask a Breeder

1. Why do you breed Miniature Schnauzers? It’s good to determine whether they have a true love for the breed or are simply trying to make money on a popular, expensive breed through sub-par breeding practices.
2. Do you belong to a breed club? Ask for references and confirmation that they belong to, and participate in, the club.
3. How long have you been breeding Schnauzers? This will give you a sense of their experience and knowledge.
4. Can you provide recommendations? Ask the breeder for three or four references from Schnauzer owners who have purchased from them within the past year. When you call, ensure that each reference had a good experience, found the breeder to be trustworthy, and that their Schnauzer is healthy.
5. Do you require a limited registration? Do they require that you spay or neuter your dog by a specific age? A limited registration is for Schnauzer puppies that the breeder does not want to be part of a continued breeding program. Sometimes, this is because the specific Schnauzer does not meet their breeding criteria and they want to protect the quality of their breeding program. This American Kennel Club article is a good source for more information.
6. Do you provide a health certificate and certificate of sale. Does the breeder offer a health certificate that is issued by a veterinarian? Your state may also require a certificate of sale. Ask the breeder if he will supply a health certificate for the puppy issued by his veterinarian. Some states require also a certificate of sale or certification of veterinary inspection. The American Veterinary Medical Association lists states that need this documentation.
7. How many litters of Schnauzers did you have last year? There are responsible limits to breeding and how many litters a dam should have each year. Responsible limits are between 1 and 3, but many high-caliber breeders only permit their dams to have one litter per year.
8. What makes you dam & sire good choices for breeding Miniature Schnauzers? The breeder should know the genetic qualities that the dam and sire bring to the breeding process.
9. Are the dam and sire on site for you to meet? If you have an opportunity to interact with the Schnauzer’s parents, it can give you a firsthand idea as to what you may expect with the Schnauzer you are considering purchasing. You’ll be able to see their temperament and physical health.
10. What is the breeder currently feeding the Schnauzer? You will want to continue feeding your Schnauzer puppy the same food for at least the first few days. This decreases any risk of gastrointestinal problems. You should visit with a veterinarian within the first several days of bringing the puppy home, at which time you could talk with the vet about changing the type of diet you feed.
11. What vaccinations, de-worming, or other interventions have been administered? Most breeders will administer a Schnauzer’s first round of vaccinations and de-worming or heartworm medications, if needed. This information will be essential since you will need to know how to proceed with a schedule.
12. Have the Schnauzers been trained or socialized? Many breeders will potty train the litter and also being socializing them somewhat before they leave. Knowing this information will prepare you for what additional training your Schnauzer may need. Keep in mind that initial training of any kind is just a beginning. All Schnauzers will benefit from obedience training and a lot of socialization.
13. Have any of the puppies been sick or injured? Be sure that you know if there have been any problems with any of the puppies. Dogs can pass illnesses among themselves and injuries can either signal a lack of attention and responsibility, or genetic problems within the litter.

In addition to being open to many questions from you, a good breeder will probably have some questions for you.

Let’s cover some of the questions you may need to be prepared to answer from a reputable breeder.

5 Questions That a Reputable Breeder May Ask You

As I mentioned, a truly responsible breeder cares about the families who are giving their puppies a home and may ask you some of the following questions:

1. Are you a first-time pet parent? If so, why do you want a Schnauzer at this point in your life? If not, what type of pet(s) have you had before and why do you want a Schnauzer?
2. Who will primarily be responsible for the Schnauzer’s care and training? Will children be helping with the caretaking? If so, do they know how to approach and handle a puppy and growing dog?
3. Does your living situation allow for pets? For example, if you are living in an apartment or condominium, are pets allowed?
4. Responsible breeders may also ask you to sign a contract stating that you will spay or neuter the Schnauzer. This expectation will be waived if you actively breeding a female, or if you plan to actively enter your Schnauzer in purebred conformation shows. (Because conformation shows display the breeding of purebred dogs, spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible.)
5. Responsible breeders may also ask you to sign a contract stating that if you decide not to keep the dog you will return the Schnauzer to the breeder.

Additional Tips for Finding a Reputable Breeder

Here are some additional, final tips for finding a reputable breeder:

Get a Trusted Referral

Your veterinarian, friends, local dog trainers may suggest a reputable breeder in your area. You can also contact the local breed club or talk with participants at a professional dog show to get referrals for a good breeder.

Visit the American Kennel Club Website

The American Kennel Club is the most reputable site to look for breeders. The organization does not endorse, recommend, or license breeders, but it will help you locate one in your area. The association also has an official website for AKC-registered puppies called AKC Marketplace: PuppyFinder, where you can find a reputable breeder.

You will also want to be familiar with the AKC’s Breeder of Merit Program. Breeders in this program are dedicated to preserving a breed’s original characteristics and siring healthy, energetic pups. As such, you are confident about finding a reputable breeder here.

Ask to Meet the Breeder

Meeting the breeder in person should eliminate any doubts you may have about him. He should explain how long he has been a breeder, whether he is a registered breeder.

Reputable breeders should provide proof of essential health screenings like CERF and OFA certificates. They explain the health conditions affecting Schnauzer dogs, so you know what to watch out for in the future.

The breeder should also provide two or more references from clients he has worked with in the past year. You can visit or call them to find out about their experience with the breeder, how problems were handled, and the pros and cons of working with that breeder.

Reputable breeders are acquainted with two or more dog breeds, and may only specialize in one breed such as Schnauzers. It is difficult to develop strong expertise in many breeds. If the breeder is advertising ten or more varieties, it is likely he is not reliable.

You can also review The American Kennel’s Guide to Responsible Dog Breeding.

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