The best place to purchase a pet is from a serious, knowledgeable breeder.  They have usually, years of experience in breeding decisions, health issues and properly socializing puppies so they can live up to their genetic potential as wonderful pets.  At first glance, most pet buyers think "I just want a pet" not a "fancy show dog".  Not all the pups a serious breeder has will live up to their potential as breeding stock.  These pups still have the same genetic material and are raised the exact same way as the "show/breeding  potential" pups.  The same thought to health and temperament went into their breeding. 

Your best chance of getting a healthy puppy is to buy one from someone whose motivation for breeding is to produce the finest possible dogs.  This includes performing the proper genetic testing on the parents to ensure that the parents of the puppies are healthy.  Less knowledgeable breeders are unlikely to know that such tests exist, let alone do them. And some breeders are concerned mostly with the bottom line, thus do not want to pay for screening tests.  It has been scientifically proven that testing the breeding stock and researching the background  has reduced the incidence levels of genetic problems, in some instances significantly. Serious breeders of Miniature Schnauzers have a Veterinary Opthamologist check the eyes of their breeding dogs yearly, at least until age 6.  Eye problems seen in the breed are Congenital Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Later Onset Cataracts and  Retinal Dysplasia.  Some of these things, such as Congenital Cataracts and Retinal Dysplasia can be seen in young pups.  The American Miniature Schnauzer Club Eye Pledge recommends having puppies checked at 8 weeks of age.  Other eye problems are later onset and are not apparent at a young age so yearly screening is recommended. 

Serious breeders also research to determine if there are any health problems in close relatives.  Some health problems commonly seen in the breed are skin problems, allergies, bladder stones and diabetes.  A serious breeder will be knowledgeable of the incidence level of these issues in the line.  For more information about health issues in the breed, please visit the American Miniature Schnauzer Club web site and the Miniature Schnauzer Club of Canada web site.

 

AKC registration does not necessarily mean quality.   The AKC is simply a registering body and does not rate or regulate individual breeders or breeding stock.  By simply breeding two Miniature Schnauzers together that happen to registered, the offspring may not look or act like a true Mini should. 

Serious breeders are knowledgeable in the correct breed temperament and how to socialize pups properly.  They have the neighborhood kids playing with them to get them used to kids if the breeder doesn’t happen to have kids. They raise them to be calm and confident in the face of unknown noises.  Be wary of  breeders who do not socialize their pups to the normal household noises because they are kept in kennel buildings.   Your best bet is to find a breeder who does not have more litters at one time than they have adequate time to socialize. Also be wary of breeders who do not let you see their facilities.  Serious breeders are proud of how they keep their dogs and are willing to let prospective buyers see where and how the pups are raised. Be extra cautious of a breeder who does not let you come to their home and wants to meet you somewhere else such as a parking lot. 

Now, a word about pet stores. Pet stores buy their pups usually from commercial breeders mostly located in the midwestern US. Do not be misled by assurances that these pups come from "private breeders".  Reputable breeders would not allow their pups to be sold by and to strangers. Part of being a responsible breeder is matching the pup to the proper family.  Remember, AKC registration or USDA licensing is not an endorsement of the quality of the breeding stock or puppies.

The serious breeder feels responsible for his dogs their entire lives.  They consider the purchase of a puppy more like an adoption process. You will probably be asked lots of questions as they are concerned about the new homes the pups will be going to.  No offense is meant, it is for the welfare of the pup.  An added bonus is the breeder will be available to answer questions you have on puppy care, raising and training.  The breeder will probably follow up with you to make sure there is no problem training the puppy.  The breeder cares deeply that this pup is in a good home and is well taken care of. 

 

In the sales contract, the breeder might include a clause that you are required to spay or neuter the pup prior to receiving the AKC registration form.  Similarly, they might want to check off Limited registration on the AKC registration form.  Limited means that the pup cannot be shown in conformation shows, or have offspring registered with the AKC.  The pup can still compete in all other activities such as obedience or agility.  The breeder has determined that this pup is not breeding quality.  Otherwise, he might have kept it for his own breeding program or sold it to another serious breeder.  This is not to reduce competition, but concern with the pet overpopulation problem and the rash of poor quality purebreds being bred.  Well-meaning but unknowledgeable owners might breed their pet with no knowledge of the genetic background of their dog and thus produce unhealthy pups.  

 

A word about ear cropping.  Ear cropping, if you wish to have your pup cropped, is the responsibility of the breeder.   They are experienced in the procedure and the aftercare.  They are aware of vets that can perform the process correctly.  Not all are experienced and there is some artistic talent required to get the correct shape.   

To find a responsible breeder please see the American Miniature Schnauzer Club website's breeder referral page.   There are two expressions that come to my mind while puppy shopping.  "Good things come to those who wait" And "Patience is a Virtue".  Many times, serious breeders in your local area do not have puppies available at the time you are looking.  Usually a few months wait is involved. Because serious breeders do not breed commercially, but perhaps only 1 to 3 litters a year,  we don't always have pups available.  So be prepared to wait a little while.  Good luck in your search!