dog experts can u please advise me....long, apols.

[permaquandry]

I've kind of been against getting a dog, since we had the kids. Hairs, walking all weathers, smell etc, the holiday/nights away restrictions.

Anyhoo, kids aren't toddlers any more so I've said we might get a dog after 3 week hols next Easter.

Looked into it and settled on getting a mini schnauzer. Don't molt, good with kids etc, don't need a lot of walking. Met a couple of friends dogs and a family members new puppy and the kids loved them so I just thought 'why wait?'

Spent last night looking on internet at puppies, they seem to be priced from 300-900. phoned/emailed quite a few (one turned out to be a 'puppy mill' type place) a couple of others where the puppies were too old or wrong gender (think I want a girl). Looked at the RSPCA guidelines of what to look out for etc.

Went to see an average-priced girl this a'noon, last one of a litter of 6. Ticked most of the boxes, but just didn't feel right. Met mum + dad. Had pedigree history, puppy was v cute, but it felt a bit pressurised and 'wrong'. The breeder seemed nice and to care deeply for the dogs but she needed it to go soonish (due to work) and said there were others interested. Also, the mum of the puppy seemed quite yappy and unfriendly and the puppy seemed docile.

Is this normal for me to feel like this or am I being fussy?

When I was there, I got a bit carried away with the cuteness and wrapped up in the pressure, I said I would like her but need to work on/talk to hubbie in car. He thought we were really rushing into it and that we should just put the breaks on, and not take the first one we've ever seen! Sent breeder a text, saying that I just need a couple of days to think about it as want to be 100% and she replied saying that she'd be offering it to another family!

So...can anybody give me a rough, but experienced guide to buying a puppy, in particular a mini schnauzer? Thx for listening!

Backyard breeder. Run. Fast.

Contact your local breed club who will have details of reputable breeders. Expect to wait, maybe a year or more. All decent breeders have waiting lists and breed infrequently.

The reason you need a puppy from a proper, reputable breeder and not from someone advertising in the local paper is that the person advertising in the local paper, does not care for her puppies, or where they go. They more than likely breed continuously from the bitch until she dies. Even if all that is untrue the pups will be from un health tested parents which could prove costly for you in the future. Buying from them continues the demand and keeps the circle going. BYBs and puppy mills will only cease to exist once the demand does.

Have you considered rescues?

www.dogsblog.com/category/miniature-schnauzer/
Breed club here

Well done for following your gut and walking away from this one. Reputable breeders do health tests to make sure that genetic problems aren't being passed on, are careful not to breed too often, and take good care of the health and welfare of the bitch and puppies. They will usually have a waiting list, since they don't breed without knowing that the pups will have good homes to go to.

Since you are settled on a breed, you should look for breeders through the breed club.

Like Dooin says, you could also consider rescues. A good rescue will give you advice about the dog that will best fit your family, and a well-behaved adult rescue can be easier than a puppy. (But you can get puppies through rescue too).

Tbh, they genuinely cared for the dogs and this was the 2nd and last time the bitch would be bred. It wasn't a lack of care, it just didn't feel 'right'.

Also, the other 5 sold well, so I wonder if I was just being too expectant? They had a full pedigree listing too.

Will look at the rescue sites and the kennel club too, tho I guess these dogs will be pricey? Thx for the replies.

The weird thing is, they will not necessarily be pricier - since puppy mills and bybs are in it for the money rather than the love of the breed. I think you were right to trust your gut. The dog will be a part of your family for many years, so it's important to get it right. Good luck with your search

Walk away,don't even consider it.
Do what others have said & find a breeder through the breed clubs.
Good breeders always have planned litters with a waiting list & are not in a rush to sell.
Far from pressuring you to buy, if she'd anything about her, she'd have giving you the third degree. You should have felt like you were being interviewed to see if you were going to be a suitable owner for one of her precious pups.

Dogs are a big commitment and your post comes across as a bit ambivalent to me, are you sure you really want a dog? Remember they don't stay puppies for long, the kids will not want to be out walking the dog in all weathers (although personally I think this is good for them ) they will moan and you will have to do it.

Schnauzers don't shed but that means they need regular trips to the groomers and most schnauzers I know have been very nippy as puppies (they've all grown out of it) how old is your youngest?

Please make sure the breeder you pick has done all the appropriate health checks, especially the eye ones as the breed is prone to these.