Puppy breeder

[Iwanttobe8stoneagain]

Hi, after much research we have decided that a miniature schnauzer is probably the right dog for us. We are keen to find avoid breeder (ideally we want to get the dog after next Easter due to a long standing holiday commitment) so we have plenty of time to do research). Is it best just to use KC accredited breeders or registered puppies listed on their find a puppy services?

[CornflakeHomunculus]

I would recommend contacting one of the breed clubs, the two main ones being the Miniature Schnauzer Club and the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain. Both sites have information regarding health concerns within the breed and they should be able to put you in touch with breeders who are planning litters.

Have a good look through this thread, there’s lots of links to good information about what to look for in a breeder.

[Wolfiefan]

Cornflake gives good advice.
KC reg means very little.
Council licensed would be a red flag for me.

[Iwanttobe8stoneagain]

Thanks that’s great. I’ve emailed the breed club and will look through the other thread seems like there are some great links in there (liked the look of the kids:dog link too). Hope to get this right. We’ve both grown up with dogs (and numerous animals) so know how important it is to get this right

[Wolfiefan]

See if you can get to any shows or get togethers of this breed. Meet owners and breeders. Perfect chance to ask questions and get your face known! You may need to go on waiting lists. Good luck.

[Catsrus]

I second the advice to go to a dog show. Our vet, 30yrs ago, advised this. At that show we met the woman who was the breeder of my first Flatcoat, years later we took an older dog that had been returned to her, I then had a puppy from a friend of hers - a puppy sired by a dog bred by that original breeder. I rang her a couple of years ago about planning a new pup (she no longer breeds) and she recommended someone who she knew would be breeding in 2018.

If at all possible go for a breeder who only has a litter when THEY want a new pup for themselves. They are more likely to breed infrequently, do all the health tests, socialise the pups, and choose the sire carefully.

[Iwanttobe8stoneagain]

Thanks I got a list from the breed club and currently talking to a couple of breeders who are planning puppies, off to visit them soon

[Wolfiefan]

Good luck.

[StarNoStar]

I agree with all the above advice! But another place to look and get some names of breeders (so you can ask about them/look into them) is through the champdogs website. It allows you to see the health testing results of both parents and info on previous litters etc. Good luck finding your new pup!