THINKING OF GETTING A MINIATURE SCHNAUZER PUPPY?
Miniature schnauzers are amazing dogs. They will fill your life with happiness! Schnauzers are known for their calm, intelligent and happy natures. Miniature schnauzers are a long term commitment and will be an important part of your family, so make sure you choose your breeder wisely.
Schnauzer Friends South Africa provide guidelines and advice to assist you to choose a reputable miniature schnauzer breeder. We do not provide a list of miniature schnauzer breeders. We used to provide a list, but were lumped with the complaints when something went wrong.
There are more and more STRANGE looking "schnauzers" around and schnauzers suffering with genetic and medical issues, which is very distressing for us schnauzer lovers! This is because greedy commercial breeding facilities, puppy farms and unethical backyard breeders are a sad reality in South Africa. They are driven by profit and not the well being of the schnauzer breed or the animals welfare.
There are also many scams doing the rounds where people pay a deposit for a schnauzer that they never get. The scammers websites and adverts look legitimate, as they are becoming smarter and smarter, ready to catch you. Be warned!
Follow our guidelines and advice below and rest assured that if you do your homework properly you will end up with a wonderful miniature schnauzer who will bring you many years of joy.
Guidelines to get a miniature schnauzer puppy
Step 1 - Ensure a miniature schnauzer is the right dog for you.
Schnauzers are unique dogs with special requirements. Understand what a schnauzer should look like, its temperament, characteristics, requirements and the issues that can be genetic. A schnauzer is a long term 12 - 18 year commitment. Make sure that the Schnauzer temperament and characteristics will suit your family. Read the info about miniature schnauzer on our home page and ensure that the breed will suit you!
Schnauzers are unique dogs with special requirements. Understand what a schnauzer should look like, its temperament, characteristics, requirements and the issues that can be genetic. A schnauzer is a long term 12 - 18 year commitment. Make sure that the Schnauzer temperament and characteristics will suit your family. Read the info about miniature schnauzer on our home page and ensure that the breed will suit you!
Schnauzers are the most amazing doggies and need to be loved cherished pets, an active part of your family, sleep inside, get tummy tickles, lots of fresh healthy unprocessed (low fat) yummy food.
Schnauzers need to be groomed regularly and they have very sensitive tummies. They are social dogs so prefer to have schnauzer siblings. They get depressed if they don't have regular exercise, too little human interaction or are left outside all day. They need to sleep inside, preferably in your bed or room!
Schnauzers need LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of love and attention and tummy tickles and kisses everyday!
Schnauzers need to be groomed regularly and they have very sensitive tummies. They are social dogs so prefer to have schnauzer siblings. They get depressed if they don't have regular exercise, too little human interaction or are left outside all day. They need to sleep inside, preferably in your bed or room!
Schnauzers need LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of love and attention and tummy tickles and kisses everyday!
Step 2 - Know what you should be looking for.
A puppy from a reputable breeder should:
A puppy from a reputable breeder should:
- Be older than 8 weeks (preferably 10 weeks) before they are separated from their mommy! They learn so many important doggy life and behaviour lessons from their mommy and daddy and schnauzer siblings.
- Come with a sterilization contract, meaning that you will have the puppy sterilized at around 6 months of age. You will need to send proof back to them.
- Be microchipped (You need to get the microchip certificate with the puppy, and the microchip number sticker should be on the vet card and eye test results
- Have a vet card with puppies colour, gender, date of birth on it and the MICROCHIP sticker. The record of vaccinations must be listed on the vet card and they must be administered and signed by the vet. This shows that the vet has seen the puppies and provided a clean bill of health.
- Come with eye test results showing that it does not carry any genetic eye issues. The puppies MICROCHIP sticker should be on the test results.
- Already be used to some different social situations, grass, tiles, noise, used to driving in a car etc. See here for more info.
- Be used to human interaction and handling. (They should not be scared. This takes effort and time from the breeder)
- Be mostly housetrained, used to weeing on grass and used to a routine. (this also takes effort and time from the breeder)
- Have a tail (docking is no longer allowed)
- Be clean and smell nice. Should be free of fleas, or any skin rashes, gummy eyes etc. Have solid healthy poos .
- Conform to the miniature schnauzer breed standard. Read the KUSA breed standard in the pdf below.
| KUSA - Miniature Schnauzer Breed Standard - 31.03.2016.pdf |
Step 3 - Locate a reputable miniature schnauzer breeder with references from other schnauzer owners.
"A reputable breeder is one who breeds the healthiest puppies possible both [mentally and physically], breeds as close to the breed standard as possible, screens homes carefully, provides support for owners, treats people fairly, and should a home not work out, either helps find the pup another home or takes it back.” Source: D. Caroline Coile, PhD
"A reputable breeder is one who breeds the healthiest puppies possible both [mentally and physically], breeds as close to the breed standard as possible, screens homes carefully, provides support for owners, treats people fairly, and should a home not work out, either helps find the pup another home or takes it back.” Source: D. Caroline Coile, PhD
Locate a reputable breeder
Contact the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) for a list of their members who breed miniature schnauzers. A reputable breeder will be a member of the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA). Ask for their KUSA membership number and check this with KUSA.
Get REFERENCES and check them!
Get references from other people who have purchased miniature schnauzer puppies from the breeder. Visit the premises if possible and see the conditions of the breeding dogs. A reputable breeder will have a waiting list for puppies. They will NOT need to be advertising on junkmail, gumtree, OLX, Facebook etc. A breeder who needs to do this is probably a commercial breeding facility/puppy farm and not able to rely on word of mouth and references.
A reputable breeder asks YOU lots of questions
A very good indicator is how many questions the breeder asks you. Avoid anyone who seems more interested in your money than the type of home you will be offering the puppy. A good breeder wants to ensure their puppies are going to good homes and cares about the well being of their puppies and the homes that they are going to. Does the breeder think you and puppy are a good fit given your lifestyle, family dynamics, and reasons for wanting a puppy?
A reputable breeder lets YOU ask a lot of questions.
They will want to educate you on being the best schnauzer parent and will therefore answer all your questions patiently and in detail and continue to do this after you have your puppy.
Don't support a puppy mill and/or an unethical breeder.
Click here to read about what is a puppy mill/puppy farm and the long term risks to you and your puppy if you support one. If you don't think these kind of places places exist in South Africa click here to read about the Schnauzer Friends Roodewal miniature schnauzer puppy farm rescue project.
Contact the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) for a list of their members who breed miniature schnauzers. A reputable breeder will be a member of the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA). Ask for their KUSA membership number and check this with KUSA.
Get REFERENCES and check them!
Get references from other people who have purchased miniature schnauzer puppies from the breeder. Visit the premises if possible and see the conditions of the breeding dogs. A reputable breeder will have a waiting list for puppies. They will NOT need to be advertising on junkmail, gumtree, OLX, Facebook etc. A breeder who needs to do this is probably a commercial breeding facility/puppy farm and not able to rely on word of mouth and references.
A reputable breeder asks YOU lots of questions
A very good indicator is how many questions the breeder asks you. Avoid anyone who seems more interested in your money than the type of home you will be offering the puppy. A good breeder wants to ensure their puppies are going to good homes and cares about the well being of their puppies and the homes that they are going to. Does the breeder think you and puppy are a good fit given your lifestyle, family dynamics, and reasons for wanting a puppy?
A reputable breeder lets YOU ask a lot of questions.
They will want to educate you on being the best schnauzer parent and will therefore answer all your questions patiently and in detail and continue to do this after you have your puppy.
Don't support a puppy mill and/or an unethical breeder.
Click here to read about what is a puppy mill/puppy farm and the long term risks to you and your puppy if you support one. If you don't think these kind of places places exist in South Africa click here to read about the Schnauzer Friends Roodewal miniature schnauzer puppy farm rescue project.
PUPPY KUSA REGISTRATION - Does it matter?
Buying a Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) registered puppy adds a level of protection to you as a buyer. Backyard breeders will not be bothered with the cost, time, admin and rules registration entails. A puppy cannot be registered with KUSA without a microchip - this again enforces breeder good practice. A microchip certificate is not a KUSA certificate! Be careful of SACR registered - it means nothing. Read the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) puppy buying tips here.
Buying a Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) registered puppy adds a level of protection to you as a buyer. Backyard breeders will not be bothered with the cost, time, admin and rules registration entails. A puppy cannot be registered with KUSA without a microchip - this again enforces breeder good practice. A microchip certificate is not a KUSA certificate! Be careful of SACR registered - it means nothing. Read the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) puppy buying tips here.
My experience buying my first miniature schnauzer puppy
Schnauzer Friends Founder Deborah with Max, Rosabella and Thomas.
Schnauzer Friends South Africa Founder Deborah says.......
When I was a novice dog owner, and looking for my first schnauzer puppy in 2012, I was not sure what to look out for. I did not know much about schnauzers or how to get a puppy. There was no place to get guidance from and I nearly supported a huge schnauzer puppy farm network out of my ignorance. This is why I started Schnauzer Friends South Africa and created this website with information to assist you to look after your schnauzers and to make the right breeder choices. This is my story......
I first contacted a schnauzer breeder in Pretoria. I saw them advertised in a magazine and also online. They sounded wonderful. When I called she was so nice and I paid a deposit for a little girl puppy as it was the "last one left"! In hindsight she did not ask me one question about myself. I went the next weekend to see my precious puppy and I was shocked. The schnauzers (about 20) were all outside in an enclosure. They were all matted and had long hair in the middle of summer. The all cried for my attention. I was shown into a outside room and two mommies were lying in metal cages with the puppies around them and poop and smell everywhere! It did not feel right. I looked around the premises and saw lots of boerbul dogs in small brick enclosures and they were also breeding these. I left in tears and YES, I never got my deposit back.
I contacted Roodewal Kennels. I saw them advertised on a pet website and their website and Facebook pages were great. They wanted to deliver a schnauzer puppy to me in the next few days and boy was I excited. The adverts and emails were full of promises about the cute puppies and the breeders passion for the breed and the price was good. They puppies were KUSA or CanineZA registered. They wanted me to pay the deposit to secure the puppy as soon as possible! They were not interested in the type of home I would provide for the puppy or why I wanted a schnauzer. I trusted my gut feeling and did not purchase the puppy from them. I was one of the lucky ones! (They were subsequently exposed as a huge CRUEL puppy farm network with 320 breeding schnauzers being kept in appalling conditions.) I assisted to close it down in 2015. Read more about the huge rescue project here.
When I was a novice dog owner, and looking for my first schnauzer puppy in 2012, I was not sure what to look out for. I did not know much about schnauzers or how to get a puppy. There was no place to get guidance from and I nearly supported a huge schnauzer puppy farm network out of my ignorance. This is why I started Schnauzer Friends South Africa and created this website with information to assist you to look after your schnauzers and to make the right breeder choices. This is my story......
I first contacted a schnauzer breeder in Pretoria. I saw them advertised in a magazine and also online. They sounded wonderful. When I called she was so nice and I paid a deposit for a little girl puppy as it was the "last one left"! In hindsight she did not ask me one question about myself. I went the next weekend to see my precious puppy and I was shocked. The schnauzers (about 20) were all outside in an enclosure. They were all matted and had long hair in the middle of summer. The all cried for my attention. I was shown into a outside room and two mommies were lying in metal cages with the puppies around them and poop and smell everywhere! It did not feel right. I looked around the premises and saw lots of boerbul dogs in small brick enclosures and they were also breeding these. I left in tears and YES, I never got my deposit back.
I contacted Roodewal Kennels. I saw them advertised on a pet website and their website and Facebook pages were great. They wanted to deliver a schnauzer puppy to me in the next few days and boy was I excited. The adverts and emails were full of promises about the cute puppies and the breeders passion for the breed and the price was good. They puppies were KUSA or CanineZA registered. They wanted me to pay the deposit to secure the puppy as soon as possible! They were not interested in the type of home I would provide for the puppy or why I wanted a schnauzer. I trusted my gut feeling and did not purchase the puppy from them. I was one of the lucky ones! (They were subsequently exposed as a huge CRUEL puppy farm network with 320 breeding schnauzers being kept in appalling conditions.) I assisted to close it down in 2015. Read more about the huge rescue project here.
Maximillian Gauntlett Sheldon Blane the 1st from Keystone as a puppy.
I contacted Keystone Miniature Schnauzers. They were more expensive and they had a waiting list. They were much more interested in me and the home I would provide the puppy than my deposit! I had to sign a sterilization contract and they came and checked my home. The puppies were happy and confident. They explained the breed standard too, explained how they show their schnauzers, import new bloodlines and do health screening DNA tests. I was provided my puppies vet card and eye tests results (linked to the puppies microchip) from the Johannesburg Eye Hospital , and the puppy was KUSA registered etc. It felt right in my heart and I purchased my first puppy called Max.
I thank my lucky stars everyday that I did not buy from the Pretoria breeder or the Roodewal Kennels and that I have the most amazing healthy happy schnauzer family. You may have to wait a little while for the right schnauzer puppy for you but the wait will be worth it in the end.
Good luck with your search and please remember to read all the other info about nutrition, grooming, socialisation etc. on our website. Come along to our regular schnauzer fun walks and make some schnauzer friends.
Deborah
Woofs and wags
Founder Schnauzer Friends - South Africa
I thank my lucky stars everyday that I did not buy from the Pretoria breeder or the Roodewal Kennels and that I have the most amazing healthy happy schnauzer family. You may have to wait a little while for the right schnauzer puppy for you but the wait will be worth it in the end.
Good luck with your search and please remember to read all the other info about nutrition, grooming, socialisation etc. on our website. Come along to our regular schnauzer fun walks and make some schnauzer friends.
Deborah
Woofs and wags
Founder Schnauzer Friends - South Africa
The right brush makes grooming easy
The brush used by the Schnauzer Friends Schroyal Family, HRH Maximilian, Rosabella, Thomas and Annabella.
The Lawrence Tender Care Soft Slicker Brush brushes are perfect for schnauzerholics! Once you have used a Lawrence Tender Care Soft Slicker brush on your schnauzers, you will NEVER use another brush. They make brushing your schnauzer easy. We import the Lawrence Slickers brushes from ENGLAND as there is no brush like it available locally. Click here for more info and prices for the Lawrence Brushes.
Spoil your puppy with healthy treats
Avoid commercial processed treats, especially when they are coloured and full of preservatives etc. AVOID FAT and NO RAW HIDE! Stick to healthy natural unprocessed treats. Max, Rosa, Thomas and Annabella's favourite treat in all the world is Schnauzer Liver Bread. I like it because I know exactly what is in it and it has no preservatives. It is really quick and easy to make and I then store in my freezer and use as and when required. It is great for for treats for training, as a snack and to crumble on top of their food. You can also use the same recipe to make a birthday cake or muffins. Click here for the recipe.
Learn to groom your miniature schnauzer's at home!
Our ONLINE Schnauzer Friends - Miniature Schnauzer Home Grooming Course is perfect for schnauzerholics who want to learn how to home groom their miniature schnauzers. When you home groom your miniature schnauzers, not only will you have more special one on one bonding time with them, you will also keep them safe from potential harm at mobile groomers and parlours. They will look fabulous with a proper schnauzer cut and you can groom when and where it suits you. During the courses we provide advice for which clippers, blades, scissors and other grooming equipment to purchase for your schnauzers. Don't waste your money on the wrong equipment. Click her for more info regarding our online home grooming course.
Useful Links
- Dogs Naturally Magazine
- Dr. Karen Becker (Mercola Healthy Pets)
- Schanuzers Rule
- Planet Paws
Our mission is to spread joy and happiness to schnauzers and schnauzerholics!
