Schnauzer Breeder Guide

Finding the perfect schnauzer requires considerable research and investigation.  There are many types of schnauzer breeders and schnauzer adoption choices available to prospective pet owners.  Before you start window shopping, be sure to understand the types of questions you will need to be prepared to ask.

Types of Schnauzer Breeders

Quality Schnauzer Breeders - If you are looking for a healthy new puppy, Schnauzer Breeders are a popular choice.  There are some disadvantages to purchasing your schnauzer from a breeder.  It can take time to find a reputable breeder and prices are often much higher than you’ll find at a rescue center or previous owner.  In addition, supply is often limited with reputable breeders and you may end up on a waiting list.

There are also some tremendous advantages to buying from a schnauzer breeder.  Schnauzer breeders are often deeply experienced with the schnauzer breed and various types, so you are often dealing with someone who really knows what they are doing.  Some schnauzer breeders will offer a heal guarantee or a copy of your schnauzer’s family history.  Often times, breeders will have the mother and father of your new puppy on site.  Finally, schnauzer breeders know their breed well and can give you all the tips and local resources you need to get off to a great start with your new companion.

Puppy Mills - When looking for a schnauzer breeder, beware of puppy mills.  Puppy mills are bad. Puppy mills mass-breed dogs and keep them in deplorable conditions, looking to sell as many dogs as possible.  Puppy mills are often guilty of overbreeding, inbreeding, poor health care, lack of human socialization, undernourishment, and overcrowding cages.

Purchasing a schnauzer from a puppy mill only perpetuates the problem.  Don’t purchase from a puppy mill.  Report them to your local animal protection service.

Other Schnauzer Adoption Options

Schnauzer Rescue Centers - Scattered all over North America, Schnauzer Rescue Centers take excellent care of schnauzers who await adoption by a permanent family.  These schnauzers have been lost or abandoned and receive love, attention, and care from a temporary home until a permanent placement can be made.  An adoption fee is usually required, but proceeds to toward schnauzer care and keeping the program alive.

Your Local SPCA - The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has shelters set up all over the country.  These shelters rely on donations to support abandoned dogs and cats.  Selections are obviously not limited to schnauzers, but provide plenty of cute pups patiently waiting for the perfect home.  As with other previously-owned schnauzers, these dogs may require some extra love and attention.  However, the added work can be worth giving a dog a new home.

Adopt from another family - Many times, a family will bring home a new schnauzer puppy and realize that it wasn’t a good choice.  It may not get along with other dogs, children, or cats.  It might not be housebroken.  The new parents may just realize a dog was too much of a commitment.  No matter the circumstances, these owners will often go through Craigslist or a local newspaper classified section to find the schnauzer a new home.  Adopting these schnauzers sometimes does require a small ‘re-homing’ fee to help defray some of the cost of the dog and previous bills.  These fees are often much lower than a schnauzer breeder would charge.

When adopting from another family, be sure you completely understand the reason that the family is giving up the dog.  It does the dog no good at all for you to adopt it without completely understanding its background.  Are there any known medical problems?  Has it received all of its shots and are those records available?  Has it shown aggression toward children or other animals?  Has it bitten anyone?  Is it completely housebroken?  Many of these issues can be addressed, but it is important that you understand everything you can about this schnauzer.

Pet Shops - How much is that doggie in the window?  Pet shops are a popular place to window shop for a new pooch.  As with previously owned dogs, purchasing your schnauzer from a pet shop doesn’t give you an opportunity to meet the breeder or see either parent (as you would with a breeder).  As a buyer, you generally won’t find any knowledge of the dog’s background.  Finally, there are some pet shops who buy through puppy mills.  Be sure and find out where your schnauzer came from and understand the store’s policies on puppy mills.