Before taking a cute schnauzer puppy home, be sure to ask your schnauzer breeder the right questions.  Just because you feel an instant connection with a furry face doesn’t mean it’s the right schnauzer for you.

What is the asking price for the males and females in your litter? Before visiting the breeder, find out what they’re asking for the schnauzers in their litter.  Are prices significantly higher or lower than you are finding with other breeders?  If so, find out why.

What shots has the puppy received? Schnauzers should have their first round of shots by eight weeks old.  Your breeder should be able to provide documentation.

How long has the breeder been breeding schnauzers? Have they been doing this long?  How well do they know this specific breed?

What are the bloodlines for these puppies? Your breeder should be very comfortable sharing the background for your schnauzer.  Familiar knowledge of the bloodlines shows that this litter was well planned and is likely to carry good characteristics.

How were the parents selected? Again, is this a breeder who just put a male and a female schnauzer together, or were the parents carefully selected based on specific traits.  You would like a breeder who has taken great care to breed a great litter of puppies.

Are the mother and father are on site? If so, your breeder should be willing to let you visit with them.  Make sure you are comfortable with their temperament and physical characteristics.

What does the breeder feed the puppies? It may be a good idea to keep your new puppy on the same type of food for a while as it adjusts to its new home.  Find out what it has been eating and where to buy it.

How does the breeder promote socialization?  How the breeder handles these new puppies is a strong indicator of how well-adjusted your schnauzer will be.  Puppies should be handled on a regular basis and be exposed to different people, various situations, and unusual sounds.  Your schnauzer should already be comfortable with being inside of a house.

Will the breeder allow your vet check out the puppy before completing the purchase? Find out if the breeder will allow you to put down a deposit on the puppy and take it to a vet to get checked out before paying the balance.  It is a good idea to make sure there aren’t any significant health problems waiting around the corner.

Can the breeder offer references from previous buyers? Other schnauzer owners are your best indication that this breeder produces healthy puppies and runs an ethical business.

In addition, be sure and ask any questions you need to in order to feel comfortable.  In the interest of placing the puppy with the right family, a good breeder should be willing to answer any question you have.  If you don’t like one or more of the answers provided by the breeder, don’t be afraid to walk away.

Finally, a good breeder won’t just sit and answer your questions.  A good breeder should have some questions for you.  You want a breeder who takes an interest in placing his or her puppies in a good home.  It shows that they are willing to give these puppies the attention they deserve.