What Age - and Which Sex?

*Puppy, Adolescent, or Adult: Each age range has its advantages & disadvantages.

• Puppies: Puppies are the cutest and the most appealing, but are also the most expensive and the most work. They tend to be the most destructive; they may dig and chew well past one year of age. Just like human babies, they must be watched to be sure they don't ingest things that will harm them and that they don't destroy valuables. They need vaccinations every 2 or 3 weeks until they are about four months old. Note: Don't buy a pup that has been separated from its mother before 8 weeks of age. Early separation can deprive a pup of the very critical period of emotional development.
• Adolescents: Older puppies - 5 to 12 months old - tend to look awkward but they have completed their shots and worming (if needed) and they are mature enough to begin training. It's also easier to evaluate what the adult personality of the dog may be at this stage.
• Adults: With adult dogs, what you see is what you get. Adult Mini Schnauzers generally bond well with new owners who give them love and care. Even those who seem aloof or timid at first usually bond well within 2-3 weeks. Adults from shelters or rescue programs often respond very well to just a little love and care, but be cautious about adopting an animal that shows aggressive tendencies unless you have had dogs before and are confident in your ability to train & handle a difficult dog. At times, breeders will have excellent quality adults which they no longer wish to use in their breeding programs. These animals usually have good temperaments and are often well-trained and fully house-broken.
• Male or Female? This is a question of personal preference. Personality differs much more from animal-to-animal than it does by sex.
  [The above information compiled by the Public Awareness Committee of the MSCSC. Information below courtesy the American Miniature Schnauzer Club.]

Risky Puppy Sources: The Backyard Breeder - These breeders often are not knowledgeable about the breed standard and they do not mate their dogs to improve the breed. Often, they are totally unaware of genetic or health risks involved. The results of these casual matings between pet quality dogs by breeders with no knowledge of genetic health issues pose a risk to the gene pool and the general health of the puppy. Lacking anyone to recommend his puppies for sale, the backyard breeder often advertises his pups in the newspaper. Since a purebred dog is an investment in your heart as well as your money, the probability of success is far greater with animals bred by concerned, knowledgeable and dedicated people.

Pet Shops - Pet stores buy their pups by the lot from puppy mills, often as young as five weeks of age. For proper animal socialization, puppies should be with their littermates through seven weeks. Some states have laws prohibiting the sale of puppies younger than eight weeks of age. Do not be misled by pet store assurances that these pups come from "private breeders". The term "breeder" refers to the owner of the dam at the time of whelping. Besides, reputable breeders would not allow their pups to be sold by strangers to other strangers; part of being a responsible breeder is matching the pup with the proper family. Remember, AKC registration or USDA licensing is not an endorsement of the quality of the breeding stock or puppies.

Puppy Mills - These are (usually) commercial operations where the dogs are raised in quantity, not quality. Many have multiple breeds and keep the dogs in poor conditions. These pups do not receive the early socialization so necessary for proper temperament. Puppy mills generally do not consider temperament or health when breeding.

A well-bred Miniature Schnauzer will be a beloved family member and companion for many years. Choose (both breeder and dog) wisely!

For puppy referral, email puppy@mscsc.org