Know What You're Getting |
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What does a Mini Schnauzer look like? |
The AKC Breed Standard provides
these guidelines: |
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Height = 12 to 14 inches;
Weight = 16 to 20 pounds
AKC Colors = Salt & Pepper (gray); Black & Silver; Black
(and in some other countries, White)
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| Please note that while you may see "Toy" and "Teacup" Mini Schnauzers advertised, these are not breed standard and usually are promoted only by profit-seeking individuals. |
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| Likewise, colors other than those in the breed standard may also be advertised as "rare" and may be sold for extraordinary amounts of money for individual profit.
So-called liver color, parti-color, spotted, etc. are "fads" invented by unscrupulous people to gain your hard-earned money. |
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The beautiful black & silver dog above is CH JoDi's Mega Bucks owned by Jeri Muntis. Photo by DogShots, Ltd. |
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Looking for a (Reputable) Breeder?
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Finding a reputable breeder takes a little effort! Impressive (sometimes religion-oriented) websites, breeders who ship puppies on certain days of the week every week, breeders who accept credit cards and make online sales - ALL of these are potential warning signs of big money-making puppy millers. Before you buy, please read our list of questions (on the next page) to ask a breeder, and then find a breeder in your area who belongs to a Mini Schnauzer club. Our discussion of types of breeders continues. . . Read More... |
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What does "REGISTERED" mean?
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There are a number of dog & cat registries in the United States that keep records of pure-bred animals. When you register your dog with one of them, you receive a piece of paper containing certain information about your puppy - names of sire & dam, birth date, breeder's name, etc. AKC registration is just that - a piece of paper. It is not a guarantee, and it is not necessarily a confirmation that your dog is correctly bred or won't have health issues in the future.
What AKC registration tells you:
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| a) your dog has a pedigree |
| b) his parentage can be "tracked" through the AKC registry |
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What AKC registration is NOT:
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a) a guarantee of well-bred dogs
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b) a guarantee of a healthy dog
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c) a guarantee of a reputable/ethical breeder
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d) a warranty or "back-up" for dealing with a disreputable breeder
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Need More Help Finding a Reputable Breeder?
What Should a Breeder Send Home with You & Your New Puppy?
What Should a Contract Cover?
What if a Puppy becomes Sick Soon After I Buy It?
What about Puppy Shots?
Who Can I Ask about a Breeder's Reputation?
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The answers to all these questions and more in our new e-book:
Be Puppy Smart: Guide to Buying a Miniature Schnauzer |
 | Click the logo to visit our book shop site! |
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