puppy questions

pumpkinpumpkin · October 2009

So we've decided to go ahead and get a puppy. I've always wanted a mini schnauzer, and I found some for sale.I'm not sure what kind of questions to ask the breeder...what are your suggestions?

ac_in_dc · October 2009

Congrats! Make sure the breeder is actively involved in maintaining healthy genetic stock for the breed. Ask him/her what the weaknesses are in the breed, and how they work to make sure that these weaknesses don't show up in their lines. I'd visit the kennels too and make sure that the dogs are being treated in a way that you feel comfortable with. Not sure about canada, but in the US I'd look at the breed website to find AKC registered breeders.

Brie2010 · October 2009

The Nest Pets board is a really good resource for this kind of stuff. They have a lot of really good information about this and usually people actually respond to posts. But generally, reputable breeders will make you jump through hoops to get the puppies. They have an interest in making sure the dogs go to good homes.

Nebb · October 2009

Health information about the parents, health guarentee for the puppy (and whatever conditions it includes), diet and when he will/was weened, temperment of the parents.

Brie2010 · October 2009

[url]http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/Good_breeder.pdf[/url]This is a good checklist from the Humane Society.

Koopa17 · October 2009

Aww yay! I can't wait to see pics.

I would ask to see the parents (at least the mother should be there). I was particular about what size I wanted, so I needed to see his mom before I bought him. But I also wanted to know about his shot records, where they have been keeping the puppies (inside/outside, with mom), and if they had a health guarantee (should anything be wrong with the puppy per your vet, they should pay for the treatment or take the pup back). Not sure how much you care about bloodlines, but I wanted to know he was a purebred with healthy parents/grandparents, although I knew I didn't care about breeding or showing him. Good luck!

pumpkinpumpkin · October 2009

Koopa - your picture is 1/2 of the reason why I have really bad puppy envy right now. Those are all good suggestions, the ad says it comes with the health guarantee, but I didn't ask her the specifics of it...

Nebb · October 2009

Some breeders might require you have the dog seen at the vet within a certain period of time in order for the guarentee to be valid. I would also ask about the breeder, how long theyve been breeding, how many litters a year/dog, etc.

pumpkinpumpkin · October 2009

I grew up with them, too...I just really don't want the puppy envy to get the best of me.

tlv204 · October 2009

I want a puppy

I don't have any personal experience, but I would try as hard as you can to see both parents for sure. The mom is almost always there, but I feel like I've heard lots of horror stories about the puppies ending up too huge/small/fussy/timid because of the dad that the buyers never saw.

KathyandDave · October 2009

I don't post here much but I have to chime in on this topic. Definitely ask what shots it has already had and take it to the vet very soon after bringing it home. Try to avoid heavily populated (with dogs) areas like dog parks, until the puppy has had all of its shots..which I think is usually around 4 to 5 months. Many people do not realize how susceptible they are to viruses and diseases until they are properly vaccinated. --my reason for being so adamant about this is that we got a brand new puppy last November and within a week she became really, really sick and had to spend a week in puppy ICU in isolation. She had somehow contracted Parvo Virus which unless caught really early most puppies don't survive. Their bodies basically just become so dehydrated that they can't handle it because they are so small. (Oprah's dog died of this somewhat recently). Anyway, I never knew much about it until our little one got it. Thankfully, a $2000 vet bill later she came out fine and now is very healthy and extremely active. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case you hadn't heard of it! Good luck with the new puppy and have fun!!!

Koopa17 · October 2009

I hope I am being a positive influence on you and not a negative one! We are wanting another one so bad, but keep telling ourselves to wait until after the wedding. None of my family members are going to want to watch a young puppy while we are away on our HM, haha. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Micky15 · October 2009

I would be sure to ask about the living conditions of the puppies up until this point - have they been with their mother, what have they been eating, have they been inside a house or outside in a kennel, etc. As well, she will obviously tell you how old the puppies are but it's very important that they stay with their mother until at least eight weeks. (I learned this from experience. When we went to see my dog as a puppy, he was six weeks old and the mother was no where for us to see her. It turned out ok for us, but puppies taken away from their mothers too early can have serious social problems.) I would also ask about the health records of the puppies' parents and grandparents. A lot of conditions are genetic. Off the top of my head, other questions might be whether or not she has started to house train the puppies and how she's done it? If you've never had a mini schnauzer before, I'd ask the best training methods for that breed. We bought a beagle cross and now wish someone had warned us about their mile-long stubborn streak. haha! We still love him of course, but our training approach might have been different. (More stern. haha!) Good luck with your puppy!

pumpkinpumpkin · October 2009

Yes...I've heard of that, in fact, our dog growing up would get it every.single.time he went to the vet. We only had one vet in the area, but my parents eventually filed a complaint and he got shut down for not keeping his clinic and tools clean enough. Luckily, a new vet has opened up for large animals, but she also accept small animals as well.

Boofy&Babers · October 2009

Please consider adopting a rescued dog, there are so many right now that need good homes. There are even schnauzer rescue groups, you can look for one close to you or that will adopt to your area. But of course it's your choice and good luck with your puppy whatever you do!

Koopa17 · October 2009

Do you have a preference on color?

pumpkinpumpkin · October 2009

salt & pepper definitely, or all black.

pumpkinpumpkin · October 2009

Please consider adopting a rescued dog, there are so many right now that need good homes. There are even schnauzer rescue groups, you can look for one close to you or that will adopt to your area. But of course it's your choice and good luck with your puppy whatever you do!

Thanks for your concern, but I'm not interested in rescue puppies. Mostly because so many of them (based on people I know who have adopted rescue dogs) have extreme tempermental issues, they were beaten, neglected, etc. I also want a puppy, to raise and train as my own.

Brie2010 · October 2009

I also agree on the rescue thing. When we were at the shelter getting Milhouse, there were tons of small breeds like shih tzus because they'd just done a raid on a puppy mill. I was surprised, but they say it's fairly common. They also have breed rescues for different breeds--just google "schnauzer rescue yourarea" to find one. They do get puppies from time to time, too.

tlv204 · October 2009

I'm not trying to convince you to go to a shelter if you don't want to, but in my experience that hasn't been the case at all. I know several people who have gotten 8 week old puppies (as soon as you can get them from anywhere) and raised them on their own.

pumpkinpumpkin · October 2009

Oh, I know...sorry if it sounded that way. Also, shelters in my area - slim to none.

Jaytee501 · October 2009

Nothing really to offer but that I'm so envious... I love mini schnauzers & hopefully we'll have one in the not too distant future!

mrscdobs · October 2009

I have a mini schnauzer!!! He is amazing - best dog ever. What an awesome choice. I hate when they clip their ears - I feel like it's somewhat unnecessary. Get a good look at the parents and make sure the puppy has all his/her papers, shots, etc. Also ask about the dew claws and see if they have been removed.

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