Choosing a good Miniature Schnauzer breeder

A good breeder needs a good owner just like a good owner needs a good breeder. Why is it important to find a good breeder?

- Healthy puppy : Healthy dog, happy life! Most owner neglects the importance of good gene. This is something you can't improve no matter what you do. Some dogs have genetic problem such as eye problem, skin problem or hip problem. As an owner, you will be heartbroken and wallet-broken. It is a must to get a healthy puppy.

- Demote irresponsible breeding : As a responsible owner, you don't want to promote irresponsible and unethical breeding. Excessive breeding is the recipe of disaster.

- Good support : Responsible breeder is committed to their puppy even though they have sold it to you. You will get good support from them. They probably care about the puppy more than anyone does.

To find good breeder, you must first be a good owner. Do your homework and study. Understand what you are committing to. Pets are for life. You don't buy them because they are cute and abandon them when you are sick of them. As a new dog owner, I have contacted many breeders. IMO, I generalised them into different groups:

Backyard Breeder (BYB): Don't get me wrong. They are dog lovers and can be good owner. Most of them list their puppies for sales because they are trying to handle an unforeseen situation. For example : An accident. If they sell/give out their puppies, they will not be able to take care of them. Usually they will sell their puppies at market price or below market price (RM300 - RM1200). They have no knowledge about the Dame or/and Sire. They also know nothing about the pedigree. You wouldn't know if they puppy has any genetic problem.

Pet Shop : A pet shop is not a breeder. Personally I will never encourage people to get it from them. They sell it solely for profit.

Type I Puppy Mill : For beginner like us, it is so hard to differentiate them from a good breeder. They can disguise to be one good breeder. Or from their own perspective, they believe that they are good breeder.

Type II Puppy Mill : The main difference between Type I and Type II is one cares more than another. Dog breeding is a full time job. If you are a true breeder, you can never earn enough for a living. They are just earning a living.

If you are a very particular person like me, you may want to evaluate them by using the following method:

1) Interview them : They must interview you more than you interview them. They care about their dog and care about the owner who is going to take care of their dogs. They want to make sure that you are the right person.

2) Check how many type of breeds available in the kennel :

1 - Very good. They specialised with a particular breed
2 - Two is still fair. It is very tough to be good in both breeds
>2 - Puppy mill warning

3) How often is their 'stock'? Once a month? The more frequent they breed, the higher chance they are puppy mill.

4) Visit their kennel. Trust your gut. No point asking for testimony or reference. This is Malaysia, it is not hard to fake it. It is best to see the environment yourself.

5) In your conversation with them, you can tell how much they care about their puppy. Most good breeder will walk away if you are not the right owner. They don't hard sell their puppy.

Good Breeder is as rare as diamond. Good breeder breed for a purpose not solely for money. If they breed their puppies properly, they can never make a profit from a deal. Some breed show dogs and some has mission to create/produce the master piece.

I am so lucky that I found one good breeder myself. The next step I need to plan is about the transition from their house to our house. Stay tuned!