From the AMSC Publication and Literature Committee
Amy Gordon, Chairperson

The AMSC believes that only the best Miniature Schnauzers should be bred to preserve the breed traits we all love and to improve the breed. The continued breeding of dogs that don’t have the proper breed characteristics or temperament will result in dogs that can no longer act and look like Miniature Schnauzers. Please refer to the AMSC’s Objectives of the Club, the Code of Ethics, Breeder List of Governing Rules, and Sources. This information is not meant to offend in any way. Many people do not realize that not all purebreds are necessarily breeding quality. To preserve this breed we all love, you have to make some objective choices despite the personal love of the specific animal.

It is scientifically proven that the earlier you spay or neuter your companion dog, the less chance of developing certain kinds of cancers. You also do not have to put up with the twice yearly heat cycles and resultant possible mood swings in females and the possible wandering and inappropriate behavior such as leg lifting in males. Spaying or neutering should be thought of as a way to improve your dog’s life and yours. It is simply an old wives tale that a dog should be bred at least once before it is neutered. It is actually a case of ‘what he doesn’t know, he won’t miss.’

Considering the amount of unwanted and stray dogs today, you will be making a very real contribution to animal welfare as a whole and the breed we all love by not breeding your pet. Most of the unwanted and stray purebreds come from “puppy mills” and commercial breeders who breed without regard for quality or genetic testing or screening. A second major source is pet owners who breed their animals without realizing the responsibilities of placing the puppies and taking into account hereditary health issues. Breeding dogs has become a complex, expensive and demanding practice, which should be backed up by genetic information and screening and a thorough knowledge of the desired traits in the breed.

The following are some of the things that serious breeders consider to produce puppies that are of the highest quality in conformation, temperament and health:

1. Reputable breeders do extensive pedigree research and plan each litter very carefully. They are well-read and experienced in health matters. They have a large circle of experienced breeder contacts who can offer advice and assistance if needed. Most belong to local and national breed clubs where they can meet other serious breeders to share and gather information. These clubs spearhead health research, offer educational programs, newsletters with pertinent articles, and most importantly offer breeders an opportunity to meet other experienced breeders. They enter their dogs in competition to be sure they are worthy of enhancing the breed. That can only be determined by competition with others and receiving an objective evaluation by a qualified expert.
   
2. There is a general misconception that AKC registration symbolizes quality. The American Kennel Club is simply a registry, not a guarantee of quality, good health, or correct temperament.
   
3. There are some health issues that affect the breed. It is recommended that these be thoroughly researched and studied before breeding. Some of the conditions commonly seen in the breed are allergies, bad skin, pancreatitis, diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases and bladder stones. Serious breeders take dogs that are affected by any of the above conditions out of the gene pool.
   
4. There is a health problem seen in the breed called Myotonia. This is a muscle disease that is inherited by a recessive gene. There is a new DNA blood test to determine carrier status. Please visit the Health page for more information on this and other health issues.
   
5. As there are a few hereditary eye diseases seen in the breed, The American Miniature Schnauzer Club recommends having breeding stock tested by a Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist once a year. It also recommends having the pups checked as some eye problems can be seen by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist as early as eight weeks of age. Eye problems cannot be detected by your regular veterinarian until full fruition of the condition. A VO can see the condition before it becomes apparent to the owner and thus maybe before it is bred. The American Miniature Schnauzer Club has sponsored research into some of the more common hereditary eye diseases seen in the breed. A test breeding program was developed to help eradicate congenital cataracts, a very common problem a few years ago. This condition has been virtually wiped out and eye checks are recommended to make sure the progress made by dedicated breeders is not reversed. This type of cataracts can be seen at eight weeks of age, thus the importance of early eye exams. Retinal Displasia and Retinal Folds can also be seen at eight weeks of age.
   
6. A breeder needs to be experienced in the matters of taking care of the pregnant, and afterwards, nursing mother. An example is knowing how much and what to feed her and when. A breeder needs to be knowledgeable in the actual whelping procedure and caring for the newborn pups. There are dewclaws to remove, tails to be docked.
   
7. Things might not necessarily run smoothly. The new mother could require a Cesarean section, which of course is quite costly, and there is always the chance that the mother may not survive. One or more of the pups could be born with a birth defect. The breeder should have the pups examined by her vet. As a matter of fact, in some states it is the law to provide the new owner a health certificate.
   
8. The stud dog owner needs to be knowledgeable about the actual mating. It is not just a matter of putting a male and in-season female in the same room and letting ‘nature take its course’. The male, especially if inexperienced, might not know what to do and require assistance. A female could be unresponsive and possibly be nasty to the male.
   
9. A reputable breeder shows a general interest in, love for and knowledge of the breed and dogs in general. He or she cares about placing puppies in good homes and will often interview potential buyers and counsel them on the appropriateness of a Miniature Schnauzer for their situation.
   
10. A responsible breeder will not sell a puppy before eight weeks of age. They learn much from the interaction with their mother and littermates up to this time, including bite inhibition.
    
11. A reputable breeder knows the lineage of his/her dogs going back many generations and will provide you with a multi-generation pedigree. Conscientious breeders strive for their puppies to match the breed standard; that is, to be what a Schnauzer is supposed to be.
    
12. A reputable breeder will be there to answer questions and to help with any problems for the life of the dog. The breeder should be willing to take the dog back or help you place it in another loving home if at any time in the future you are unable to keep the dog.
    
13. A reputable breeder follows up on the puppies. He or she is interested in how the pups develop physically and mentally, difficulties in the owner/dog relationship and health problems.

The best way to gain more knowledge on the subject is to contact experienced, serious breeders in your area. They will be a wealth of knowledge. Also, there are many good books on the subject that you should be able to locate at your local bookstore or online stores. Some recommended reading material:

The Joy of Breeding Your Own Show Dog - Anne Serrane
Successful Dog Breeding: The Complete Handbook of Canine Midwifery - Chris Walkowicz
The Book of The Bitch: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches – J. M. Evans
Breeding a Litter: The Complete Book of Prenatal and Postnatal Care - Beth Harris
Canine Reproduction: A Breeder’s Guide - Phyllis A. Holst
Dog Breeding for Professionals - Herbert Richards
Genetics of the Dog - Malcolm B. Willis
The Art of Raising a Puppy - The Monks of New Skete
Born To Win: Breed To Succeed - Pat Craige
The Control of Canine Genetic Diseases – George Padgett, DVM
Future Dog Breeding for Genetic Soundness – Patricia Wilkie (available through the Canine Health Foundation)
Canine Structure and Terminology – Edward M. Gilbert and Thelma Brown
Genetics – An Introduction for Dog Breeders – Jackie Isabell

Here are some web sites you might be interested in visiting:

Breeding Your dog: http://members.tripod.com/~Marge_S_2/nonframes/Breeding_Your_Dog.htm
Ethics in Breeding: http://www.dog-play.com/ethics.html
Finding a Responsible Breeder: Myths and Facts: http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/goodbreeder.html

Copyright AMSC, 2003, all rights reserved.