Picture taken from www.dailypuppy.com
Hello and welcome!
This is Sharda with another Miniature Schnauzer newsletter!
As with any type of dog breed, the Miniature Schnauzer cost will vary depending on several factors.
These factors include the pedigree of the parents and their breed lines, the area that you are purchasing the dog in, the availability of the breed and the reputation of the kennel or breeder.
UNITED STATES
Most Miniature Schnauzer puppies in the United States that are purebred and can be registered with the American Kennel Club will range in price from $350.00 to $500.00.
In addition, there may be additional shipping costs or other expenses, depending on the kennel or breeder you are purchasing from.
Usually more unusual or unique colours may be more expensive, even with average quality puppies. For puppies that are direct descendants of recent champions, it is not unreasonable for the prices to start significantly higher than the price for purebred puppies of non-champion lines.
UNITED KINGDOM
Prices in the United Kingdom are comparable with the cost of Miniature Schnauzer in the United States, Australia and Canada. There are several smaller kennels in the United Kingdom that consistently produce champion dogs, and puppies from these breeders will be more costly. An average price for a Miniature Schnauzer in the United Kingdom is between four and six hundred pounds.
Most puppies or dogs purchased in the UK will be micro chipped, a practice that is also very common in the United States. This allows the puppy to be identified all through its life, and helps with understanding genetic conditions. In addition most breeders also offer some insurance for the puppy, at least for the first six weeks or so.
AUSTRALIA
Like in other countries, the Miniature Schnauzer breed is popular in Australia as both a companion dog and a watchdog. In Canada and the United States, the Miniature Schnauzer is shown in the terrier group, but in all other clubs it is included in the Utilities group. A Miniature Schnauzer in Australia will cost between 350 and five hundred dollars from a reputable breeder.
RESCUE SHELTERS
A rescue is a group of dog lovers that gather together, usually as a non-profit organization manned by volunteers, and work to find loving homes for a specific breed. Most rescues are run in conjunction with the breed club or organization in the country, and there are Miniature Schnauzer rescues in most countries.
The rescues provide adoption services for Miniature Schnauzers that have been abandoned, picked up by animal control staff and not claimed, as well as those dogs the owners surrender to the shelter because they can no longer care for them.
The Miniature Schnauzer is fairly able to adjust to a new family given a bit of time and a lot of love. A rescue will require you to complete an application, and then will try to match you with a dog that would fit into your family schedule and structure. This is often a slow process, but the rewards are well worth the wait. Dogs from the rescue will be vet checked, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered.
There is usually a donation required of at least one hundred dollars to offset the cost of caring for the Miniature Schnauzer in the rescue, providing vet services, and running the rescue.
PET STORES
The major breed organizations and kennel clubs actively discourage members from selling puppies to a pet store due to concerns with the health and safety of the puppies. Therefore the puppies at pet stores are often from backyard breeders and puppy mills. Puppies often come with a very limited health guarantee and may not be able to be registered.
The price of a puppy at a pet store is often only a small amount less than the price from a breeder, with none of the guarantees and assurances.
In addition to the health concerns and the price, there are virtually no championship puppies being sold through pet stores, despite what some of the advertisements may say. Care needs to be taken if you are considering this option.
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
If you are purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder the cost of the puppy should include:
- Registration papers for the puppy
- Vet check information
- Health guarantee
- Eye check-up certification
- Vaccination record
- Puppy food to get you started
- Feeding schedule information
- Information about the breed and general dog care instructions
- Bill of sale
- Contract for breeding or non-breeding as well as issues around returning the dog at any time
In addition many breeders also include:
- Micro chipping
- Temporary pet insurance
- Book on care of the breed
- References to services available in the community
- Invitation to a Miniature Schnauzer club or association meeting
Different breeders offer different options, so it is important to ask around and make sure that your questions are answered before you purchase your Miniature Schnauzer puppy.
I hope you learned a lot from today’s Miniature Schnauzer newsletter.
See you around,
Sharda Baker