Breeders of Black Miniature Schnauzers in the West Country

[scoobydoobie]

Can anyone recommend a breeder of black miniature Schnauzers in the West Country please? I would prefer to be able to visit the breeder more than once when choosing our puppy as we are newbies to dog ownership and so I would prefer a breeder based in the South West. I have contacted one breeder who is very near us (Lucy Cottle, Torrington) through the Champdogs website. She sounds very nice but doesn't seem to be listed on the KC assured breeders list. Does this matter? If we aren't allowed to talk about particular breeders on here, please do private message me (if that is possible?)

Many thanks

[zeta1454]

Any discussion of individual breeders must be done via private message - Forum rules

However regarding your question generally about Assured Breeder status, it need not necessarily be a problem if a breeder is not on the list as some good breeders have their own reasons for not wanting to be part of the Scheme. You will want to check that any breeder you visit can satisfy you they are effectively fulfilling the requirements of the ABS as a minimum.

You can check the requirements on the Kennel Club website or on the Assured Breeder thread on the Forum.

Basically you should be looking for a breeder that has an in-depth knowledge of the breed; is not breeding constantly; is a member of one of the breed clubs; can let you know why they chose or plan to use the particular sire for the litter; can provide official confirmation of clear eye tests for both parents and will have the pups checked for Congenital Hereditary Cataracts at around 6/7 weeks of age. You want a breeder who raises the pups and has their dogs in the home as part of the family, that their dogs are of good temperament and health and that they are able to advise about feeding, health, grooming etc. You should also be asking whether the puppies will be endorsed against breeding or export ( all responsible breeders IMO would do this) and that you will be provided with a Contract of Sale, a 4/5 generation pedigree certificate and be given the full registered kennel names of both parents which will allow you to independently check quite a bit of information on the Kennel Club MyKC website. Eye test results and inbreeding statistics are among details recorded there online.

You need someone you can trust understands the breed, is concerned to find the best possible homes for their puppies and will offer a lifetime of the dog support and advice if needed. If you have any doubts about any of the above, I would walk away.

[zeta1454]

Actually - just thought - you should also be asking what socialisation and house training has been or will be done with the puppies before they leave for their new homes. The more work the breeder has put into raising the litter the better for the puppies and the more likely that a puppy will be self confident and settle easier in its new home

Have a look at the Puppy Plan and Puppy Culture websites for more information on this:

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