Accredited breeders

[angieh]

You may have seen in the daily thread today that I have fallen for the Miniature Schnauzer breed of dog. This isn't a new fad, and some of you may remember that I was asking about them a good while ago and a Dogsey member came and posted some good information about the breed. OH and I have been discussing for a good long while about getting a dog.

Just a general question here therefore - I have found a list of Accredited Breeders on the Kennel Club website and have a fair choice of names and contact details of people in the area I live.

What should/can you expect from an Accredited Breeder???

[Shelley123]

Angie,
i'm not sure about about accredited breeders, it's probably an ok place to start . You could always approach breed clubs, they will no doubt know about litters available.
As Kazz has said research the breed carefuly to make sure that breed will fit your family. Also any health problems that the breed is prone to and can be tested for.
When you find a breeder ask to see health test certs, idealy for both parents.
The advice we were given before we got Malaika was to visit shows and chat to breeders.
A good breeder will raise the pups in the house and they should be well socialised and used to all sorts of household noises etc. They should also be willing to take back a Dog for the rest of it's life.
I must admit i have only gained this information from belonging to forums and mixing more with Dog people.

[Phoenix]

I have read that you should expect the breeder to ask questions about you, your home etc (to match you with the right pup and make sure there's less chance of the pup being returned to them)

[MrsH]

From what I've picked up elsewhere there seems to still be a bit of debate about the Accredited Breeder scheme. Some people feel that it's still not monitored properly and although there is a minimum set of requirements that the breeders must fulfil, it doesn't necessarily weed out large scale commercial breeders while the majority of us dog owners prefer to have a dog from a smaller establishment where the puppies are reared in the house and therefore well-socialised and used to all the normal domestic noises etc from the start.

If you look at the kennel club website you can check on what health tests/screening the breed requires and all accredited breeders have to have done, so that when you are in contact with specific breeders you can ask about their test results. Alternatively look at the Schnauzer Club website, they'll have details of health tests there and sometimes dog breed clubs recommendations can go beyond KC requirements. They'll also be able to tell you if there is a regional club which can recommend breeders to you.

I think they're a lovely breed, Morgan sometimes meets a very friendly boy miniature in the woods and they have a great romp together.

[angieh]

Thanks for that valuable advise - I've already found that the Schnauzer Club breeders list and the KC varies enormously. Unfortunately, there are no breeders registered with the Schnauzer Club anywhere near us, whereas there are several registered with the KC. I've found out about the eye test/certificate too, so at least know to ask to see that certificate. And to go to a breeder where the mum and pups live in the house.

I'd really like a black and silver .....

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by angieh

Thanks for that valuable advise - I've already found that the Schnauzer Club breeders list and the KC varies enormously. Unfortunately, there are no breeders registered with the Schnauzer Club anywhere near us, whereas there are several registered with the KC. I've found out about the eye test/certificate too, so at least know to ask to see that certificate. And to go to a breeder where the mum and pups live in the house.

I'd really like a black and silver .....

When you do buy your pup remember to ask the breeder who "strips" their dogs. If they hand strip their own they would probably do yours or if interested could show you how its done...

[Shelley123]

MrsH. i know our breeder of Malaika was very sceptical about accredited breeder scheme.

[angieh]

I've just joined Dogsey!!!

[Shelley123]

Originally Posted by angieh

I've just joined Dogsey!!!

Good idea, i'm on as shelley01, i think.
It's a good forum but a bit too big.

[Kazz]

Hmmm I will pop over and say hello.