(from a pamphlet by Marelyne McLeod-Woodhouse)
In
Australia and New Zealand the Miniature Schnauzer is classified in the Utility
Group. Although Miniature Schnauzers do resemble the terriers in character
and type, they also carry a dash of working temperament and their “big dog”
attitude is a definite asset to any potential owner. A good one is, by
nature, alert, friendly, highly intelligent, vigorous and long-lived. They
excel in obedience work by virtue of their responsiveness and willingness to
please and can be taught almost anything with kindness, repetition, firmness and
patience. Miniature Schnauzers are devoted companions, non-allergenic to many
people and have a fearless territorial instinct. They make discriminating
and intelligent guard dogs and will defend your home, vocally rather than
physically, against anyone who appears to be a threat. For all his
boldness, the Miniature Schnauzer will display kindness and charm for those who
show themselves as friends. Children, who are taught to handle them properly,
will enjoy their whimsical and fun-loving character.
The
best place to buy your Miniature Schnauzer is from a reputable breeder for
several important reasons. A breeder is interested in producing sound and
healthy dogs after having determined size, pedigree and temperament. Show
puppies and pet stock come from the same litter and have benefited from the same
care, feeding and medical attention. “I only want a pet” is no excuse
for buying a “cheap” puppy from a person, newspaper, pet store, backyard
breeder or puppy mill that is only exploiting the popularity of the breed at
your expense. Remember that
all pure bred puppies must by law, come with a pedigree, vaccination
certificate, microchipped and request a LIFETIME written GUARANTEE for any
inherited diseases.
Your
puppy’s tail should be docked and dewclaws removed at three to five days after
birth.
The
puppy should be de-wormed and free of internal parasites plus be on monthly
heartworm preventative before you take the puppy home. The monthly
heartworm treatment must be kept up for life. The puppy must have been
vaccinated for Distemper/Parvo Virus and Hepatitis (this is the first set of
shots) and a second and third booster are needed to follow through his/her
vaccination programme.
The Royal NSW Canine Council’s Code of Ethics requires that members sell puppies
guaranteed to be from disabling or inherited birth defects. Should an
inherited disease develop and it is confirmed by two veterinarians that it is an
inherited problem, the vendor guarantees to refund the purchase price and
reclaim the puppy or replace it with another puppy, whichever the purchaser
prefers.
It
is the breeder’s responsibility that your new puppy is clean, strong and
healthy. It is the new owner’s responsibility that he stay that way.
The second and third set of booster inoculations should be given at twelve and
sixteen weeks of age and must be continued annually. No inoculation is
permanent and a yearly check-up by your veterinarian will ensure that your new
companion is happy and healthy.
