Show versus Pet Quality

I'm often asked whether I have puppies available that are "just pets" — or without papers — so that they can be purchased at a lower price.

Let me tell you a bit about registration (papers) and what goes into a quality litter.

First, let's talk about "papers."

• The American Kennel Club is a registry for purebred dogs. You should know that AKC registration is not a stamp of quality. The AKC is merely an organization that keeps track of the lineage of dogs down through generations of dogs. They also certify judges and help dog clubs throughout the country hold dog shows — where the quality of dogs is judged.
• AKC sets a breed standard on over 150 breeds. You'll find links to the breed standard for the three Schnauzer breeds here:
  Standard Schnauzer | Giant Schnauzer | Miniature Schnauzer
• There are strict guidelines for responsible breeders.

Unfortunately, there are many people who breed, and even register, puppies — but don't have a clue that there are guidelines and state laws to protect dogs and the people buying them. Please don't be fooled by someone selling their pups for less money. Sometimes you get what you pay for. Do your homework!

A Shana Schnauzer

We choose to show our dogs in conformation events to prove quality (like the dog shows you see on television). You have to start with a quality dog in order to produce a quality dog!

Our dogs are also shown in performance events to prove that they are able (structure and temperament) to do the job they were originally bred for: Herding, Guarding, Ratting — and now, obedience, rally, tracking, agility, and therapy work — and much more!

Shana dogs are bred for temperament and health. Although there is no 100% guarantee, we do put a tremendous amount of time and energy (and expense) into producing a healthy puppy — that is our responsibility as breeders, and we take it very seriously. We make sure each parent is healthy: we test hips (OFA), eyes (CERF), plus thyroid and other blood work. Additionally, our dogs are kept up-to-date with vaccinations, they're fed high quality food, and they are loved and cared for in our home.

Puppies

• We have tails and dew claws removed 3 to 5 days after the puppies are born. Our vet examines the litter early and we continuously monitor weight and development as they grow. They get vaccinations and are dewormed at the appropriate times.
• The puppies have their ears cropped by a veterinarian at 7 to 9 weeks of age, and do not leave here until the ears are healed. We also sell pups with their ears left natural, if that is what you prefer.
• I spend hours on the computer and telephone interviewing prospective families. Our responsibility is to find good homes for life. Our puppies do not just go to anyone inquiring.
• We keep in contact with our new families in order to help educate and answer any questions they might have after picking up their new friend.

All our dogs are our pets first. They have to have good health and temperaments in order to do that.

Some families want to excel in the sport of dog showing and some don't — but all of our puppies are of the same quality from birth.

We have a pet agreement, signed by all new owners, that you will spay or neuter your pet puppy within 6 to 12 months. This is to ensure good health and no unwanted puppies. Our conformation show pups are also sold on a show agreement.