Grand Teton Miniature
Schnauzers
Breed Information
The typical well-bred Miniature Schnauzer is relatively small in size but in no way toyish or delicate. When you pick him up you will discover he is sturdy, heavy, and muscular... a ruggedness combined with the elegance and beauty of a pure-bred. He makes an excellent companion because he is extremely obedient and quick to learn, is devoted, playful and affectionate. His alertness makes him an excellent guard dog. He is spunky and fearless but not aggressive so that he can run with other dogs. And, like other terriers, he will go to ground to attack vermin of all kinds. One must become aware of these characteristics lest he be lost, stolen, or a victim of an accident. In the suburbs he should be fenced in or walked on a leash.
He is as much at home in the city with a small amount of exercise as he is in the country where he appears tireless. And, he easily adapts to any change of condition or climate. His deepest need, however, is to live as a part of the family, going where they go, doing what they do. Sleeping on the bed, or in his own, beside his owner is his greatest joy. The Miniature Schnauzer does not shed, so he often can be enjoyed by people who are allergic to other breeds of dogs. In return, the owner must keep him groomed to maintain his handsome appearance.
Reference: The Miniature Schnauzer; http://www.amsc.us/
Reputable And Responsible Breeders Do NOT Breed For Teacup Sized Miniature Schnauzers
Contrary to the unethical and irresponsible miniature schnauzer breeder's beliefs, there is NO such breed of dog labeled a teacup miniature schnauzer. Responsible and reputable breeders strictly breed for puppies that conform to the breed standard as outlined by the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and the American Kennel Club. The miniature schnauzer breed standard is very specific on the proper size of a well-bred miniature schnauzer. Breeders who breed for specific characteristics not recognized by the miniature schnauzer breed standard are doing so for greed and are doing GREAT genetic harm to the breed they profess to love. These undersized miniature schnauzers do not even remotely resemble what a true miniature schnauzer is actually supposed to look like. If you are looking to purchase a teacup sized dog, I would suggest that you look at a different breed of dog that was bred and meant to be that small.
Stop the Fad Breeding of Merle and Blue Eyed Miniature Schnauzers
I see so many breeders out there advertising "Purebred Merle And/Or Blue Eyed Schnauzers". These dogs ARE NOT purebred. AKC has pulled papers on a lot of the identified Merles that were registered using base colors. I'm hoping they will start pulling papers on the blue eyed dogs as well. The only way recessive Merles and blue eyes have entered our gene pool is through the secret registering of mixed breeding Mini Australian Shepherds/Pomeranians with Miniature Schnauzers. Buyers beware of any dogs with the Merle pattern and/or blue eyes, you could be asking for some very devastating problems. No schnauzers with the Merle pattern and/or blue eyes are purebred, BUYERS BEWARE!
The Merle pattern comes with a host of health problems. The gene that causes the Merle pattern and blue eyes may also negatively impact hearing, vision, the organs and the immune system. The debate is not about the charm and beauty of Merles, as I think we all can agree it is quite striking but it is the overall health of breeding this gene to get the pattern that is the issue. Unfortunately for Merles being beautiful and staying healthy are two different things. There are severe eye and hearing issues caused by this mutated gene at birth and later in life for many Merle offspring. Another cause for concern is the possibility of a defective immune system at some point in their life and organ issues as they age and the hidden Merle gene. This lethal gene also causes many puppies to be born dead, have missing eye lids, and a host of other health issues.
There is no ethical purpose in breeding this pattern into a dog just for a 'unique look'. Every time a Merle pattern is bred into a dog, the breeder is gambling between healthy and unhealthy. Meaning, how many in this litter will be healthy and how many in this litter will be unhealthy at some point in its life. There is no other pattern or color in purebred MS when bred together that will result in handicapped puppies. Merle + Merle results in handicapped and stillborn pups. This is a health issue. This is not an improvement to our beloved breed.
But don't take my word for it! Do a google search for "Merle Miniature Schnauzer Health Issues" and see what you come up with. This webpage also shares some information on the health issues of the Merle/blue eyed genes:
https://merleminiatureschnauzers.weebly.com
My advice is hit the Merle and blue eyed breeders where it hurts: don’t purchase a puppy or refer potential buyers to them. There’s no other way to stop them. Stop the demand and their production will decrease. And hopefully, at some point, this fad will die down and so will the supply of puppies with fatal health issues.