[Sue Newhall]

I am in the process of looking for another puppy for our family. We currently have a Sheltie, two years old, very active, very smart. In the summer, I come home and we play outside for 30 minutes to an hour...but she is driving me crazy in the winter when its too cold to go outside. I thought maybe getting another dog would help her to keep from being so bored during the day. She is outside in teh daytime, but when we get home from work she comes in.
I would like to get a schnauzer, but wondered what health problems they tend to have, and what questions to ask the breeders when and if I find one I like. I don't want a dog with hip problems and eye problems if I can help it.
Also, I know schnauzers need to be groomed and trimmed every so often, is this something I can do myself with clippers? And, do they shed much?
Any help would be appreciated.

[Minn]

These are all questions you can ask the breeder. The first thing you should ask yourself is a puppy such a good idea. It's like having a baby. They are needy. You can't just stick it outside all day. Maybe something closer to your dogs age would be best. I'm not one for purebreds so I don't know much about the kind your looking for. But all dogs need grooming care. Some more then others. You can certainly learn to groom your own dog or pay a service. It's how much do you want to do? Another dog does not necessarily mean that it will calm your first dog. You will end up with 2 dogs that will drive you crazy. Nothing can replace your time and energy. Cold weather or not they need exercise. Walk him!. Minn

[nattiej1976]

Hi sue, I dont want to put a dapener on you getting another dog, but would ask you to consider worst case senario. That being, you could end up with two bored dogs driving you crazy.

There is nothing wrong with having 2 dogs at all, but if you do, really you have to be prepared for double the work, not a lighter load. Whilst yes they would play together a bit whilst you are not around, it wont necisarily relieve any boredom, just give someone to be bored with, and potentially double the destruction of two bored dogs.

If you do go ahead with it, to get the soundest healthiest dog possible, find a very good, reputed breeder, you can start your search for this through your local canine association and continue from there. Hang around a few dog shows, you may find out who are the best breeders for your breed of choice at the shows at well.

Questions to ask:
Are your dogs health checked?

Is the check more than just hip and eye?

Ask for refrence from past buyers, and talk to a few of them, have they been happy with the breeders after purchase support and contact.

does the breeder offer a health guarentee, if so is it for a specified period of time or is it for life?

Insist on meeting parents of the pups, or atleast the mother, check out the mothers temprament.

Ask the breeder for name and contact number of the vet so you can follow up health checks and confirm that they are done.

Not always, but very usually, a breeder whose dogs have titled in a show ring would likely be providing you a dog with a relatively sound breeding as they often are breeding for the beterment of the breed from dogs that are proven to be sound physically and represent the desired traits of the breed.

The breeder may show you how to clip and groom the dog yourself, ask them if they do their own grooming and if so, ask if you can come and help a few times when it is being done.

To be honest i dont know much about schnauzers but these questions can all be asked regardless of breed.

You will likely find a good breeder will have as many questions for you as you do them, be prepared for a spanish inquisition in return, dont be perturbed, if a breeder is asking you these things, they are a breeder that is looking for the best home for their dogs, not just any home.

There are many other questions that could be asked as well, this really is just a start, but im sure some of the others may add more for you.

Good luck.

[lil mutt]

Please consider adopting from shelters first before considering buying a puppy...