Welcome Breeders/Schnauzer lovers

  To our on-line discussion forum called Cathy's Schnauzer Chat. If you have a question or some information that is worth sharing, we would love

to hear from you. Post any subject related to our favorite dog.   Health/Genetics, Breeding, Grooming, Diet, Veterinary Care,  Whelping, Puppies.... 

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We do not support Puppy Mills.  I love Schnauzers and have been breeding them for over a decade. We are small but do it right.  Our dogs are kept in our home and treated as pets, kept up-to-date on shots and provided good veterinary care. No line breeding or inbreeding.  Never bred too young and retired early.  See the quality breeding in our Schnauzers at www.cathysminipuppies.com Cathy, loved visiting and seeing all your sweet Schnauzers.  It's easy to see the love you have for your minis.  We're so impressed with your breeding program. Thank you for all the hard work.  We hate Puppy Mills too! Hi I was looking for answers and found your site. I have a new schnauzer, he is 11 weeks old. I don't know what to do about his dry skin. He has little white dots all over his coat on his back. I notice it after his bath also. He's coat is beautiful, shiney but I can't seem to get rid of the dandrif like flakes on his back.  Do you have any suggestions? I'm using a real good dog shampoo. Is there anything I can do for this without giving him a medication? thanks for anything you can tell me to stop this. THE PUPPY MAY NEED A BETTER GRADE DOG FOOD. THERE ARE FOOD ADDITIVES THAT CAN HELP HYDRATE SKIN, FIRST YOU HAVE TO BE SURE HE DOES NOT HAVE A SKIN DISEASE SINCE WE DON'T KNOW WHERE HE CAME FROM. THERE IS WALKING DANDRUFF. HE SHOULD BE GOING TO THE VETS FOR A CHECK UP IF SHE JUST GOT HIM OR 2ND SET OF VACS. THE VET CAN CHECK THEN AND SUGGEST SOME FOOD ADDITIVES FOR DRY SKIN IN PUPPIES. SOMETIMES A LITTLE TINY BIT OF VEGETABLE OIL OR OLIVE OIL ON HIS FOOD WILL HELP WITH THE DRY SKIN. CONSTANT WASHING WILL ONLY DRY HIS SKIN MORE. EVEN WITH A GOOD GRADE SHAMPOO IT STILL CAN BE DRYING TO A PUPPY'S SKIN. CHAT LATER, GLORIA Website:Building a Schnauzer Website Cat, how did you build such a neat website? Thank you for the nice compliment.  I built my website through www.1and1.com.  They have lots of neat tools and it is so easy and cheap to build any site related to any subject or business. Hi Cat, found your site here while looking for info in general. always looking and learning. I live on a partially wooded acre with no fencing needed, even with deer roaming around. I have 2 mini's Capi(short for capitan) she was 7 on Valentines day. the 2nd mini was 6 this August, his name is Sparky. Both are from different breeders, but they have the same grandfather. Both are fixed, never had their ears cropped. They both have had their share of problems. since hubby and I are both disabled vets and pinch pennies, I've learned to take care of most everything except emergencies. I have read most of the posts for asking/answering questions and can share some things I've learned in the last 7 years. Dogs are somewhat like humans every dog likes, and responds differently. When my female Capi was about a year old she started to throw up, and this got to be more frequent. I had taken her to the vet and they said she must have eaten something. so.. I started to watch her every move while walking her. she continued these episodes and it was breaking my heart to see her shaking and feeling miserable. so I spent the money to have a food allergy test done($400.00) I found out she is allergic to gluten, peas, corn, rice, lamb,catfish, and chicken. I thought those were foods you gave them for allergies(guess not). so I special ordered ground bison, bought sweet potatoes, pearl barley, and some veggies, at a Cost of about $300.00 per month, cooked everything up and froze in small batches. she improved greatly, but I just couldn't afford to keep this up much longer(10mos.) so started researching dog good ingredients. I initially had them both on wellness formula, until Capi started those episodes again. I found Natural Balance bison formula, and the venison formula has worked great for a little over a year now. Capi licks her paws still, but I think that over that trial period we went through, has become a habit. both my mini's have schnauzer bumps, and I was using an oatmeal shampoo made by Bio-groom, they have lots of great products, but I found out that the oatmeal had corn in it, so I switched to another brand and formula, Avoderm. www.avodermnatural.com this seams to help with rashes and bumps. Another thing I've discovered that helps is Aloe Vera gel. I have the kind used for ingesting, so if they lick it, it's ok. Capi also has ear issues, but Sparky does not. I haven't gotten up the nerve to pull ear hair yet, so I keep them clean and Aloe Vera gel helps sooth irritation. when Capi was about 2, I got a call from the breeder I got her from, told me that capi's mother had been diagnosed with AIHA-auto Immune hemolytic anemia. My mom buys the expensive vitamins from Neo-life. they get 1a day. I have researched this disease and learned what to watch for, so far do good. Both minis never get people food scaps, except apples, carrots and the like. 2years ago I decided to learn how to groom them both myself, because the bill for them was $100. bucks. Capi hates her ears being messed with, so it's a 2-person event. this sumner I bought a cord/cordless quieter shaver, and she is starting tolerate it better. It is a Wahl brand rechargeable. since I keep their hair short it's perfect. My male, sparky has really thick curly hair and started getting frequent eye infections, so, off to the vet. I now have extra tube of eye ointment, and a very minor pain reliever just in case, I've learned to watch how he acts and know immediately when it's happening. I bought one of those battery operated human razors with a trimmer on the other end, I use that to shave around his eyes and has worked well. when we got sparky, we were told by the breeder that she had to take him back from a buyer, and that he was only 13weeks old. unless she sold him earlier than 8-12 weeks, the math didn't add up. anyway, she claimed to have taken him back because he had been left in a cold garage all day, don't know about that either. For the first month, my husband couldn't get near him, or any other male. We think he had been abused/kicked or something by a man. Since then he has improved greatly around men. There is an unsolved issue we have and it's not life threatening, but he does this thing the vet calls star gazing. he tilts his head way back and sniffs, then sniffs his knee. it's the strangest thing. We named him Sparky because when we brought him home he actually smiled, and had sparkles in his eyes. He's our rescue puppy, and he's Definately a momma's boy, and very vocal. They have very different personalities but they eat, sleep, cuddle, play together. I found a dog grooming book at the thrift store for 50cents, called" the all Breed dog grooming guide, by Sam Kohl, schnauzer cuts are on pages 217-223. there is also the AKC and CKC websites that have diagrams. sparky has always had a problem whenever we are going somewhere. As soon as I start to put his leash on, he starts to go nuts and screams like he's being beaten, and when we've been gone for any amount of time, even just an hour, and we come home, he does the same thing. I've tried ignoring him, I've tried the shhh noise like the dog whisperer does, no affect, so I distract him with play time, he likes to chase pine cones. something else that I haven't been able to figure out, nor has the vet, Sparky sometimes has breath that smells like burnt rubber, really odd, any ideas? I've learned their habits, mannerisms, and what to do, mostly. I've learned that I needed to have some first aide items on hand and how to take care of most anything. I also keep 2-bottles of pedialite on hand wherever we are, when they are sick they can get dehydrated quickly. Sorry this is so lengthy but wanted to share with others. Hope what I've shared can be of use. Eve White Schnauzer with yellow streak. Hello Cat... I have a almost 4 month miniature white schnauzer and  I've noticed that he has a yellowish patch line down his back up to his tail, when i look closer and seperate the fur  and look deeper in it seems more white then anything else, would you  know if this yellowish color will go away in time, seems to bother me. thank you It's often said that gelb meant white , but there is no definite proof of this. But when hand stripped, most white Schnauzers with the proper wiry coats have a yellowish streak on their  backs and heads. It's thought this is why they were originally called "yellow" in German records  Hope this answers your question.  Cat   Subject: White Miniature Schnauzer: I have a 2-y/o, male [neutered] white miniature schnauzer (docked tail, natural ears) named Charley.  We got him to keep our 3-y/o [spayed] female silver/grey schnoodle (docked tail, natural ears) named Roxie company.  By the way, a schnoodle is a cross between a miniature schnauzer and a toy poodle – fantastic, super intelligent little dogs!  Here’s what I can tell you about white miniature schnauzers:  they’re every bit as strong and healthy as any other schnauzer, depending on diet, exercise and grooming (also provided they have not been inbred).  Charley had his yearly physical/vet visit about a month ago and passed with FLYING colors.  Vision is perfect, hearing is pretty amazing and his sense of smell is outstanding.  We also do what we can to get them to really use their noses and instincts by playing “hide and seek” games with scented objects as well as unearthing games by “burying” scented objects.  Schnauzers were bred as ratters and vermin catchers.  It’s in their blood and as long as you give them constructive ways of using these innate skills, they will remain emotionally engaged and their senses will remain strong.  This is a super important part of their physical and emotional well-being.  These dogs love a challenge – they love seeking out objects, using their senses.  As with any muscle, if not used, it gets flabby or may atrophy.  These dogs need exercise – they are medium to medium-high energy. If I had a choice before getting my two dogs, I would have opted for natural tails but they had already had their tails docked before we were in the picture.  There is NO practical or health reason for docking tails or ears – it is only practiced now because of “show” standards, but it is actually unnatural – and no, dogs with docked ears and tails will never have pups with already docked ears and tails. As to the vision question – my vet’s office (all 4 practicing vets in the office) concur that they have never seen white mini schnauzers to suffer from vision problems more than any other schnauzer or dog breed in general. However, there can be a caveat to having a white mini schnauzer – they DO tend to suffer from skin conditions/irritations, unfortunately.  Actually many breeds where the dogs are white have this affliction.  Something about the genetic makeup that produces a white haired dog makes their skin less hearty and more susceptible to tenderness, itchiness, irritation and allergy – unfortunately. Charley suffers from this during the summer and so far the only thing the vet has been able to do is have us give him a small dose of Benadryl to curb the itching and WEEKLY oatmeal-based baths.  It is also important that they are brushed on a very regular basis – this promotes the skin’s production of natural oils, which help reduce dryness – it also helps gently brush away flakes, which makes the dog feel less itchy overall.  Some of these dogs tend to be a bit obsessive about their fur in general – they seem not to like when their fur is matted or things get stuck in it, so in this respect, regular brushing also helps keep them “sane.”  It is also extremely important to keep their diet very consistent – not just the TYPE of food but also feeding times.  One of the best pieces of advice my vets ever gave me was: if you can afford to feed your dogs higher quality, more holistic foods and even filtered water, do so – it may extend their lives by years and avoid allergy issues.  Dry food is best because constant feeding of very wet foods can cause soft stool (resulting in needing to have anal glands manually expressed – a very nasty activity) and tooth rot.  Small dogs often suffer from plaque buildup and rotting teeth.  Limiting wet food to only special occasions or once weekly can significantly help with all of these problems.  I have NEVER had to have my dogs’ anal glands expressed and they are both extremely healthy and have never experienced a problem in that area.  That’s my 10 cents, for whatever it’s worth!  Be good to your dogs and yourselves!  Kellyn Schnauzer Seizure: My schnauzer started having episodes a couple days ago.  At first I thought it was a seizure, but she didn’t shake, she looked as though she couldn’t hold herself up and toppled over.  Her eyes got real wide and this only last about 10 seconds.  The following day she fell over again and the episode was only a few seconds.  She has been trembling, has a loss of appetite, she acts like at times she cannot move her limbs so she will just lay there or go sit in a room and distance herself.  I know she is confused and scared.  I took her into the vet immediately after the first episode.  A full blood panel and check of thyroid was done and all is good.  She does have heart issues, her vessels are thin and it takes awhile to pump the blood through.  She recently had pancreatitis and the vet had her on days of intravenous fluids.  Because her heart struggled pumping, the fluids built up in her lungs and she went into congestive heart failure.  They were able to get the fluids out and she returned home a few days later.  They told me that her heart issues were something she was born with and not recognized because her heart never had to work that hard before.  I don’t know what the new symptoms are.  Could is be heart related, stroke…I have heard of some vestibular disease, it almost appears to be some sort of nervous system issues (maybe cause by stroke).  She is 10 years old and I feel like she has a lot of like left in her.  When she is not feeling this way, she is still a very upbeat older dog with lots of energy, charisma, and love.  Any suggestions?   1luvPhoebe Subject: Parvo What are the chance's of a puppy dying at 4 months when vaccinated at 8 weeks?   To be fully immune, a puppy will need the full series of shots.  Cat Subject: Fur   I have a question that might be silly.  We recently adopted Otto, a nine-month-old puppy who we're told is a Schnauzer-poodle mix.  I can only assume that one or both of those breeds are of the mini variety, as Otto is essentially full size at 15 pounds.  He came to us with what I think of as the classic Schnauzer cut - short on the body, longer on the legs and face.  Here's my question:  Will his fur grow longer, or is this the natural fur length for this breed?  (Assuming his inner poodle doesn't dominate.  He definitely looks more like a schnauzer than a poodle, to me.)  The poor little guy is FREEZING to bits whenever he goes out, here in New Hampshire, where it's just started to hit about 30 degrees on a regular basis.  We've only had him for a week or so, and we did get him a little coat, but I am curious if he'll get some more natural cover to him if we let it grow.  Thanks!!!  - Ola (first timer!)  Dear, First Timer, Ola.    Yes, I'm sure Otto's fur will grow back in.  Schnauzer need grooming because they never shed.  Their fur just keeps on growing and eventually gets matted up if not brushed daily.  Buy Otto a nice warm coat or sweater to wear outside.  Please take pictures.  I want to see what he looks like. SUBJECT:  BREEDING Hi!  I have looked at your website and I hope maybe you can help me with a problem that I am having.  I have a 2 year old female AKC miniature schnauzer and a 1 1/2 year old male AKC miniature schnauzer.  She has never had a litter of puppies before and my male has only sired one litter.  The problem is I think she is having a "silent heat".  There has been no blood and very little swelling of the vulva.  My male has been going crazy for about 4 days now.  She is standing and flagging now.  She is about 1 to 1 1/2 inches shorter than him and he cannot seem to tie with her.  I am wanting to breed these 2 (I already have homes lined up for the puppies) because they both have excellent temperments and have great pedigrees.  I have tried standing her on a pillow, but he winds up pulling her off or he gets up on the pillow too, and that defeats the purpose.  Do you have any suggestions on what to do.  I'm afraid that I may miss her fertile period soon.  I didn't know if you have ever encountered this problem before.  Please let me know your opinion on what to do.  I am NOT a backyard breeder so please don't think that.  I just cannot find any information on the internet concerning this problem. Julie Julie, Take your female to your vet and have him do a check to see if she has reached full estrus.  If the check proves she is really in standing heat (ready) you might try pulling her legs forward when your stud tries to mount her.  This will give him a better angle.  If you still can't get the two together, call the vet and ask if he can help you.  Good luck and let me know how things go.  Cat Subject: Schnauzer Bumps Hi there!   I am the proud owner of a 1 year old Salt and Pepper mini named Macy.  She is a rescue dog that is amazing. We have fallen absolutely in love with the breed. We wanted to share some interesting info with fellow schnauzer owners....   Macy has the infamous Schnauzer bumps.. we took her to a holistic vet, changed food, shampoo, etc etc.... and have finally discovered that Tea Tree oil applied to the bumps makes them heal and go away in no time!!  Schnauzer Rescue a nice thing to do: Cathy,   I just wanted to say hello and thank you for your updates on the Pup.  You cannot imagine Debbie's anticipation. (OK, and mine, I'm all sucked in to this now) Her Dad that lived with us for years passed away just before Christmas.  He was very close to our 4 ( subject to change without notice ) rescue Schnauzers, and they were close to him as well.  I really think Debbie just needs a baby now. She takes excellent and constant care of Crosby, our oldest and was the most neglected, that we have right now. He was found after a flood in Crosby Texas with heart worms, worms, mange and the break point issue for the Texas rescue was his teeth. They knew that most were abscessed and needed to go. This is when rescue groups must play God and start to count their losses. They must look at adoptability vs. age, health, temperament etc. then suffering of the little guy. This is where a small group of us in Virginia come into this. Give them to me as opposed to lethal injection and let me do what we do best, spend lots of cash and rebuild the little guys.  The reason Crosby made the internet was because of his personality. He was a true sweetheart even after all he had to endure in his little life.  Deb is always running Schnauzers as she does background checks for the rescue group, and we do transports, but about once every few years something just "clicks" and she has to have a particular Schnauzer.  Crosby was one of these dogs. He was out of range as we try to only cover 3 states and the District. The rescue group in Texas said they had a firm policy not to adopt out of state. We sent them our references and told them this wasn't an adoption, it was an offer to safe him. They agreed and we flew him up.  I thought our vet was going to die! He's giving us the run down and looking for our cash break point but if we take a dog, there is no break point. Crosby lost all but 4 teeth but we have gotten much more from him in return. Years have past and he has had unsuccessful cataract surgery but his quality of life is still good. He is happy, blind and in diapers. Deb takes better care of him than most people take of their children.  Each of our guys and girls have a sad story that we work very hard to put behind them. I've learned that Schnauzers are just like us but they don't speak words. I have found this to be to their advantage. They must think before they speak. That makes them smarter than a good percentage of the human population right off the bat.  Also the amount of appreciation they show me in return seems to be directly related to their prior suffering. All Schnauzers are that way, some people are.  I said that I just wanted to say hello a page ago, but your easy to talk to. I'm a little strange, its how I stay sane.  Anyway this is our first baby and first healthy Schnauzer! Debs Mom says "you will have to house break her". For us that's a joke and will be a small pleasure. All of our guys will love her. Deb and I are trying to guess how each one will react to her. We think Scarlet will mother her, Rhett will protect her, Sarge will Play, Play , Play and Crosby will bump into her and sniff.  Cathy, I'm sorry, I'll shut up now but one serious question.  One of the Deputies here has a black giant Schnauzer and us guys thought it would be cool to take their picture together to show the tremendous size difference. He has two little girls (human ones) and the giant is good with them as well as all adults. Do you know if there is a chance he would try to harm little Ruby?    You get to meet me, you poor Lady!!  I'm the Ruby transport guy and her new Dad.    Thank you Cathy, Wayne Subject:  Schnauzer Bumps Bianca has four Schnauzers and one Yorkie.  Bianca found a way to deal with a skin problem (also called Schnauzer Bumps).  Below is some information Bianca was nice enough to share. Hi Kathy, I talked to you today about the schnauzer bumps the powder is called ARABINOGALACTAN it is larch tree extract 100% natural you can even eat it.the number is 1-866-647-4898 the web is www.vitalityscience.com  and my four schnauzers are on the honest kitchen dehydrated raw food.Good luck. Bianca Subject: Scam BEWARE!  BEWARE!      Scammed by an American Miniature Schnauzer Club Member.  I bought a B/S female show puppy from an AMSC breeder for $1500.  As she grew, I did not like her and asked the breeder if she would replace her and she agreed to do so.    She returned $1300 and kept $200 for the deposit on the replacement puppy she promised me stating she had two planned breedings due anytime.  Time went by and I e-mailed about my replacement puppy as promised. She informed me there was no puppy and she was not returning my deposit as it was nonrefundable.  I e-mailed back and asked when her next litters were as I had a deposit on a promised replacement puppy.  Silence was her answer.  She did not at anytime tell me the deposit was nonrefundable nor that I was limited to the 2 upcoming litters for a replacement.  Where are her ethics her integrity.  Lying cheating and stealing peoples hard earned money.  If she did not want to replace why did she lie.  Why did she cheat. She's no better than a thief!  Shame on her! Subject: Scam Hey, thank you for the warning.  I've been in the business of breeding now for nine years.  In that time, I have had four bad experiences.  I was Cheated and lied to by what I thought to be, honest professional people.  In a perfect world we would be able to make a verbal agreement and not worry about someone going back on their word especially when we are both in the same business of Breeding/Showing.  Thanks for the warning.  Once again, I was about to put my trust into someone and now I'm going to stop and think about it first.  Best of Luck to you. B.G. Health Alert: This important information was given to me by a conscientious breeder. Some of you may have experience or are just experiencing a flu like bug that is rapidly moving across the Pacific northwest area.  The symptoms are vomiting, slightly elevated fever for 48-72 hours and a lack of appetite for about a week. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through kennels like wildfire.  SUBJECT: Schnauzer Sore Toe Hello, I live in Michigan and own a 12-1/2 year old Min Schauzer named Toby. This poor guy has had it rough, even though he's been spoiled and pampered from the first day I brought him home.  He has had 3 surgeries for urinary stones (has been on vet prescribed Hills UD since), has torn his cruciate ligaments due to chasing rabbits, squirrels, and cats on uneven grounds, and the latest is a major groomer-error where the groomer totally missed trimming toe nails on rear foot, causing the nail to tear up to the quick - the vet tried trimming it back every 3 or 4 days, but eventually removed the toe nail. I tried telling the vet and staff there was something wrong afterwards because Toby was lifting his foot up - they only checked the surgical area and said nothing was wrong.  A new groomer found an open wound close to the surgical area, so back to the vet we went.  The vet said "this happens" and flushed toby's wound and put a liquid bandage on it, along with antibiotics. Toby loves and needs his daily walks and has been kind of improving, however, the other night there was a possum on top of the yard fence and Toby was jumping up trying to get it and the next day I noticed his surgical area was bleeding (red furr), so I called the vet.  Toby is now on antibiotics again, but the vet is recommending toe amputation!  I'm at my wit's end - don't want my poor boy in pain, but don't understand why something, other than amputation, can't be done!  Can you help?  Thanks for your time.  Marian & "Toby" Marian,   Sorry, Toby is going through so much pain and aggravation.  The only thing I can recommend is for you to take Toby to another vet and get a second opinion. FYI Here's a quick FYI for everyone out there.  Maybe some of you know this can happen, but I didn't and my vet didn't expect it.  My two dogs delivered their litters on the same day this time.  Four days later, the alpha female got into the whelping box of the other female and began killing her puppies.  She would have killed all four of them if we hadn't caught her in the act. So the second dog only has one puppy left.  We started out with ten puppies, and now we're down to only six. Please be aware if you have two females with litters at or near the same time.  I would have never thought to keep them separated.  I still have almost five more weeks until they're ready to go home and it's hard to keep them apart all the time! Best of luck to all you reputable breeders out there.  C M Breeders did you know: When two AKC registered dogs are bred, the litter must be registered with the AKC!  It doesn't matter if the stud owner has a contract with the bitch owner that reads: Owner of Bitch will not, under any circumstances give show/breeding  rights to litter..................the AKC will go around your contract and register the puppies without your signature.  And yes, the owner of the dam can give out show/breeding rights to the litter.  The Dam owner  holds the cards and the owner of the Sire has no say what-so-ever! Subject: Breeders did you know...In defense of the AKC. From: Schnauzer Chat: Post Article Comments Two AKC bred dogs (Dam & Sire)with proof of AKC registration and proof that breeding occurred with in the continental US are required to register litters with the AKC. Waving breeding and show rights does not wave your ability to register a litter it places the litter under “Limited Registration" with the AKC (See Mrs. Taliks Puppy Contract 3rd paragraph). The AKC does recognize the owner of the dam to hold rights to the litter and can register them without the consent of the stud owner. If they see that in your contract you have agreed to wave breeding and show rights they will offer Limited Registration only...which means the dogs can't be bred or shown. If a dispute arises, the AKC will intervene & both parties are given the opportunity to consent to registration and given 30 days to respond to the AKC. At the end of the 30 day period if no valid evidence to prevent registration has been submitted, the AKC Department of Investigations and Case management will begin registration. I don't know what the AKC would say if the contract specifically stated the litter/ pup could not be registered with the AKC, but who would enter into a contract that limited AKC registration of a pup or litter. It's all on the AKC web page. You say: If they see that in your contract you have agreed to wave breeding and show rights they will offer Limited Registration only...which means the dogs can't be bred or shown. (The AKC does not mark the papers).  This is where you are mistaken.  It is up to the owner of the Dam to mark the AKC papers to the litter with.......... Limited or not.  Call the AKC and they will be happy to explain this to you.  I have the highest respect for the AKC.  But a lot of Breeders are not aware that a litter can be registered without their signature even when there is a contract between the owner of the stud and the owner of the dam that reads: Owner of Bitch will not, under any circumstances give show/breeding  rights to litter.  Contracts such as these are made to protect the pedigrees of champion lines and to protect the good names and hard work that has gone into achieving them.   And I might add: This is an informative web site for breeder information.  It is not to be used for ulterior motives.  The AKC is not in business to settle disputes nor should they be.  This is why stud contracts are made and settled in civil court when breached! Subject: Schnauzer Breeding Rights From: Sue   I am in the market to buy a Miniature Schnauzer.  If I buy a puppy that is registered AKC, I think it is only fair that I have breeding rights. Why would any breeder withhold breeding  rights from me?  Sue,  You're not alone.  Lots of people feel as you do.   This is the best way I can explain it:  Let's say you were a doctor or a lawyer.  Without saying, you would have worked hard and spent a lot of money to earn your degree. But what if someone stole your degree and hung it on their wall and practiced under your name?  What if they made a lot of mistakes while practicing and ruined your good name?   Are you wondering what this scenario has to do with breeding?  Well: Good breeding takes years of hard work and money.  Genetic testing and good veterinary care are very costly.  Puppies are time consuming.... not to mention all the work.  It takes roughly $8,000 to take a dog to championship. With this in mind, would it be right to haphazardly give away  breeding rights?  Maybe you would do right by the breeding but the next person (maybe a person who got a puppy from you) might not.  Down the road, all the hard work of breeding for good health, great looks and sweet temperaments would be lost with bad breeding.  When this happens, sick puppies with genetic health problems are connected with the names that are on the puppy's pedigree.  Imagine, someone buying a sick, poorly bred puppy because of its fine champion pedigree, and then thinking that the puppy's poor health is related to the good names on the pedigree.  Sue, if you really want to become a breeder, I can refer you to some top-notch breeders who are willing to work with you and help you get started the right way.    Hope I've answered your question. Cat Subject: Schnauzer skin care From: Jennifer We have 2 Schnauzers an 11 yr old male and a 5 yr old female, the female has a skin condition that I can't seem to cure. Her coat is oily feeling and has an odor 1-2 days after a bath, she scratches leaving bare places. I have asked the Vet and he suggested trying OTC human medicated shampoos. I have tried dandruff and tar shampoo and a seabreeze type of astrengent. None have lasting effects. Any suggestions?? Answer: Jennifer, you may want to consider this.  Of course, I'm no expert and you should first ask your vet but my book says: Pets with a condition called seborrhea can produce tremendous amounts of skin oil, which can result in sores and patches of missing fur as well as a greasy coat.  Less often, a greasy coat can be a sign of internal problems such as diabetes or a hormonal imbalance. Cat Subject: Schnauzer Licking From: Tara My mini schnauzer licks his front legs until they are sore and bleeding. And they are also stained red from him licking. I was wondering if anyone knows why he might be doing this??? Answer: Tara, First have your vet look at the sores.  Even if  it turns out to be nothing but an allergy,  your vet can give your Schnauzer something to relieve the itch.  Once a dog starts  licking, they don't want to stop............and things could get nasty.  Cat Subject: Tara's question about licking From: Dr. Mark Thompson DVM Schnauzer Chat: Post Article Comments In regards to Tara's question about licking. Dogs lick for several reasons, being bored, anxious, nervous, afraid. These patches caused by the licking are referred to as lick granulomas. Unfortunately once this habit starts its hard to stop. Ask your Veterinarian what they suggest.  Subject:          Special Treats Allow me to first say how much I enjoy your website!  I just found it the other day and wish I had found it long before this.  I have and love my 8-1/2 year old Black & Silver MS, Toby.  He has floppy ears and is groomed in a puppy cut (we're not stodgy over here!!)  Approximately 3 years ago, he underwent emergency surgery for stones and taking care of him at home was a full-time job, but we do all this out of love for our pets.  To hopefully prevent the blockage of future stones, Toby had a "urinary opening" surgically performed, thus his urine comes from this opening and runs down his leg which is always getting washed down. A year or so ago, more stones were discovered by x-ray and another surgery was done.  He's currently on Hills UD Prescription Canine Dry Food and has less than firm stools.  Toby was on Waltham UD and he was a happy little guy with good firm stools - - and then Waltham (Royal Canin) changed their recipe and it wasn't for the better.  Would you happen to know of any crunchy 'bone' treats in the UD line that I can give to Toby?          Sorry this is lengthy; didn't know how else to write Toby's history to you.  Thank you for your time and your puppies are just adorable! Answer: Of course your vet knows what is best but this is what a very nice breeder had to say; Fortunately I have not had any of my Minis have stones. So I'm not familiar with any of those kinds of treats.  She should check with her vet on any treats that he/she would want him to have.  He is on a special diet and adding certain things can upset that.  Tell her to put him on bottled water.  A lot of times, if the stones are not hereditary, and the tap water has too many minerals in it, can cause dogs prone to stones to get them.  Every little bit you do to keep them from having a reoccurrence of stones is worth it.  Dogs really do not need treats but we as their owners think they do.  A bite of his special food is enough.  It came from your hand so it is special to them.  G   Subject: blood lines of Schnauzers From: Marie Where can I find the linage of my schnauzers I have the parents and grand parents names and breeding numbers  Answer: Marie, Try going to:    http://www.mspedigree.com/ Cat Subject: Schnauzer Health/Genetics From: D B This was just brought to my attention by a very nice Schnauzer lover from Raliegh, NC.  Fibrocartilagenous embolism results in ischemia and infarction of the spinal cord. The cause is occlusion of spinal cord arteries or veins (or both) with fragments of fibrocartilage, believed to arise from the intervertebral disks. It occurs primarily in adult dogs, especially large and giant breeds. Miniature Schnauzers and Shetland Sheepdogs also may be predisposed. It is rare in cats, horses, and pigs. Affected dogs have an abrupt onset of gait dysfunction, often occurring during activities such as running or jumping. Deficits are referable to a focal, often asymmetrical, lesion in the spinal cord and rarely progress beyond 12 hr. Spinal pain is typically absent. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and exclusion of compressive lesions with myelography. In the acute stage, the CSF may have a mild increase in neutrophils and protein concentration. Mildly affected dogs often improve substantially within 1-2 wk. Prognosis is poor if deep pain perception is absent or if there is no improvement within several weeks. Thank you, DB Cat   Subject Potty Training Hi, I have recently adopted a 2 year old male mini, and at first he was going outside to do his business in his own yard just fine, but has now stopped. He is not having accidents in the house, he will just hold it until he goes on a walk or comes to the doggie daycare I own.. He will go instantly when not in his own area. He will pee outside in his yard more regularly then go poo. We once had another mini male attend daycare here, and he would do the same thing- not go in his own yard just on walks or at daycare. Is this typical? Any suggestions on ways to get him to go out and get his business done quickly and in his own yard? Any info would help! Thanks, Cailey That's a clean little Schnauzer.  He does not want to go in his area..  I have heard of it before.  A friend of mine bought her 2 Schnauzers from me and would walk them everyday since she did not have a fenced yard. She liked to walk them for her exercise too.   A couple years later, she fenced in her yard thinking that the  dogs would be more comfortable.  Well the dogs would run and play in the yard but would not go in their yard.  In between they would come to stay with me and of course I had no trouble with them going in my fenced yard.  I told  her she would just have to insist they use their yard and stop walking them.  it took awhile but finally they started to go in their yard.  They still liked the walks and if they thought they were going would hold it til they couldn't wait any more.  So this gal will just have to keep trying or section off a small part of her yard for elimination , take him there each time.  Then the rest of his yard is his to keep clean.  That might make him happy.  Chat later, G

Subject:

dandruff

From:

Comments/Questions:

Answer:  First, May I suggest you take the dog to a veterinarian and have the skin look at.  My book says (because I'm certainly no expert) If no signs of skin disease are present and general health is good, you might want to try Lipiderm (Liquid or Capsule) which contains fatty acid supplements: Omega 3 Omega 6, vitamins A&E for healthy coats.

Walking Dandruff: Dry scaly flaky skin caused by mange. Seborrhea: Similar to heavy dandruff. Flaking skin:  Which  can be caused by traces of shampoo left behind.

Cat

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Subject:

zoe; black mini

From:

mrice4@cogeco,ca

Comments/Questions:

I live with Zoe, aged 1 year; Cleo an old cat who is the boss. Zoe seems to be a little nervous of late. I know she has never been treated roughly, she seems to dislike me picking her up but she will come to me on her own accord. One day she snapped at a young boy's ankle as he walked away from me. I had just paid him for removing the snow. She certainly has a mind of her own but so gentle with Cleo. Should I try and be little firmer with her? She came to me when I needed comfort last year. Perhaps I have spoilt her. Also do Schnauzers have digestive problems? I have found a wee drop of blood when she gets up in the morning, there does not seem to be any explanation. I have been very careful what I feed her, not too many treats and the matter does seem to have improved. I would really like to chat with some one who also has Schnauzers. Zoe is all black, her ears have not been cropped. She plays with Sammi her twin sister who belongs to my daughter and she has another friend in my son's Schnauzer who is three days younger. Sincerely Zoe's and Cleo's Slave.

Answer:

First, please take Zoe to your vet and have her checked.  I'm no expert but assuming Zoe has been spayed, blood is a sign that something is wrong!  Zoe comes to you because she wants love but she dislikes you picking her up because it is probably painful.  Drops of blood could be a sign of kidney stones.

Cat

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Subject:

Digestive tract disorders

From:

klong408@sprintpc

Comments/Questions

my mini s was taken to emergency vet Suday with bloody, bloody stools and vomiting of what looked like stringy foam. She was rehydrated and lots of blood work done, no one seems to know what is wrong or what the cause was. she is an inside dog and we have no other animals. She was spade the first week in December, is up to date on all shots and showed no signs of illness.She is three years old.I have no idea as to what to ask the vet when she is released. What pre-cautions should I do? What should I look for if anything that she could have eaten? Could she have eaten a pill that I could have dropped? Would that have not shown up in the blood screens? Thank you for yor input. kathy

Answer:

Kathy,

We had the very same experience last summer with one of our mini's.  It happen on a holiday week-end.  We ran him to an emergency veterinary hospital to save his life. He was lethargic, dehydrated, throwing up and had lots of bloody diarrhea.  We thought for sure he would die! The next morning we transported him to our local vet and he remained  there for three more days being hydrated and until he was well enough to eat solid food.  After our mini was better, I too wanted to know what we could do to prevent this from happening again.  But even with all the testing, our vet didn't really know what exactly had caused our mini's digestive track to become so irritated.  The vet suggested that  our mini may have eaten something in the yard (like bird droppings).  So, Kathy, I wonder if your vet will have an answer for you...........I'm hoping  you get one. 

Cat

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Subject:

drop of blood in AM

From:

DWB

Schnauzer Chat:

Post Article

Comments

We had a beautiful mini female die of BLADDER stones, not kidney stones. Her bladder litterally burst from too much urine. Have a bladder check done as well as kidney stone check. I would guess that a dye with an apporpriate X-ray would show any blockage. Be careful that iodine dye is not used for any blood contrast medium as it can literraly kill the kidney giving Acute Tubular Necrosis. My replacement female mini is currently pregnant and has a bit of an incontinentcy problem any experience with this?

DWB,

Thank you for the information on bladder stones.

I'm not sure what  it means when a pregnant female has a bit of incontinency.  What did your vet say?  I have a female who left a small bit of fluid on her pad twice.  I'm not sure if it was came from her uterus or bladder because she is still in heat.  I plan to take her to the vet if I see it again.  What does your vet think about your female's incontinency?  Did he do a health check before she was bred?

Cat 

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Subject: dog food From: christiana Schnauzer Chat: Post Article Comments I would like to know what are the best dry foods to feed my schnauzer? Answer: We feed our Schnauzers Nutro Max and Natural Choice.  Our dogs maintain an even weight.......less clean up and so far have been healthy.  You could consult your vet for dry food options. CAT

 

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Becky, I wrote to a friend who is a top breeder of Miniature Schnauzers and this is what she had to say:  Keep in mind we aren't experts, professionals, or vets;

Can't hurt to try.  Sometimes the stone diet doesn''t work so you have to try something else.  Also bottled water instead of tap water and outside every 3 hours to keep kidneys and bladder empty.  Hope all is well with you.  Smiles, G. 

Hope this helps.  Cat

 

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Subject:

Schnauzer Itching & scratching

From:

Maloneydt@hotmail.com

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

What can we do to releive the constant itching on our 31/2 month old schnauzer? My granddaughter works for a vet and she said to give "Callie" benadryl and our vet gave herOmega Fatty Acid tablets and we bathe her with *efa Hylyt shampoo.

Answer:

I'm not an expert or a professional and this is just an opinion;  I would think the most effective long-term solution would be to change the dog's living circumstances to avoid the allergen. Have you tried special food to see if the allergy cause is food related?  This is what my book says: Antihistamines help control itching and scratching but Corticosteroids are the most effective but have the most serious side effects.  Pramoxine is a topical anesthetic that provides  temporary relief from pain and itching.  Derm Caps from fatty acid products produce good results in dogs.  I'm betting your vet is on the right track.

CAT

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Subject:

Your Chat Board

From:

Joan Huber, inquiry@blythewoodschnauzer.com

Schnauzer Chat:

Post Article

Comments

If you are going to do a chat board you really need to be a professional. Some of your "advise" is incorrect and is miss-leading the public. For anyone posting to this web site and asking questions please always do a thorough check to make sure you aren't getting wrong information.

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If you meant your mean spirited comment for me:  I have never claimed to be a professional.   And I'm not too shy to ask for professional help. 

The questions on this chat board come from people who are seeking an answer.  The answers can come from anyone who feels they may be of some help.  But I do think breeders, especially ones with years of experience, give valuable "advice" and are an enormous help to each other and Schnauzer owners! I don't personally know of any vet who is a breeder of Miniature Schnauzers........... and experience, Joan, is the best education!

CAT

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Subject:

POSSIBLE BREEDING

From:

iluvkory@hotmail.com

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

I have a 1 1/2 year old male mini, he is a very well tempermented dog and has very good traits. He is akc registered pure bred and I was starting to wonder about breeding males without becoming a large breeder with females? He is a very good dog and his puppies would be great.

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First, check your AKC papers to see if you have breeding rights.  Do a background check on your stud's pedigree for genetic problems.  Next, take him to a vet.  Let the vet know that you plan to use your dog for stud.  Last, have your male's health checked for breeding and genetic testing done for Schnauzer problems.  If everything checks out OK....... and  you don't land in the poor house................good luck!

Again, I'm no expert.

CAT

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Subject:

schnauzer info

From:

laurie

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

i posted the last question and then read your whole board. i did see a comment about letting dogs with bladder stone problems go out every 3 hrs. i have been doing this during the day-but not at night. he doesn't ask-but should i wake him and make him go out every 3 hrs at night too? also-is there another place to get info on schnauzers? a site where i might find this info? or a book? the vet just doesn't seem to think it's important that he goes so much. thanks again.

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Subject:

Laurie's schnauzer

From:

Donna

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

Take Dylan to be checked for diabetes. Also you can check his urine at home for glucose with strips you get at the drug store. My little guy did the same thing and we discovered he was diabetic.

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Subject:

Joint Stiffness/Arithritis in Schnauzers

From:

Marian

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

My 9-year old Min Schnauzer goes on daily walks, but is bothered with symptoms of arithritis and, on occasion, will limp for a day if he has over-used his legs running and/or jumping and then is made to rest and not have his walk. He's also on Hills U/D Dry Canine Food due to stones. Is a chewable Glucosomine/Chroidintin/Vitamin C supplement a good thing for his joints? Thank you in advance for your responses. :)

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Subject:

Arthritis

From:

Donna

Schnauzer Chat:

Post Article

Comments

Just be careful Marian. They are putting Glucosomine/Chrondriton in just about all the dog foods these days. Im not sure if that is a good thing. My schnauzer developed diabetes very soon after I started him on food that had glucosamine/chrondritin in it. Maybe it was just a coincidence. I researched and found that there have been some studies that show it can cause some insulin resistance in animals. So because schnauzers are prone to diabetes anyway...I would be careful. I am no expert. Just going by my experience.

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Subject:

Arthritis

From:

Marian

Schnauzer Chat:

Post Article

Comments

Donna, Sorry to hear about your pet. I will carefully read the ingredients on the Hills U/D bag - Toby's getting all his boosters in a week and a half and I will be asking his vet about this, also. I was giving Toby a liquid formula named 'Syn-Flex' that helped him recover from a torn ligament (squirrel chasing over uneven ground), but haven't reordered it. Hugs to your pet and thanks for the warning.

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Subject:

To Marian

From:

Donna

Schnauzer Chat:

Post Article

Comments

Glad to hear that Toby is feeling better. They just don't like those squirrels in their yards! I'm sorry to report that we lost our dog last week from complications of diabetes. I am completely heartbroken and all I can do is cry. He was 10 years old. My second schnauzer. I lost my first one also at 10 years old to diabetes with complications. Schnauzers are just the best dogs and he was the sweetest most well behaved little guy you could ever want. Just enjoy every day with your little guy and give him lots of hugs. Their lives are just way too short.

 

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Subject:

heat

From:

CTiner@msn.com

Schnauzer Chat:

Post Article

Comments

Hello, When do mini schnauzers come in the first heat is it around 7-8 months? Please let me know asap. Thank you, Crystal

Most Schnauzer females come into heat between 9-12 months of age.  So far all mine have come into their first heat at nine months.

Hope this helps.

Cat

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Subject:

Breeders Beware

From:

Paul V

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

Read the post titled Breeders Beware. I had a Schnauzer come down with similar symptoms that ended in an ER visit. Fortunately she had a complete recovery. The vets diagnosis was Canine Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis. She was an indoor dog and did not have access to anything bad that she might have eaten. Vet said they do not really know the cause, but that dogs who get it are more susceptible to repeat infections. We have had no repeats in two years, though. The vomiting foam and mucus and the flowery bloody diarrhea were identical symptoms. Seems fairly common in minis, For more great info see: http://www.vetinfo.com/dhge.html

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Subject:

Selecting for a puppy's color

From:

Nikki

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

I have wanted a Schnauzer for years. I finally decided to buy one after serious consideration. The thing is, once I started researching on the net, I discovered the color I truly want. I had thought I wanted a salt and pepper - until I saw the black and silver. I fell in love with the black and silvers, especially the ones that have the white, or silver, eyebrows. I've seen this referred to as "phantom markings". My question is this: I've seen puppies that have brown coloring - is that where they turn the salt and pepper color? If I see what the breeder tells me is a black and silver with light brown ears, is that area going to turn the silver color? I'm totally specific to what I want. This is hugely important to me. I don't want the puppy if it's eyebrows will not be the white, or silver, color. Not to say I only care for color, and not the puppy. I plan to treat it well, and more than likely spoil it rotten, I just figure if I pay for a purebred puppy (which is not a cheap venture) I should get exactly what I want. I'm encontering breeders that want to push a puppy on me. (And it doesn't work on me, quite the opposite.)

Nikki,

When Salt/Pepper  puppies are born the coat is sometimes light brown in color which turns to gray after they are groomed.  Some Salt/Pepper and Black/Silver puppies start out with brown mixed with white on their trimmings but it usually lightens to white as they get older.  Some Black/Silver puppies are born with very white and very black markings which is what you seem to want in color.  I think you should stress to a breeder that you are interested in only getting a puppy with very prominent markings......very black and very white on the trimmings. We have everyone fill out a puppy agreement and send it along with their deposit.  If we don't have the color and sex that is specified on the agreement..............we always return the deposit.

Hope I've helped.

Cat

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Subject:

Breeding

From:

suzyd@satx.rr.com

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

We have a bitch that is in heat and is standing for the male, but she seems irritated with him and he can't seem to reach her. We bred them 2 years ago with no problem. She is 4 and he  is 6. Did we miss the window. She was still a little pink two days ago. Could she go out that fast? Any suggestions as to what we can do to make sure they tie.

Suzy,

Again......I'm no expert and I read this in my book............You could run your female to a vet and have him check her serum progesterone level.  If she is ready for breeding and your stud still can't reach her, maybe your vet could do an AI.

CAT

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Subject:

house breaking

From:

simsam_hoch@hotmail.com

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

How hard is it to house break a 6 month old mini schnauzer that grew up in a kennel?

It may not be that difficult to house train your puppy.  If the puppy was kept in a kennel and had access to potty outdoors...........I would think it would be easy to house train.  If the puppy was kept in a cage, and had to go where it stood, you may have a difficult time.  Let us know how the puppy does.

Cat 

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Subject:

mini schuauzer

From:

patty

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

i know of someone who said she feeds her schuauzer what ever it wants is there certain foods that could make them sick

Yes, there are certain foods that will make any dog sick.  Some could be fatal.

Cat

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Subject:

vaccination side effects

From:

antiesweetpea

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

my mini schnauzer is 8 months old, has had all his puppy shots and last week received his rabies vaccination. he has been raised with children and was very good natured with a great personality. since receiving his rabies shot, he has now become very aggressive toward children and even my niece when she approaches him, he growls and tries to snap at her  when she tries to pet him...i took him to the vet today, and was told that he only had one testicle which descended and said that we needed to neuter him immediately...is this true? and is it just a coincidence that Max is now very aggressive and can not be trusted when a child approaches...any help wil greatly be appreciated...Also, what are the risks of the surgery and not having the surgery.

My book says; Removing both testicles is the treatment of choice because of  the risk of developing testicular neoplasms (non-cancerous or cancerous growths). 

Cat

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Subject:

All white MS

From:

Erica

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

My Schnauzer is all white... I was wondering if she technically isnt considered full blood mini Schnauzer. Im confused... please help. She is CKC registered, and I know AKC wont recongnize her because of her color.

Yes, a white Miniature Schnauzer can still be a full blooded Schnauzer.

Cat

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Subject:

What is my dog

From:

Heather

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

I bought an AKC schnauzer from a man in Texas, but the longer I have this "schnauzer" the less I think it is one. It's hair is about as long as a chihuauas. Its three months old, has very very short hair, and is shedding like crazy. Is this a schnazuer? Please HELP!

Ask your vet to check the puppy's health.  Did you look the kennel over before you purchased the puppy?  Did you see the parents?  Did you get information about the breeder..............guarantees, what genetic testings were done,  pedigrees, temperaments, references, etc.? 

Cat

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Subject:

Croping Ears

From:

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

What is the maximum age that you would clip the ears of a miniature schnauzer? 

Four months would be the latest that I would do it.  Ask your vet and see what he thinks.  

Cat

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Subject:

to get my puppy paper tained inside

From:

ttarious1206@aol.com

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

hi im jamal and i want to potty train my yorkie on a paper inside my house.....do you have any tips??

Jamal, this is how I newspaper train our puppies.  I set up a pen large enough for a crate to sleep in, food and water bowl and enough room to play.  But first, I put newspaper down to cover the floor of the pen.  Each day I put a little less newspaper down on the floor of the pen until I have worked my way to one corner.   By this time, our puppies trot over to the newspaper to go potty.  It takes time to potty train a puppy.  Hang in there.  Good luck!

Cat

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Subject:

Over excited Schnauzer

From:

Cheryll

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

Hey Cat, I came across your board and read all of the postings, but didn't find anything related to the problem that I am experiencing with my pup. My mini schnauzer is just 3 months old,and has been only one week that she's living with us. She loves getting her belly rub, and seems to get over excited right away and pees all over herself, whereever, and whoever she's with. Is this normal, will it go away eventually since she is just a puppy or do I have to and can I train her to stop doing that?

Well, from what I've read it can be outgrown.  Excitement seems to be the cause.  And the best way to avoid it happening is to keep things low key when playing with her.  Maybe someone has a better solution.  If you do, please write and tell us.

CAT

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Subject:

Born Cropped Ears?

From:

Future Owner

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

I was about to buy a MS from a pet shop and I realised her ears are cropped. The lady in the shop told me her parents are champion dogs and had their ears cropped so she was born with cropped ears. Can a MS be born with cropped ears????

No!

Cat

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Subject:

white schnauzers

From:

Della Glenn

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

I have a 2 almost 3 yr. old salt @ pepper mini schnauzer right now his name is Petey Jarrett ( after one of my favorite Nascar drivers Dale Jarrett )I would , however like to get a white schnauzer but my Vet (In London Ohio ) states that most white schnauzers are either blind or going blind or have a genetic problem . Is this true ? I really think the white one's are especially cute I've been talking to a breeder from W.V. and she says that it's not true ! Can you ease my mind or give me another piece of advice ? Thank You - Della Glenn ( South Charleston Ohio )

Della,  First, I want to say, I love Petey's name.  How adorable!  I'm afraid I have heard the same information about White Schnauzers having genetic problems.  But I also know breeders who breed White Schnauzers and have never had any genetic problems with them.   I don't know what the stats are on breeding Whites Schnauzers verses health problems.  Maybe some White owners could write and help us out.

Cat

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Subject:

Anal Glands

From:

Jana

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

Hi - My young MS occasionally has a foul odor coming from his butt area. I'm pretty sure it's related to the anal glands but am not sure what to do about it. Can anyone tell me what I need to know about expressing anal glands? Or do we need to see a vet?

Anal sacs are emptied by the pressure of  stool passing through the anus.  They can also be emptied if the dog is frightened or unset.  They are a scent gland.  This is why dogs greet each other at the rear.  If you have a frequent malodor, take your MS to your vet. He can tell you if the anal sacs need to be expressed and how it should be done.

Cat

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Subject:

Heat

From:

Erica

Schnauzer Chat:

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Comments

Is 6 months too early for a mini Schnauzer to go into heat?

No, but it is too young for her to be bred.

Cat

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Subject:

Thanks for the feedback

From:

Erica

Schnauzer Chat:

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The lady that we bought her from told us that it is okay for us to breed her on her first heat... she is a Schnauzer breeder. So I am assuming that she must breed her dogs on their first heat. She told me that if we were to breed her that we needed to find a male that is smaller than our female because she might have complications with birthing if the babies are too big. She said that if the male is bigger than the female that the male genes will dominate, and the babies will be big. She has well passed her first heat, and we decided not to breed her on her first heat, because I had discussed it with the vet, and they said that its not a good idea... good thing I listened. Im starting to rethink the whole breeding thought anyway... Im not sure if breeding her is what I want to do. The reason I asked the previous question is because I have been having suspicions about my Schnauzer. The CKC papers that they had given us just didnt seem ligit at all. Her shot records have a couple of things scratched out also... I dont know what that is all about, but we have been suspicious for a while. It would not bother me either way, because no matter what we are going to keep her... we love her to peices, and I cant imagine life without her.

Good for you, Erica.  Most Schnauzers come into their first heat at 9 months.   At least all mine seem to.  Six months is a little young.   I would never breed a female on her first heat at 9 months.  If she were to come into her first heat at 6 months, I think it would be better to wait until she had her third heat before breeding her.  She needs a chance to grow up and mature before becoming a mommy.  If you do plan to breed her when she is older, take her to your vet and let the vet tell you if she is healthy and ready for breeding.

You could put your mind at ease by having your vet look the shot records over.  Call the CKC and ask about the papers. 

Cat

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Subject:

Re: thanks

From:

Erica

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I never thought to call the CKC and ask about the papers. thanks for the thought. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions... Im sure I will have more for you in the future <:0P)

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Subject:

Breeders did you know...In defense of the AKC.

From:

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Two AKC bred dogs (Dam & Sire)with proof of AKC registration and proof that breeding occurred with in the continental US are required to register litters with the AKC. Waving breeding and show rights does not wave your ability to register a litter it places the litter under “Limited Registration" with the AKC (See Mrs. Taliks Puppy Contract 3rd paragraph). The AKC does recognize the owner of the dam to hold rights to the litter and can register them without the consent of the stud owner. If they see that in your contract you have agreed to wave breeding and show rights they will offer Limited Registration only...which means the dogs can't be bred or shown. If a dispute arises, the AKC will intervene & both parties are given the opportunity to consent to registration and given 30 days to respond to the AKC. At the end of the 30 day period if no valid evidence to prevent registration has been submitted, the AKC Department of Investigations and Case management will begin registration. I don't know what the AKC would say if the contract specifically stated the litter/ pup could not be registered with the AKC, but who would enter into a contract that limited AKC registration of a pup or litter. It's all on the AKC web page.

You say: If they see that in your contract you have agreed to wave breeding and show rights they will offer Limited Registration only...which means the dogs can't be bred or shown. (The AKC does not mark the papers).  This is where you are mistaken.  It is up to the owner of the Dam to mark the AKC papers to the litter with.......... Limited or not.  Call the AKC and they will be happy to explain this to you.  I have the highest respect for the AKC.  But a lot of Breeders are not aware that a litter can be registered without their signature even when there is a contract between the owner of the stud and the owner of the dam that reads: Owner of Bitch will not, under any circumstances give show/breeding  rights to litter.  Contracts such as these are made to protect the pedigrees of champion lines and to protect the good names and hard work that has gone into achieving them.   And I might add: This is an informative web site for breeder information.  It is not to be used for ulterior motives.  The AKC is not in business to settle disputes nor should they be.  This is why stud contracts are made and settled in civil court when breached!

Cat

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Subject:

Studs

From:

Lynda

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Is there a maximum age for a stud to breed? We are interested in a beautiful mini-schnauzer show dog who has never bred. The ownners took one bitch in but no attempt to breed. Could it be he is too old at nine years to use? Perhaps the bitch was not ready...I have three days to have my girl bred. PS He is also very much a family member...not sure he knows he is a dog.

I'm a little confused.  Do you own the bitch and the stud?  First things first and to put your mind at ease.  Take your stud and bitch to your vet.  Tell your vet what you have in mind. Your vet will do a physical examination,  run laboratory tests and suggest genetic screening to determine if both dogs are fit for breeding.  This way,  you'll know just where you stand and things will go more smoothly.  Good luck!

Cat

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Subject:

bleeding or heat?

From:

Erica

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It seems that my dog may be in heat AGAIN... I dont quite understand. She was just in heat about 2 and a half months ago, and now she is bleeding again. How often are they suppose to go into heat? Her first heat was at 6 months old, and now she is about to turn 9 months... can this be or does it sound like something more serious? Thanks in advance.

First, I would take her to your vet.  If the vet finds her healthy, my guess is she didn't come into a full heat when she was 6 month old.  Once, I had a female come into heat at 6 months (which is young) and then again at one year.  It wasn't until she had her third heat, at almost 2 years of age, did she have a good heat. 

Cat

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Subject:

Re: heat/bleeding

From:

Erica

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Thanks for answering my question Cat... I was talking to my mom about it, and she said that she may have gone into heat again because we took her on vacation with us to California, and  my grandmother has 2 male Chiuaua's (sp?) and she played with them both the whole time... my mom thinks that she may have gone into heat because of that reason, does that make sense?  and if so is it possible? Thanks in advance.

Yes, I believe Mom may have something there.  I know one female in heat can bring other females into heat if they sleep and play together.  It's a nature thing.  But of course, it's always best to check with your vet just so nothing else is going on.

Cat

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Subject:

do mini's get along with other dogs

From:

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i have a 3 yr old wire fox terrier. my family and i spoil her so much. if we were to get another puppy do u think she could adjust. do mini's get along with other dogs?. our dog seems only to like male dogs to! Hehe! your site is wonderful. whenever i see a picture of a mini puppy i say they have cuppy heads cuz u could rest the palm of your hand/or cup your hand on their little round heads!

Thank you for the nice compliment.  Yes, from what everyone tells me, Minis get along fine with other dogs.  Dogs do best with other dogs if they are socialized from the time they are  puppies.  But if you bring a new dog into your home, any kind of breed, it is important to introduce your dog with the new dog on neutral territory.  You can imagine how you would feel if your mother brought a new kid home and expected you to share your toys and bedroom.

Cat

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Subject:

scratching

From:

montona

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how do i get my minature schnauzer to stop scratching.

Take your mini to your vet and have your vet check for allergies.  Your vet can subscribe something to relieve the itch.

Cat

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Subject:

barking foreverrrrrrr

From:

gypsydiego@yahoo.ca

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We have a male standard (14 months) and a female mini (10 months) that bark at everything, everywhere, everytime, everybody. HELP! The strangest scenario is that the dogs will be curled up with a house guest for hours - licking, snuggling, playing ball and then 10 minutes later, after being out of sight, they will see them and bark like they have never seen this person before. Also, the male seems to suffer from separation anxiety as when left alone, he will chew the baseboards incessantly. When we are home he never looks at the baseboards (or chews anything). Suggestions?

My book says: separation anxiety is a common behavior problem.  Dogs are pack animals, so the stress of being left alone for short periods can be overwhelming for some.  Behavioral treatment involves getting the dog used to being alone.  Owners have to practice leaving home for progressively more minutes each day.  But this is what I suggest you try:  Before leaving the house exercise both dogs until they are tired and submissive. Put your dogs in a room with no windows and turn the lights off.  Of course, return home in a reasonable time for them to go potty and eat.  Upon greeting, shower them with lots of attention and praise.  As far as barking at a house guest they have spent time playing with.........that is a new one on me.  Hopefully, someone else can answer this one.  Anyone?

Cat

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To: 

barking foreverrrrrrr

 

From: 

B

 

I think your dogs are barking at your houseguests because they want to play more.  It's the way dogs communicate verbally.

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Subject:

Dog Treats

From:

Me

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Has anyone had a bad experience with store bought dog treats? Tell us. Here is my experience... (long story short) we have a male and female mini-schnauzer. My husband thought  we were out of those pupcorns (multi-colored puffy waffers like, lots of air in, light as popcorn) so he goes and buys another big bag. I saw the 2 bags and decided to toss a few extra while realizing I had to get rid of them before they'd go stall, our female decided she didn't want any that day, so, our male not only had his normal few, but extra few, plus hers. Me, I never thought any harm could happen, figured it was just air like cotton candy, something 1 inch X 1/2 would shrink to near nothing. Later that evening (wouldn't you know, it was a weekend!) He starts acting weird, squeeling, run and sit, kept up until I noticed. I ran him to the emergency clinic ($65.00 office visit + other) They tried to talk me into antibiotic, pain killer, and x-rays!!! I left there with him still not knowing what was wrong, but he started to calm down, the next morning he was fine as if nothing happened. All I was told was "His stomach has an unusual mass in but there is a smaller mass closer to upper intestine almost digested..." It FINALLY dawned on me what had taken place!!! But this cost me $235.00!!! I went to the pet store where I purchased them and questioned why this product didn't have a warning on! Thought you might want to know.

Me,

Thank you so much for the information on dog treats.  And I know exactly the kind you are describing.  My husband buys all the treats for our dogs.  (Somehow, I do the dirty jobs; like pulling    hair out of their ears and he does the fun jobs like; giving out treats ).  Anyway, I had him read your post.  We will certainly heed your warning.

Cat

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Subject:

Dog in Heat

From:

Rebecca

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My 9 month old female Schnauzer just had her period, but I was wondering what were the symptoms of her being pregnent? She is always around my sister's male schnauzer. The reason I ask is because it seems to me that her nippples are getting harder and I didn't now if that was part of a dog being in heat. Could you please let me know what you think?

Is your sister's male Schnauzer neutered?  If not........my guess is........... your female is pregnant.  Not feeling good, vomiting, hard dark colored nipples, are some symptoms. Call your vet and explain what is going on.  The vet can tell you how best to handle this.

Cat

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Subject:

Blisters

From:

beth

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My MS had coccidiosis, feeling little better, but now has developed small white fluid filled blisters to stomach and also one noted on his ear. Do you know the cause and what can be done for this?

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Subject:

portosystemic shunts

From:

Marcia

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Our six month old schnauzer went in today for spaying. She came through it just fine but the vet (one we have used for over thirteen years)found what he is currently calling an "unusual vascular situation". He says that when removing one of her ovaries he found an extremely large artery immediately next to it. He is hopeful that the ovary was simply out of place or that he was actually seeing the vena cava. However, he does want to do an acid bile test in a couple of weeks to see how the liver is functioning. He assures us that he will be very surprised if it comes back anything but normal...He did not mention portosystemic shunts but it is what I found while searching the internet. I contacted our breeder who has fifteen years of schnauzer experience and she has never seen this in any of her animals - also spoke to the schnauzer club president who also has never heard of it...I know I'm possibly leaping to conclusions but do you know of this and does it sound like we should worry at this point? Anyway, anything you can offer would be appreciated

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Subject:

Just how much exercise?

From:

annmclean@hotmail.com

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Before I do buy a giant schnauzer I would like your opinions on just how much exercise do they really need to pass off every day lets say. Do I need to hire a marathon runner to walk my dog?                 I want my dog to be the happiest- so please let know your opinion on this. Thanks

Ann, I've been waiting on someone who has experience with Giants to answer your question.  But is doesn't look like that is going to happen.  I didn't want you to think I have been ignoring you but I just don't have any first hand knowledge about Giants.  One thing I do know, they are fascinating and beautiful. If you haven't done so yet, look around the internet and read up on everything related to Giants and compare the information you read.  Here is one site that I visited.  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/giantschnauzer.htm

Cat

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Subject:

Color

From:

tammiefleming@yahoo.com

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We got a new puppy for christmas, when we got her at 8 weeks she looked black and silver now that her coat is starting to come in more we are unsure. She looks exactly like the pic of "sidney" on your homepage. Can you tell me is she black & silver or salt & pepper? I have not registered her yet because of my uncertainty.

Black/Silver puppies have black fur at the base of the ear.  Salt/Pepper puppies have light colored fur at the base of the ear.  And I want to add; this can easily be confused when puppies are first born.

If your puppy looks like Sidney, I would say it is a Salt/Pepper.

Cat

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Subject:

minature schnauzer

From:

Schnauzer Chat:

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i bred my beautiful Schnauzer who has canadian papers with A beautiful... Male from the Usa... with a k c >>>>can... these puppies be papered

I ask G. and G said: I'm sure they can.  She will have to register her female first.  She should contact the AKC.  They will tell her exactly how to get her litter reg with AKC. 

Hope this helps.  Cat

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Subject:

Bringing home a new puppy

From:

Dawn

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Cathy, You have so many great referances. What is your favorite site for information on bringing a new puppy home?

I don't have a favorite web site for bringing home a new puppy.  I do, however, send information with each of my puppies on feeding, potty training, health care, grooming and always encourage everyone to go to puppy kindergarten.  

Cat

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Subject:

Schnauzer sizes

From:

Kathy Tomayko

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Do you have, or know anyone who does have, Toy Schnauzer's? I have always had Miniature Schnauzer's and would love to have another but much smaller size. Please advise. Thank you.

Try going to Tina's web site.  http://classicminifarm.com/

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Subject:

White Schnauzers

From:

George

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I have had my 3 year old white MS for almost two years.....he is the most wonderful, intelligent, lovable, AND HEALTHY dog i have ever had....I got him from a county adoption so don't know where he came from.....all the bad views of white minis is just a bunch of snobby show type people blowing smoke in our faces!!!!!! Everyone who meets this dog falls instantly in love with him and he is great with the kids!!!!! He is all schnauzer, 100%!!!!

No argument from me, George.  I've seen some gorgeous White Schnauzers.  Hum.....I wonder if the AKC will recognize White in the near future?  If they do, watch and see all the breeders scramble to get their hands on White Schnauzers.  Does your White Schnauzer have a thick soft coat?

Cat

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Subject:

Shy Schnauzers

From:

Amy

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I am looking at purchasing a Min. Schnauzer. The one I have picked out is really shy. It is the runt of the litter. Will she come out of it or will she be scared of everything?

I've had runts that were very shy at first and become alpha's when they got older.  How old is the puppy?  A few weeks in a puppy's life makes a big difference. 

Cat 

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Subject:

skin and ears

From:

pkv24@yahoo.com

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My mini schnauzer is constantly itching his ears. Anything that I could do for him. Also, he loves to lick his front paws. Is that ok? Thanks, Paula

Take your mini to your vet and see if he has an ear infection.  If he continues licking his paws, they will get raw.  Asked your vet for help before it turns into a problem.

Cat 

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Subject:

gets upset at bath time .

From:

bonny

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why has our schnauzer change about his bathtime he growls and hides.

Maybe he is afraid.  Does he see you as Alpha?  Does he feel he can trust you?

Cat

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Subject:

Registration

From:

Bri

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You had mentioned that if two dogs were bred, and they were both AKC registered, their litter would have to be registered also. Well, I bought a puppy from AKC parents, but she is not registered. Are there any exceptions?

Bri,

What were you told when you bought the puppy?  I'm just guessing but this may be a reason why the litter wasn't registered: The puppies were being sold just for pet (no breeding /show rights) or the breeder wanted to save at tax time.  What matter is; you know your puppy is a full blooded Schnauzer.  And hopefully, you got a nice healthy puppy and possibly a price break because it came without papers.  

Cat

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Subject:

Tail cropping

From:

Darcy

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Have you ever seen a schnauzer without a cropped tail? I would like to know what that looks like.

Darcy, 

Yes.  Tails and ears are left natural in some European countries.  Look around the web and you'll see pictures.  The tail curls when not docked.

Cat

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Interesting Tail Information:

Regarding the question about schnauzers with tails, my daughter imported a Standard Schnauzer pup, with a tail.  We live in Canada and are allowed to show Standard Schnauzers  with natural ears and tails.  The U.K. has now banned the cropping of ears and the docking of tails.  There are two types of tails, a saber tail and a curly tail.  A squirrel tail is a fault and not    acceptable.  The tail should be judged for position, just as if the tail had been cropped.  They have very nice tails.  Most of the countries of the world now allow Standard Schnauzers to be shown with a tail, except the U.S.A.  Originally tails were docked to prevent them being caught in carriages and also, to save the owners from having to pay a tax.  Today we do not have that    problem.  Quite frankly, I prefer them in their natural state. (We have one with and one without).

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Subject:

Schnauzer pregnancy

From:

Kate L

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i have a 10 mo. old mini schnauzer. she is pregnant, and was bred by her father. We Did not even know she was in heat. Never saw drops of blood or anything...we have larger breed hunting dogs out in kennels and they went into heat about 1 yr old, so i figured the same w/ all dogs....anyways, is it a Bad thing her own father bred her. we found out when my daughter woke us at 1 am back in Dec. just before Xmas * that's what i am worried about, because i do not remenber the Exact date of the breeding. she definitely is pregnant. Not very large though, before she was w/ pups she weighed 10-11 lbs now she is 13lbs. i call'd a vet and she said it was ok, let her have the pups. i was just wondering because she Is a small mini compared to her father; is there anyway to tell how many pups she may have and when her due date will be?? I'm trying to remember the breeding date and i do know it lasted just before xmas and during; but i notice    Charlie was not interested in breeding by then. thank you, hope to hear from you soon. KateL.

Kate L, hi.

My females have always come into their first heat at 9 months.  It sounds like your girl had, what my book calls, a silent heat.  The puppies will probably have the same temperaments and looks as do the parents but close breeding can enhance the chance for genetic problems.   Counting from December 25 your little girl is due now.  Call your vet and let him know what is going on.  You will want him for back up if your girl should have trouble whelping.  An abdominal ultrasonography can detect puppies throughout pregnancy as early as 18-19 days after ovulation.  Kate, if you have access to a stethoscope, listen on both sides of your female for puppy heart beats. 

Here's to your little girl and a nice healthy litter! 

Cat

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Subject:

Bad Bad Breath

From:

eileenhines@sbcglobal.net

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Our miniature Schnauzer has consistent bad breath. We have tried breath spray , stuff that's added to the water,milk bone treats, and nothing short of brushing his teeth. Do we need to brush his teeth? We appreciate any advice.HELP! He is becoming a little unpopular even though we love him alot. (lol) Larry

Larry, 

It sounds like you've tried most everything.  Assuming that your dog isn't eating feces or chewing on smelly hoofs, have your veterinarian evaluate your pet's teeth and gums. Your vet can tell you if a professional cleaning (and removal of any diseased teeth) is needed or if there is something else going on.  Ideally, the teeth should be brushed daily, as  with humans. Even once every few days will be a big help. Ask about gels that can be squirted in your dogs mouth.  I find them a big help. Be careful about  treats, too. The soft, gummy treats can be especially bad for the teeth - they are soft, sticky, and full of sugar. 

Cat

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Subject:

Mini schnauzer

From:

Deanna

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I have had my mini female for 3yrs and she just had her first litter..I have her son here what would happen if they mated? Would that make her blood line a mess? I do have 30  generations on her and father from litter..

I've never line bred or inbred because I'm afraid I will enhance the chance for genetic problems.  But this is what the book has to say: Inbreeding and line breeding expose both good and bad qualities.  If the strain carries undesirable traits, this becomes evident after a few generations.  While this may seem a disaster, in the long term the exposure of such traits is in the best interest of the breed.  By choosing not to breed affected animals and their relatives, the undesirable trait can be eliminated form the bloodline.  The book goes on to say:  A breeder who uses fundamentally sound dogs...produces sound dogs.

Cat

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Subject:

Keeping schnauzers "mustache" white

From:

Stacy

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What can be done to keep schnauzer's fur from staining around their mouth? Do you know the name of the dog food that helps prevent this from happening? In a few months we will be buying a mini schnauzer...this will help me in knowing what color I am in the market for. Thanks!

Stacy,  This is what D and S wrote:

Hi Cathy,

We don't seem to have a problem with his beard at all.  He has been on several foods and as long as they are natural with no additives or coloring his beard stays white.  It probably doesn't hurt that we wash his face and beard when he gets dirty, and bath him once a week with a "bluing" or whitening shampoo.  We get so many comments about him looking like a show dog.     We take it as a compliment to your good breeding. 

Hope this helps.  Cat

 

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Subject:

Pancreatitis

From:

william.ishmael@nolte.com

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My minature schnauzer is at the vet now with his second case of pancreatitis in a month. Needless to say I am a very worried Dad. Both cases occured within 3 days of an application of Frontline.. coincidence? Or have other people/dogs experienced this correlation?

 

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Subject:

housetraining

From:

mdcummings@cox.net

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Well, I didn't get an answer to my last question re PSS or shunts but just to let you know, our vet did the acid bile test and it came back normal so we are feeling pretty good about her status there. New problem is this, Chloe early on would not use the backyard for her potty...so we have been walking her in the neighborhood three to four times a day and she goes just fine. The problem is, recently we were unable to walk her as usual, so we now know that she really needs to be backyard trained - I am trying to do this but she is really having a problem with it - I stood outside with her for 45 minutes last night - she peed but did not poop - and then this morning two times each 45 minutes each time - and nothing has happened. I am currently crating her and taking her out every couple of hours. I know she is not being stubborn - I'm sure she just thinks she can't go out there - any suggestions?

First, I'm sorry no one wrote to answer your PSS question but I'm happy Chloe's acid bile test came back normal.  However, I do have a few suggestions helping Chloe to potty in her own backyard.  A:  Take Chloe for her walk.  After Chloe does her business, take her poop home and put it in your backyard.  It doesn't have to be all of it, just enough to let her know it is hers and it is OK for her to go in her own backyard.  Do the same with Chloe’s urine.  You can do this by using newspaper to soak it up.  Again, put the soaked newspaper in your backyard where you want Chloe to go.  Another suggestion:  Look for products at the pet store that encourage dogs to go potty.  

Hope this helps.

Cat

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Subject:

vomiting

From:

pkv24@yahoo.com

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My mini schnauzer has been vomiting most of the day. Is there anything I can do for him or give him? Thanks.

I can give you some tips on what to feed a dog who has a sick stomach but you need to call your vet.  Vomiting can be caused from a number of different things.  Your vet is the one that should decide the cause and what can be done to correct the problem. 

Cat

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Subject:

Breeding

From:

Linda

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I have a 6 month mini Schnauzer whose testicles look very well developed and he is trying to "ride" everyone's leg. Should we be making a decision as to whether to have him neutered and how soon would he              be ready for stud service if we dedided to let him sire pups?

From what I've been told by some breeders, males can sire litters as young as eight months.  If it is possible at a younger age I don't know. 

Cat

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Subject:

Socializing

From:

Roxie

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I would like to know how to go about getting dogs to get along. My mini schauzer is 7 months old and has always gotten along with my larger golden retrievers. The problem is whenever  my schnauzer meets another small dog, she tries to attack it. i don't know what to do for her not to be so agressive towards other small dogs, could you help?

Take your puppy to puppy classes and socialize her with other small dogs.  Every dog must have a leader and that leader should be you.  From what I've read, Puppy Classes will help establish you as alpha.  Consequently, your puppy will listen to your voice commands and feel less aggressive toward other dogs. 

Cat

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Subject:

registration question?

From:

Erica

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I have 2 Schnauzers female is CKC (white) and male is AKC (black). When we decide to breed them together, is it possible to get the puppies registered? If so, will they be AKC or CKC?  Or will they have to be registered through somewhere else?

Erica, you can register your male with the CKC.  Then the litters from your white females/black male can be registered with the CKC.

Cat

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Subject:

Behavior

From:

Cathy Sheridan

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I just bought a 7 month old female mini Schnauzer that I believe has been in a kennel most of her 7 months of life. She's very loving and wants to please. I've got her housetrained and she knows "no" and sit and lay down. But..... She HATES to be bathed and brushed and fussed with at all. I wish I could afford some training help but I spent everything I had on purchasing her and     getting her shots. Any tips on how to calm her   down and get her to stay still when I need to wash and brush her? I can't even imagine cutting her at this point - she would go ballistic! What I'm doing   now is tying her to her leash so she can't get away, getting a few treats handy, "lay down" brush about 3 times while she tries to squirm out of my hold. Good girl, then a treat. Then I repeat it again. After about 9 or 10 strokes with the brush, I let her go. ??? Thanks, Cathy

Cathy, It sounds like your female has had a bad experience with grooming and is frightened with the whole experience.  Don't get discouraged, at seven months she is still a puppy. Ask your vet for something to clam her down while you groom her.  Groom often for short periods at a time.  If she can be calmed from something your vet prescribes, hopefully, she will see that grooming can be a good experience and a

way of getting praise and pleasing you.

My husband always talks softly in their ear ...........it works for us.

Cat

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Subject:

smelly schnauzer

From:

christypineda@sbcglobal.net

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I HAVE TWO DOGS ONE TERRI-POO AND A SCHNAUZER MY SCHNAUZER IS THE SMELLY ONE 1 DAY AFTER BATHING HIM HE SMELLS LIKE A FOOT. MY TERRI-POO IS FINE NO SMELL AT ALL WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? APPRECIATE ANY FEED BACK THANKS SINCERLY OWNER OF A SMELLY SCHNAUZER

Christy, have your vet check your Schnauzer's anal sacs to see if they need emptied

Cat

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Subject:

dry bumps

From:

rae

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I have a 8 month old black and silver mini schnauzer and she has developed small dry bumps on her back. The bumps appear to be no where else. what do you think they are? I just took her to the vet for small cuts on both her ears and it cost me 35 dollars for the medience. Anybody have any thoughts? rae

Rae, This is what my book says: Many Schnauzers have small wartlike moles on their skin; these are uniquely known as Schnauzer bumps.  Schnauzer bumps exude nothing, they simply    exist.  So far these bumps remain a  mystery and bother the owner more than they bother the dog.

Cat

 

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Subject:

Bathing after whelping

From:

Connie

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This is my first time to breed and whelp a dog. My Schnauzer, Abbi Gayle, whelped her first liter last night and now she's a mess. When can I give Abbi Gayle a bath without it causing any infections or problems?

Connie,

I always rinse mine off with warm water when they are done whelping.  I've never had any problems from doing it this way.

Cat

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Subject:

Grooming

From:

Connie

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I am interested in learning how to groom my Mini Schnauzer. Could you please provide some tips of purchasing the right grooming tools and grooming training litature? Thank you

Connie, I started out grooming our Schnauzers with Oster A-5 and later bought an Andis.  I still use both.  Different size blades are compatible for both. I'm sure you can by books/tapes on how to groom Schnauzers.  But I got most of my information on grooming from the Internet.

Cat.

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Subject:

breeding mini schnauzers

From:

kay pesile

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Cat, I have owned and co-bred salt and pepper mini's with my breeder for the past 15 years. My bitches to her champion stud, she had best of litter and we split the expenses and profits. She has retired due to health reasons and moved south, I would like to start breeding on my own now and would welcome any advice in obtaining breeding bitches in the NY metro area, especially staten island, and middlesex cnty or monmouth   cnty N.J.

Kay, hi.  I'm sorry, I just don't know of anyone in your area.  Would you consider shipping? 

Cat

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Subject:

Zippy is stinky

From:

Summer

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Zippy is very sweet and friendly, he has a great color and looks wonderful, but yes here is the but. We can't manage to get his breath any better. She got into a snug with his little sister and she made his mouth bleed   and ever since that his breath has been killer. I mean KILLER with capitol K..... If anyone can please help me or push me the right way. Pleaseeeeeeeeeee

Summer, 

I suggest you take Zippy to your vet and have his mouth checked.  Zippy may have an infection from his little sister biting him.  

CAT 

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Subject:

Miss Luci

From:

LadyJ

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I recently found a White Schnauzer. I found the owner only to find they realy did not want this dog. So, me being the animal lover I am kept her. I have a male maltese named Zin who has major seperation anxiety. I am hoping my new little Luci and he will become great friends and help with the anziety. Zin does not seem to thrilled to have to share his momma right now. Any clue as to how long this bonding might take and any suggestions to help?

Dogs are naturally pack animals, so the stress from being left alone can be distressing for them.  Yes, a playmate should help with Zin's anxiety.  From the sound of it, bringing a new dog into Zin's territory has   him feeling jealous.  The best way for two dogs to meet is on neutral territory.  (Think how you would feel if your mother brought a new kid home and told you to share your bedroom and toys).  Before the meeting, exercise both dogs...tire them out.  This way they will be more submissive and listen to commands.  Now, keeping both dogs on a leash and on neutral territory, let the dogs sniff each other and play together.  Here's to the beginning of a great friendship!

Cat

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Subject:

Miniature Schnauzer Aggression

From:

jamesp6@sbcglobal.net

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I have a rescue (SPCA) miniature Schnauzer about 11 years old. I have had him for 8 years. He gets walked about 3 miles every day and we go to a park where he can play off leash.....99% of the time he is great, but once in a while he will become snarly and aggressice with another dog. He never gets into a biting fight , but will snarl, growl and try to be dominant. How do I curb this behavior? He was VERY aggressice when I got him, but now is quite calm and easy most of the time after lots of work. I worry because I don't know his background (he was a stray off the street). Any suggestions will be appreciated; thanks.

James, I don't have an answer for you.  Hopefully, someone with more knowledge will write in and help us.  Cesar prehaps!!

Cat

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Subject:

canine u/d food

From:

jem8181@hotmail.com

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Where can I buy the canine u/d besides a vets. Or maybe I should say can I? My schnauzer has been on it for over a year now and is doing well, although he has now come down with diabetes.                                            2 shots a day and he does fine.

Apparently Canine UD is food especially formulated for dogs with diabetes and not sold at Pet stores.  Your vet knows best.

Cat

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Subject:

Heat

From:

gail

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My schnauzer is 10 months old and she went into heat at 7 months and I took her to the vet today because she is swollen and licking downt there and he said she is in heat again. Is this normal? I thought it was every 6 months. He said it is rare but it happens and not to worry. But I am concerned. Should I be. I didnt get her spayed, I would like to breed her once. Thanks.

Gail,

Yes, it can happen.  Seven months is young but not unusual.  Your female's next heat may come again when she is 14-15 months old.

Cat

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Subject:

Color

From:

Don

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What age are they when they reach the color they will stay? My schnauzer is 11 mo and she has very slight strands of silver on her back that you can only see up close, other than that she is totally black and silver. Her mother and grandmother were total black and silver and her dad was charcol grey. Will she stay this color or is there still time to change? Im hoping she will stay dark.

Don,

The Black color on the backside of my Black/Silver's.............. usually lightens to a dark faded black after two or three years of age.  I believe this is why some people call it a phantom color.

Cat 

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Subject:

Corn Cobbing

From:

gail

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My schnauzer does this thing where she runs her teeth very lightly up and down your arm, feet, her toys or just about anything like she is eating corn on the cob or a typewritter. It doesnt hurt but you can even hear her teeth hitting. She has done it since we got her as a puppy and she is 10 months old and she does this daily. Do you know why she does this?

Gail,

I had to chuckle when I read your comment.  This is one I've never heard before and have no answer for you.  My Mother used to complain about her dog licking.  Every time Mom and her dog (Lizzy) sat on the couch together, Lizzy licked Mom's arm like a lollypop. Drove Mom crazy. 

Anyone?

Cat

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Subject:

urine consumption

From:

Iva Trabosci

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I have a 6 month old miniature schnauzer whom we purchased from a local pet store here in florida. We have had her for about 4 months. when she urinates she immediatly starts to drink her urine.                                 This behavior is very strange to me, if any one can offer some help as to a reason or a way to stop this behavior, i'd be much appreciative. Also can this pose any serious heath problems. Thanks so much. Iva

Iva, I looked all though my dog books and can't find anything related to dogs licking up there own urine.  I know when my females are in heat, my males lick the females urine.  I'm assuming this is to discourage other males from smelling the scent. If you are worried that some harm might come to your puppy because of this, call your vet.  Your vet will know best.  To stop the habit of licking urine, keep your puppy on a leash and pull her away from the urine and say no.

Cat

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Subject:

would like to know what mini's personality is like

From:

marystalons@cableone.net

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I just bought a mini he is 6 weeks old, what were they breed for

Mary, you will find that well-bred Miniature Schnauzers are relatively small in size but in no way toyish or delicate. Miniature Schnauzers were bred to be ratters but make excellent companions.    They are extremely obedient and quick to learn, devoted, playful and affectionate. Schnauzers make great pets for the whole family, are good watch dogs but not aggressive.

Cat

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Subject:

liver test

From:

natzs22@sbcglobal.net

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I have a minature schnauzer who is 9 years old male the last 2 years one of his test that has to do with his ph enzyme in his liver is somewhat high. do you know what that could be the vet said to recheck in 6 months.    He also had to have caterac surgery last year. he was completly blind. Has anyone had that problem with there schnauzer?

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Subject:

heart murmursnin 10 week schnauzer pup

From:

melindachadwickdesign@yahoo.com.au

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Hi, I have just been told by a client that the pup I sold her has heart murmurs. This puppy was vet checked at 8 weeks and did not have this condition diagnosed. I was shock and now very concerned for the pup. I was told if it is a dangerous murmur it will cause cardiac failure which happens at 7 months. Would you mind sending me information on this condition and is it true the puppy will die or can it live beyond 7months. Is this condion normal in schauzers?thanks for your help kind regards distressed breeder ( first timer) Melinda

Melinda,

If I were in your shoes, I would ask this client to send me a copy of the veterinary health record of this puppy.  And to also give me and my vet permission to talk with the client's vet.  Once you have the health records, take them to your vet and have your vet explain the puppies health to you.  If it is true that the puppy has a life threatening heart murmur, it is then up to you to do what your contract offers or what you think is fair under these circumstances.  

Hope I've helped.  Cat

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Subject:

Pregnant and Agressive

From:

Erica

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My female mini is pregnant by my male mini. She is so mean to him. They sleep in the same kennel and since she is pregnant I put water in there for her to drink whenever she wants it. Well  she does not let my         male get any of her water, so I put his own water in there... she also will not let him have his either. She growls, and then will jump him if he even thinks about it. Is this normal behavior? She has always been        somewhat dominant, but I just have never seen this kind of behavior come from her. Ive tried putting them in separate kennels, but both of them just cry all night.      What to do? anyone?

Erica, You didn't say how pregnant your female is.  I'm thinking she feels Bitchy right now.  Of course, a trip to the vet would assure you that she is healthy and there is nothing else going on.    This is what I would do:  For now, to stop them both from night crying, separate them by putting them in two side by side pens.  Place their bedding back to back in the pens.  This way, they will feel like they are sleeping together.  Locate their water and food bowls away from the connected pens so they can eat and drink in peace.  You didn't say if this is your first time breeding.  When your female whelps, she will feel protective of her puppies and food.  This is a nature thing.  To ease her mind you will need to give your female some privacy.  If I were you, I  would make some kind of a wall (cardboard) between or around your female's  pen so she can relax and tend to her litter. Put your male some where else until she is done nursing and has stopped bleeding.     Good luck with your litter.

Cat

 

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Subject:

RE: above post (agressive female)

From:

Erica

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That seems like a good idea, to put the kennels side by side... never thought of that. Im still not quite sure how 'far' along she is... I counted from the first day that we saw them "hook" up, and that was May 7. I was told to count 52-63 days from that date. Which would put me anywhere from June 27 to July 11 (am I right?) This is our first time breeding... we did not expect for her to get pregnant by Max so quickly. She is getting chunky though, and its so cute.heheheehee. Thank you for telling me about the privacy thing too. Never thought of that either. I guess you DO learn something new everyday. If you can suggest a book for me... for first time breeding that would be very helpful. Take care Erica

Erica,

I always count 60-65 days from the last tie.  And in my books, it puts your girl more in the range of July 6.  It could be a little before or a little after but I'm betting on July 6.  Make sure you have a pen and whelping box ready.  And allow your female a few weeks to get used to it before the due date.  Be there for the birth.  Things can go wrong so keep in touch with your vet.  Make sure your vet knows what is going on.  The library may have some books on breeding dogs.  My vet and the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook have been the best help for me.  Keep us posted.

Cat

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Subject:

Long Heat?

From:

gail

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My schnauzer is 10 1/2 months old. She has been bleeding for 2 1/2 weeks now. Is that normal? How long do they bleed? I wanted to know whether I should take her to the vet or not.

Gail, To be on the safe side, it never hurts to check with the vet.  But 21/2 weeks is not unusual.

Cat

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Subject:

Thanks

From:

Erica

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I will definately let the vet know when she goes into labor. I dont know when the 'last' tie was, but July 6th is still in my range. I figured she would have them anywhere between the 27th of June to 11th of July. Im sure you are probably right though. Thanks for calculating that for me. There are so many people who want to be there to watch her have her puppies... is this okay? One girl said that she wants to help deliver them if something goes wrong. Im not sure if Chloe will be comfy with that though. Im going to need someone here with me while she is whelping, but I dont want a crowd of people.You know what I mean? We'll just see how it goes when the time comes. Thanks for all your help. I will be sure to keep you posted. Take care Erica

Erica, I wouldn't encourage an audience when whelping time comes.  Of course, if you know someone with experience who can be there, it would be OK.  Cat

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Subject:

From:

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how long of a time is it for a mimi schnauzer to be pergant?

Average is 63 days from the day of ovulation.

Cat

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Subject:

Very disturbed

From:

Erica

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Cat I read something online that disturbed me about breeding. My female is already bred, and now I am SCARED to death for her to go in labor with me home alone (she should be in labor SOON).    I was going           to post what I read on here, but I need your permission before I do that. I just want to know if the person who wrote this is being overly dramatic... or if its true. If you wish not to have it posted here, can you please         give me an email address that I can reach you at. I need help, and am seriously scared now. Thank you

Erica, go ahead and post it.  I'll try my best to put your mind at ease.

Cat.

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Subject:

Here it is

From:

Erica

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ATTENTION ALL NOVICE POTENTIAL BREEDERS!!!!! Subject: Long but Worth the Read-From the Lab-L List. I have permission to post this on other lists. Louise H hovland@ncia.com SO YOU WANT TO BE A BREEDER?. - breeding the female. So you want to breed your female. You know what to expect if everything goes right. Your little girl will present you with tiny bundles of joy. She will lovingly nurse them and care for them until they are old enough to be weaned You and your family will find great joy in watching and playing with these little dolls, and then when the time is right they will all (or maybe you keep just one) go off to special homes to live out their lives as cherished companions. But have you given consideration to what if something goes wrong? I have listed here a few of the problems that I myself have personal knowledge of. Everything listed has happened either to me or someone I know. These are not isolated incidents. I'm sure other breeders could add miles to my list. Learn by others mistakes!. Let the breeding up to those who know what they are doing, have the experience, know what to expect. What if during the breeding............ 1) The stud dog you have chosen is carrying a venereal disease and gives it to your female. She not only doesn't conceive but you have to pay the vet bills to get her infection cleared up and she is now sterile. 2) The stud dog you decided to breed your darling to is not experienced. Once the two dogs are joined tightly in a tie, he decides to chase the neighbors cat out of his yard. He bolts for the cat ripping his penis loose and causing your bitch to hemorrhage from within. 3) Your modest girl decides she doesn't want the attentions of this gigolo mutt chosen for her without her consent. She snaps at him catching her tooth on his loose cheek and rips it open sending blood flying everywhere. He retaliates by sinking his teeth into her left eye. 4) You leave your dog with the stud owner because the breeding is not going very swiftly. In fact, it's been three hours and nothing is happening. The stud owners leave the two dogs alone in the back yard. The dogs get out through a tiny hole in the fence and a truck hits your female. 5) You pay the $250-$1,000 stud fee up front figuring you will make that and more back when the pups sell. The breeder guarantees the stud service to work or you can come back again. After 2 months you discover it didn't work and now must wait another 4 months to try again. Of course it doesn't work again, so in another 4 months you take your dog to another male and risk loosing another stud fee. 6) You get her bred. Bring her home. She bothers you so you let her out and she is still in heat and still receptive to males). You here a commotion outside there is your girl tied up with the neighborhood mutt. when she whelps there will need to be DNA tests done on the pups. 7) You get her bred. bring her home . let her out. ( She is still in heat and receptive to other males) but you do not see the neighborhood mutt breed her. The pups are born but look odd. You call the stud owner he suggests DNA testing (At your expense). You have a litter of mutts!. What do you do about the ones you have already sold?. 8) Or knowing she tied with the neighborhood mutt you decide to terminate the pregnancy and try again being more careful next time. But a few weeks later your female is very sick because you had her given a miss-mate shot creating a hormonal imbalance causing a uterine infection and now she has Pyometra and needs a complete hysterectomy. All plans of getting a litter is gone and your females life is now in danger if she does not have the operation. What if during the birth.............. 1) The puppies are too large for the female. She never goes into labor, the puppies die and she becomes infected by the decaying bodies. 2) The puppies are coming breech and they drown in their own sacks before they can be born. 3) The first puppy is large and breech. When it starts coming your female starts screaming, and before you can stop her she reaches around, grabs the puppy in her teeth and yanks it out killing it instantly. 4) A puppy gets stuck. Neither your female nor you can get it out. You have to race her to the vet. The vet can't get it out either. She has to have an emergency caesarian section of course it is 3:00 am Christmas day. 5) A puppy is coming out breech and dry (the water sack that protects them has burst). It gets stuck. Mom tries to help it out by clamping her teeth over one of the back legs. The head and shoulders are firmly caught. Mom pulls on the leg, hard, peeling the flesh from the leg and leaving a wiggling stump of bone. 6) A dead puppy gets stuck in the birth canal, but your female is well into hard labor. She contracts so hard trying to give birth that her uterus ruptures and she bleeds to death on the way to the vet. If you like this; I have the Part 2 and will post it if you would like to read the rest of it. Louise H "SO YOU WANT TO BE A BREEDER" (PART 2) And after the birthing: 1) The mother has no idea what to do with a puppy and she drops them out and walks away, leaving them in the sack to drown. 2) The mother takes one look at the puppies, decides they are disgusting droppings and tries to smother them in anything she can find to bury them in. 3) The mother gets too enthusiastic in her removal of the placenta and umbilical cord, and rips the cord out leaving a gushing hole pulsing blood all over you as you try in vain to stop the bleeding. 4) Or, she pulls on the cords so hard she disembowels the puppies as they are born and you have a box full of tiny, kicking babies with a tangle of guts the size of a walnut hanging from their stomachs. Of course all the babies must be put to sleep. 5) What if because of some Hormone deficiency, she turns vicious allowing no one near her or the babies, who she refuses to nurse so you have to interfere with. 6) You notice something protruding from her vagina when you let her out to pee. You take her to the vet to discover a prolapsed uterus, which needs to be removed. What if when you think you are in the clear.................. 1) One or more of the puppies inhaled fluid during birth, pneumonia develops and death occurs within 36 hours. 2) what if the mothers milk goes bad. You lose three of your four puppies before you discover what is wrong. You end up bottle feeding the remaining pup every two hours, day and night. After three days the puppy fades from infection and dies. 3) The puppies develop fading puppy syndrome you lose two. You bottle-feeding or tube feeding the last remaining baby. It begins to choke and despite your efforts to clear the airway, the pup stiffens and dies in your hands. 4) Your female develops mastitis and her breast ruptures. 5) Your female develops a uterine infection from a retained placenta. Her temperature soars to 105. You race her to the vet, he determines she must be spayed. He does the spay in an attempt to save her life, you pay the hundreds of dollars bill. The infection has gone into her blood stream. The infected milk kills all the puppies and the bitch succumbs a day later. 6) All the puppies are fine but following the birth the female develops a hormone imbalance. She becomes a fear biter and anytime anyone tries to touch her she viciously attacks them. 7) Mom and pups seem fine, the puppies are four weeks old and are at their cutest. However, one day one of the puppies disappears. You search everywhere but you can't find it. A few days later another puppy is gone. And another. You can't figure how on earth the puppies are getting out of their safe 4' x 4' puppy pen. Finally there is only one puppy left. The next morning you find the mother chomping contentedly on what is left of the last murdered puppy. What if the new homes are not so happy?....................... 1) You give a puppy to a friend. Their fence blows down so they tie the puppy outside while they go to work. A roving dog comes along and kills the puppy. Your friend calls you up to tell you about the poor little puppy and asks when you are having more puppies. 2) You sell a puppy to an acquaintance. The next time you see them you ask how the puppy is doing. They tell you that it soiled their new carpet so they took it to the pound 3) You sell a puppy to a friend (you give them a good price and payments). They make a couple of tiny payments. Six months later they move to an apartment. They ask you to take it back. You take it back and of course the payments stop. The dog they returned is so shy, and ill mannered from lack of socialization and training it takes you a year of work providing socializing and training to be able to give it away. 4) You sell a puppy to a wonderful home. They love her like one of the family. At a vet check done by their vet it is determined that the puppy has a heart murmur. (Your vet found nothing when he checked the puppy before it was sold.) They love their puppy and want the best for her. They have an expensive surgery done. The puppy is fine. They sue you for the medical costs. They win, because you did not have a contract stipulating conditions of guarantee and so as breeder you are responsible for the puppy's genetic health. 5) You give a puppy to your mother. She is thrilled. Two years later the puppy starts developing problems. It begins to develop odd symptoms and is suffering. Hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of tests later it is finally discovered that the dog is suffering from a terminal condition that was inherited. possibly from your female since you know nothing about her family lines. 6) One loving home decides your puppy is untrainable, destructive and wants to return the pup and get a full refund, which you have spent on your vet bills. 7) One loving couple calls you and is very upset because their pup has crippling hip dysplasia and want to know what you are going to do about it. You have spayed your female so a replacement is out of the question, looks like another refund. The Sale:................... 1) You put your ad in the local paper for your pups at the usual price and get only 2 responses and no sales. You cut the pup's price in half and broaden your advertising to 3 other newspapers in which the advertising totals $120.00 a week. 2) You get a few more puppy inquiries from people who ask all about health testing you did before breeding and if the pups are registered. You tell them your dogs are healthy and it was enough and that you could get the papers. The callers politely thank you and hang up. 3) The pups are now 4 months old and getting bigger , eating alot and their barking is really beginning to annoy the neighbors who call the police who inform you of the $150.00 noise by-law. 4) Your neighbors also call the humane society who comes out to inspect the care of your dogs. You pass inspection but end up feeling stressed and harassed. 5) You finally decide to give the rest of the litter away but still have to pay the $1200.00 advertising bill and the $600.00 vet bill. Still want to be a breeder???? I dont KNOW if any of this is true, but I find this VERY heartless for anyone to put the effort into making an article like this. There are better ways to get your point across. If you are disturbed by this article... I totally understand. Please just tell me what my chances are of ANY of these things happening. Thanks in Advance

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Subject:

The link

From:

Erica

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I guess it would have been easier to post the link... so here it is. http://www.minschnauzer.com/breeding/index.html

Erica, I don't blame you for feeling scared.  If I had read something like this before I became a breeder, I would have chickened out altogether.  I've been breeding for 7 years now.  And I've experienced a few problems with whelping.  Luckily, nothing like the ones that are posted here.  For now, let's concentrate on you and your female.  Have a whelping box ready and that experienced friend on hand.  Contact your vet and tell him you are afraid and feel unsure. Hopefully, your vet will offer help with the actual whelping.  Or at least tell you when or at what point it would be necessary to bring your female in, if she should experience problems.  When the puppies start coming, keep them warm and tend to them in between births.  And if two puppies are born close together, make sure you get the bag off of the puppy's face that is being neglected.  I think you'll do fine.  Don't forget to read the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook about breeding/whelping.  

Cat

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Subject:

She had her puppies

From:

Erica

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Cat.... I just wanted to post and update... Chloe did have her puppies. I Chickened out!LOL. I took her to the lady that grooms her. She had 7 (5m, 2f) puppies, but 1 died before the birth. The pups are doing well... at first she didnt want anything to do with them, but now she is taking care of them. She did an awesome job. I just wanted to thank you for answering all of my questions during this VERY stressful time. Again Thanks, Erica

Congratulations! 

I'm happy everything turned out so well.

Cat

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Subject:

Mini Schnauzer

From:

Licia

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How old should my mini schnauzer be before he starts mating?

Breeders tell me some males breed as  young as 8 months.  To be safe, tell your vet what your plans are.  You don't want to do this haphazardly......... there are a lot of things that could go wrong.

Cat

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Subject:

We are thinking of getting a new puppy .

From:

jstorthz@swbell.net

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My wife and I have a wonderful 10 yr old black female mini schnauzer. We ae wondering if anyone has experience on how we'd get her to share her home and territory with a new 10 week old male mini that we are considering. Thanks from Houston,

Usually older dogs are fine sharing their territory with puppies. Rub a blanket on the puppy and give it to the older dog to smell and get use to before bringing home your new addition.  M.

 

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Subject:

schnauzer puppies

From:

Lucina Puckett

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Do they change their color any

does the coat color change

Lucina, This goes according to the breeding:  Most Salt/Pepper puppies get lighter as they get older and some even fade to a light Silver.  Some Black puppies eventually fade a little to what is called a phantom color and some stay very Black.  The same goes for Black/Silver.

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Subject:

miniature schnauzer

From:

gil

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What are symptoms of six month old miniature schnauzer going in to heat? Do they lose their apetite, get less active, only want to be laying down? Our puppy has not had her first period yet.

The first signs of a female coming into heat are the swelling and enlargement of the vulva followed by a show of blood.  One way to make sure everything is OK .....take  your girl for a check-up.  You might consider having her spayed before she comes into her first heat, which in most cases occurs at the age of 9 months.

Cat 

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Subject:

ira

From:

joyce guess

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dear cathy the day i saw smokey and ira hung together was the 30th of may shouldnt she be having babies now? please email me back noone else has jguess1@msn.com

Well, if your Ira got pregnant on May 30....she should be showing by now.  Enlarged nipples and a draped down belly for sure.  And if Ira is with puppies...I think she will have them between July 29-Aug 4.  One way to make sure and put your mind at ease...........have your vet check Ira. Your vet should be in on this.  You wouldn't want something to happen to Ira should something go wrong.

Cat

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Subject:

anal glands

From:

Richard

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our schnauzer has always paid alot of attention to his rear. He does not scoot however he constantly licks rear end. We express glands clean him up still no relief. He will be setting on couch and bolt off the couch and try to run away from his rear end. I have tried everything. What is you thoughts on anal gland surgery to remove.

Richard, I'm sure your vet is the best person to answer your question.  My heart goes out to your little guy.  It sounds like he is miserable.  My book says: dogs with recurrent anal sac infections should have them surgically removed.  And this is best done during a period between infections. 

Cat

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Subject:

my 8 month maltipoo has one testicle down and one that goes up and down!!

From:

weaver399@msn.com

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I HAVE A 8 MONTH MALTIPOO AND HE HAS ONLY ONE TESTICLE DOWN AND THE OTHER ONE COMES DOWN BUT GOES BACK UP!! i WAS WONDERING IF THEY CAN FIX THE ONE THAT WONT STAY DOWN??? WE WERE HOPING TO STUD HIM LATER!!! WE THIS HURT HIM???? CINDY

According to my book, testicles can retract up into the inguinal canal when a puppy is cold, excited or actively playing.  Hopefully, that's all this is.  If your Maltipoo is cryptorchid, he really shouldn't be bred and you'll need to ask your vet what is best to do. 

Cat

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Subject:

Coat Changing color - can it be from trauma?

From:

Sarah

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My MS - Abby - a 2 1/2 year old female is changing colors. WE were in a very bad car accident in April. Abby - was likely thrown from my car when it rolled over. When I got our of the car she was nowhere to be found. WE searched for days. TWO WEEKS later Abby was found not far from where the accident happened, barely alive, with a severely broken leg and severe corneal ulcers and other injurys. She had eye surgery and had her leg amputated. She had a terrible infection - but is now fine. She is right back to her normal, pampered self. She adjusted great to the amputation of   her rear leg and needless to say I am overjoyed to have her home. Here is the strange thing that no one can figure out. When Abby was born she was all black and over the first two years she ligten  up to virtually silver - very light. Since the accident she is turning black again - not just in places where she lost hair - but all over. The hair is coarse like her puppy hair was. It is just the craziest thing. Has anyone ever heard of this - I am wondering if she will lighten back up.

Sarah, I didn't mean to ignore your comment.  I was hoping someone would see your post and have the answer.  I've had other people tell me their Mini changed color and not know why. I know my Mother's Schnauzer changed color (Just in one area) when she was injured.

Cat   

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Subject:

standard schnauzer

From:

Lane

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What are typical health problems? Do they get hip dysplasia? Are they prone to cancers as are Bouviers?

I really don't know that much about the Standard.  From what I've heard, the Standard Schnauzer does not have any genetic related problems.  Maybe you could find out more from Standard Schnauzer related sites and chat boards.. 

Cat

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Subject:

Special Need Schanuzer

From:

Linn

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Hi outthere to all Schanuzer Lovers! My Husband and I have a Terrible decision to make! and its breaking our hearts , we are so torn!! First of all we are Schnauzers Lovers! We have had Two!!      but are little girl Dakota Souix has been Diagnose with IBD and It has made us sick!! Shes the most beautiful black and silver girl you have ever seen! she is on med and diet and shes fine, but        our problem is that we are going to retire and travel and work, as we are not financally well off, and she does'nt travel well, or can be left unattended in a fithwheel tralier for hours would not be      healthy for her! We have tried to find her a loving home, but nobody in this area, wants the problem of the exspence of the food? so everyone says put her down! Dakota Souix is 2 1/2 years old!      with proper care of Diet and Vet and a fenced back yard to play with other dogs and children she would bring someone the same love she has given us! We have put off retiring and moving forward for a year and half already, because we just can't come up with a good plan for our beloved pet! I would love to hear what you would do in our shoes? She has never traveled well, shes gets so stressed! Thankyou to everyone outthere for your kind comments! Linn

Linn, sorry to hear your story about Dakota.  For starters, try this for a short trip:  Talk with your vet about Dakota's motion sickness.  Ask if he can prescribe something for it such as Dramamine.  Withhold food and water before taking the trip.  This has helped some dogs become accustomed to riding in a car and eventually outgrow the problem.

Cat

 

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Subject:

itching

From:

Sam

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My shnauzer is itching on her stomach and inner thighs and it just started about a week ago. It is a little red under her coat underneath. She is 4 months old and since the itch her smell has gotten bad. I bath her and in a few hours she stinks again. There is no flaking so. What can help the smell is killing us.

Sam, I would say your puppy is having an allergic reaction to something.  (Gee, I hope not the shampoo).  I suspect she is pretty uncomfortable and will need something to relieve the itch.  The odor you are smelling may be coming from her anal glands.  Always best to see what the vet thinks.  Let us know.

Cat

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Subject:

WEBSITE

From:

Madeline

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Cat, your website is great! Thanks for the great photos. Your dogs are beautiful!

Madeline,

Thank you for making my day.

Cat