OUR MINIATURE SCHNAUZERS
THE WAY WE BREED
WHY CHOOSE US?
Our knowledge of animal husbandry goes back three generations of family farming & breeding. (Check out our farm!) We are committed to the health and wellbeing of all of our animals and every animal that we bring into this world. Additionally, we are dedicated to furthering our learning through continuing education and creating the best possible miniature schnauzers we can. Finally, we are devoted to furthering the miniature schnauzer breed and pledge to only produce purpose-bred dogs that improve the breed as a whole.
OUR DOGS
We are committed to fully health testing all of the dogs used for breeding. This includes DNA testing as well as completing all of the OFA recommended testing.
In addition to this, our dogs are active members of our household.
Our dogs:
- are pursuing titles in sporting events such as agility, rally, dock diving, and maybe more!
- are active in trick training and are working toward trick titles
- come hunting with us (game birds such as pheasants and ducks as well as grouse)
- engage regularly in training classes
- help “herd” our goats and chickens
OUR PUPPIES - KEY POINTS
Our Puppies:
- are weaned at 5-6 weeks old, shorlty after they are eating hard food and ready to be away from mom for longer periods of time.
- receive their first vaccination and check-up by our vet at 8 weeks old.
- are de-wormed at 4, 6, and 8 weeks old.
- complete a thorough checklist of socializing items as they age. Our puppies will be desensitized to many things including body handling, grooming, meeting unfamiliar people, loud noises, different types of flooring and objects, etc.
- will have a start at house training.
- complete aptitude testing at 7 weeks of age. We use the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test to help us determine puppy personality.
- are matched to families around 7-8 weeks of age. Consideration to preferred gender, color, etc. will be taken into account however matching personality and temperament will be the central focus.
HOW TO PURCHASE
OUR CONTRACT - HIGHLIGHTS
- All puppies will be sold with a spay/neuter clause included in the Adoption Contract. Puppies will need to be fixed no earlier than 6 months and no later than 18 months.
- The puppies have a one-year guarantee against genetic defects, by replacement only. The guarantee does not apply to puppies that have gotten sick as a result of missed vaccines or improper socialization before the vaccines are in full effect.
View a copy of our Contract
Coming soon
SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY
THE BALANCE
Showdown Stables does not socialize our puppies outside of our home. While socialization is critical for puppy development, we believe that exposing puppies to risky dogs / animals / environments prior to their full vaccinations is dangerous. We believe that proper socialization is a balance between exposure and risk. For example, a puppy that has had two sets of shots should be able to visit another house if the animals in that house are all fully vaccinated, however, visiting a dog park with unknown dogs should be considered too risky. If in doubt, call to ask your vet if the location you would like to visit is safe.
BIOSECURITY
We take great care to ensure our dog area and our whole house is puppy safe. Additionally, we have a fenced-in dog run off the side of our house that we believe is safe for the puppies we breed to be in. Because we live on an acreage with a significant coyote population (read: virus spreaders) we do not believe it is safe for puppies to be out in our yard until they have had at least their third shot, hence why we built our puppy safe dog run that wildlife cannot access.
Everyone who makes contact with our puppies inside of our home is required to wash or sanitize their hands and forearms prior to handling. We also require shoes to be left at the front door and clean clothes to be worn.
Once a puppy has been adopted into his/her forever home, it is up to the new owner to make good decisions about socialization.
Until a puppy has had their full vaccinations they are extremely susceptible to illnesses. The dam’s antibodies are only effective while the puppy is still nursing. Once the puppies are weaned the risks of contracting a virus are increased. Two of the most common viruses that a puppy can get are Canine Parvovirus and Distemper.
FURTHER SOCIALIZATION
Once a puppy has been adopted into his/her forever home, it is up to the new owner to make good decisions about socialization. We encourage new puppy owners to take a cautious approach. Chat with your vet about safe socialization locations after each shot. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that many socializing outings can be done while being carried! So the puppy can still experience the new location without contacting the ground and potential viruses.
Showdown Stables recommends the following as safe ways to start socializing young puppies:
- Have family and friends over to your house for a visit. (Recommend shoes left at the door and hands washed).
- Go for car rides.
- Drive to a busy parking lot and sit there with the window open, the pup can experience the smells/sounds and see the people without touching anything risky.
- Go exploring from the safety of a puppy backpack (or just being held in your arms).
- At home spa day including a bathing, blowdrying, brushing, and a nail trim.
- Ask your vet for other recommended socializing activities for each stage of vacination.
Remember that there are many socializing activities that can happen in the safety of our own home! Fireworks noises, big hats, canes/walkers, different types of flooring, etc. are all socializing items that can be introduced safely at home.
VACCINATIONS & VIRUSES
Until a puppy has had their full vaccinations they are extremely susceptible to illnesses. The dam’s antibodies are only effective while the puppy is still nursing. Once the puppies are weaned, the risks of contracting a virus are increased. Two of the most common viruses that a puppy can get are Canine Parvovirus and Distemper.
Please read the links below to learn more about vaccination schedules and common puppy viruses.