Breeder Interview Questions

To secure a healthy and well-bred Giant Schnauzer puppy, the most advisable route is to connect and develop a relationship with a responsible breeder. These breeders prioritize the welfare of their dogs and the preservation and improvement of the breed over monetary incentives. Breeders who are members of the Giant Schnauzer Club of America have agreed to uphold the our Code of Ethics.

One of the most important objectives is finding a breeder that you can build a relationship with for the life of the dog. This begins by first introducing yourself and giving a brief overview of your history with dogs. Be prepared to answer questions about your home, lifestyle, family, and reasons for wanting a Giant.

Consider asking the following questions when vetting a potential Giant Schnauzer breeder:

• • Who are you planning to breed?
    • - A breeder should be able to give you the name of the Dam. If the breeding has not happened, the Sire may not have been selected. You can ask for updated information on the Sire as the breeding nears.
  • Have the recommended health tests been conducted on both parents?
    • - The breeder should readily provide copies of these results. They can give you the link to their dog on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website, you can look it up using the dog’s registered name or registration number, or they can provide test results if these are not posted publicly.
    • - If the breeder does not conduct health testing, inquire why. Refrain from accepting explanations that the lack of testing is due to the absence of prior issues. How can they assert the absence of problems without testing?
    • - Do not accept their veterinarian's opinion on hip or elbow dysplasia X-rays. General practitioners lack the expertise of a trained radiologist. OFA employs board-certified veterinary radiologists to evaluate submitted X-rays and rate the dog accordingly.
  • What is the age of the Dam? How many litters has she had?
    • - A Giant Schnauzer female should not be bred before reaching 2 years of age, nor after 7 years of age unless cleared by a veterinarian.
  • What are you looking to improve? What was the reasoning behind selecting the Sire for this breeding? What specific improvements were you aiming for? Do you as a breeder intend to keep a puppy from this litter? If not, what influenced your decision? If yes, what criteria guided your selection process?
    • - Every Giant Schnauzer possesses some imperfections when judged against the breed standard.
    • - A reputable breeder will have a clear purpose for each breeding, whether it is to refine their bloodline or perpetuate desirable traits. It is crucial to note that reputable breeders do not engage in breeding solely for the sake of producing puppies for sale.
  • What titles and results have the Dam and Sire achieved? Have they been exhibited in conformation or performance events?
    • - Conformation shows identify dogs that most closely align with the AKC Breed Standard for the Giant Schnauzer . If a dog has not been shown, how does the breeder objectively assess its quality and the progress of their breeding program? If a dog has not been shown, it should be evaluated by an impartial individual with a deep understanding of the breed.
  • What clubs are you affiliated with? What other activities do you support?
    • - Ideally, breeders should be members of the breed parent club (GSCA) thereby demonstrating a commitment to advancing the future and direction of the breed. This also signifies their willingness to adhere to the standards outlined in our Code of Ethics and be subject to peer oversight.
    • - They may also be active in local All-Breed and/or Group Clubs, Performance Clubs, etc. showing their commitment to support well-bred dogs.
  • After the initial interview, would I be able to visit and meet the Dam and the Sire?
    • - This is a good way of meeting and seeing the personalities and temperament of the parents, especially the Dam.
    • - You will also be able to assess the living conditions of the dogs. Are they clean and well-maintained? Do they have sufficient living space and opportunities for exercise?
    • - Due to the small gene pool of Giants, it is not uncommon for the Sire not to be onsite.
  • What measures/programs have you followed in the raising of puppies? Are the puppies allowed to interact with children, other dogs, different animals, etc.?
    • - Early socialization plays a pivotal role in the development of a well-rounded Giant Schnauzer. Insufficient socialization can lead to significant behavioral issues in the future.
    • - Some examples would be Puppy Culture and The Rule of Sevens.
  • What are the terms of your contract? What assurances do you as a breeder provide? What repercussions exist if the terms of the contract are not adhered to?
    • - Contracts typically include training and feeding requirements, conditions and penalties on breeding, any health or other guarantees, spay-neuter requirements, and an obligation to return the dog to the breeder if you are unable to keep it for any reason.
  • Will you offer support with grooming, ear taping/gluing for puppies, and addressing behavioral issues? If so, what type of assistance will be provided?
    • - Given the intelligence and complexity of the Giant Schnauzer, new owners typically require guidance with training and behavior management as their puppy matures. Establishing a support network beforehand is advisable to ensure assistance is readily available when needed.
    • - In the event you do not reside near the breeder, do they have a network of individuals available to help?