Miniature Schnauzer - Looking for breeders

Family, Education, Health and Pets
1
Hello, we are moving to Basel in January 2015 and I will not be working once we are there.

I had planned to get a puppy in the UK and export it, but after researching and lots of soul searching we have decided against this (HEARTBROKEN).

Unfortunately this means that I have no contacts who breed this breed of dog in Switzerland, or close by.

I havent been able to have any luck in actually speaking to anyone, and worst of all I have already found some very dodgy looking and sounding websites that makes me sad/mad.

I only want a puppy from a responsible breeder and am willing to do the long searching, travelling distances to meet etc, but I dont even know where to begin.

2

Firstly you begin by understanding that the rules and regulations for dog owners are very different here to what they are in the UK. This will give you a starting point:

https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mi…nual-pets.html

I can’t help with finding a reputable breeder, but hopefully Meloncollie, our resident dog expert, may have some ideas for you. However, be warned that dogs with docked tails and/or cropped ears cannot be imported into Switzerland.

You’ll need to take the SKN theory and practical course. The theory should be done BEFORE you get a dog so check the stickies here in the Pet Corner for trainers who offer this course in English if you don’t speak German. Note that there are no approved online courses in English for the SKN, even if you see adverts for them. There is only one course approved by the Swiss Vet Office and it’s only available in German. The practical side of the course can be done up to a year after you get your dog. You’ll also need to check for further regulations once you permanently settle in a gemeinde as dog laws go down to local town/village level here.

Frankly, you’re going to have enough to do with moving and settling in, learning the language if you don’t already speak it, to worry too much about getting a pet straightaway. Give yourself a few weeks, if not months, to get used to your new routine and then start looking.

Also, when choosing a property always, always, check and double check that pets are allowed. Don’t assume that it’s the case because often it isn’t. Make sure and if possible get it written into your rental contract. Also expect to have to pay a few francs more on your personal liability insurance to cover any damage the dog may do.

3
Sorry can't get down to it

4
First things first:

Are you a first time dog owner, that is, you have ever had a dog registered in your name in the ANIS database?

If so, then you are required to take the SKN Theory course before you acquire a dog.

(Foreigners who have had a dog and then move to Switzerland must contact the cantonal Veterinäramt for a decision as to whether you qualify for an exception, or not. You will need to provide proof of previous ownership - what constitutes proof is decided on an individual bases.)

No reputable breeder will consider you for a pup without the SKN - and any breeder who would sell you a pup without verifying your SKN status is not reputable. If you find one, walk away.

The database of SKN trainers is here:

http://blv.bytix.com/plus/trainer/

And you can read more about the SKN requirements here:

http://www.meinheimtier.ch/de/hunde

Once you have fulfilled your SKN Theory requirement, then the next step is to contact breeders within the SKG/FCI (Swiss kennel club) breed club. For Schnauzers, it is the SCSP:

http://www.schnauzer-pinscher.ch

SKG/FCI Breeders of minatures schnauzers (Zwergschnauzer):

http://www.schnauzer-pinscher.ch/zuechter-zs.html

The breed club will have a Zuchtwart, the person in charge of keeping records of current and planned litters.

See:

http://www.schnauzer-pinscher.ch/wur...eckmeldung.pdf

Be aware that by law a puppy may not leave it's mother before day 56; the 'Abgabe' date is the earliest date a pup will be available. The second list given is planned litters, pups not born yet. The date given is the mating date, add 63 days for the estimated birth date, then 56 days for the earliest date a pup might be able to go to a new owner.

Also be aware that many breeders will have a waiting list for their puppies - waiting lists can be 1-3 years long for some breeders. Good breeders don't plan a litter until they have homes lined up for the pups.

You should contact breeders to introduce yourself. Many breeders vet prospective buyers before accepting them for the waiting list. The breeder will want to meet you and the family, learn about your ideas of dog ownership. Expect to be asked for written proof that your are allowed to keep a dog in your flat/house, expect to be asked for your SKN certificates, expect to be asked to come and meet the breeder and his/her dogs with your whole family - even though there is no pup at this time. This is part of the getting to know you process. Some breeders will ask for references.

(A breeder who will sell you a pup without vetting you is not a good breeder - walk away.)

Two good threads about how to find a dog from a breeder:

How to spot a reputable breeder

3 scams, 2 rejects and a puppy

As you might expect in such a small country, there are not many breeders in Switzerland. Some EF members have gone to Germany to find a breeder - the VDH ( www.vdh.de ) is the FCI club in Germany. The Schnauzer breed club within the VDH is:

Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub ev.

Geschäftsstelle

Barmer Straße 80

42899 Remscheid, Deutschland

Tel.: 0 21 91 9 83 04 11

Fax: 0 21 91 9 83 04 12

E-Mail: info[at]psk-pinscher-schnauzer[.]de

Internet: http://www.psk-pinscher-schnauzer.de/

If you import a dog from Germany you will need to follow all the importation rules, see here:

http://blv.bytix.com/plus/dbr/default.aspx?lang=de

And finally - remember thant once you have brought your pup home, you have the SKN practical course to do - this must be done within 12 months. And, don't forget ANIS registration (this must be done by the vet), registration with the Gemeinde, liability insurance, and the dog tax.

Medea brings up a very good point - are you ready to take on a puppy as you settle in to your new life in Switzerland? Remember that a puppy is a 24/7 job. Please think this through carefully.

Another tip - it is very difficult to find a dog sitter in Switzerland. (A dogsitter must have the SKN, FBA or Tierpfleger diploma and in certain cases be registered with the cantonal Veterinäramt in order to work legally.) If you have holiday travel planned you MUST find a sitter before you get your dog. Many sitters are booked months ahead, often a year in advance for the school and Christmas holidays.

So - first the SKN, then contact breeders to get the ball rolling.

Wishing you and your future furry friend all the best.

5

THANK YOU! this is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for.

Yes, we are ready for a puppy, but of course we will not start looking until we are settled, I was thinking Spring - I wont be working and we have been researching the breed and breeders in the UK for some time, and were at the point of meeting breeders and their pets to then see if suitable for their waiting list, so i have some idea of what to avoid/look out for.

I knew about the SKN but not in quite so much detail, so thank you. Lots to read up on and think about!