After our cat died (and thanks for all the great emails), we are looking for a schnauzer. Both my husband and I had them growing up so we decided on this breed but we can't find anyone who sells them! They are not as popular here. I found a white mini breeder outside of Geneve. But any breeders people know of, in France, Italy, Germany, even thought to travel to UK to get him, will be welcome.
Guys-
You should hit the dog shows or look up the dog show results online. It's more difficult that way. Also look up the breeding club for that breed.
The Lausanne one is in Ocotober, but the Fribourg dog show is Feb 25th & 26th.
Get the book that lists all the breeders who are there.
Good luck!
Have you contacted the breed club of the SKG? See the Website at www.schnauzer-Pinscher.ch
What size are you looking for?
In the US if you say "schnauzer" people automatically think "Mini". But here if you say "schnauzer" it typically means Standard.
I know a Standard breeder in the Czech Republic and could put you in touch with her. She specializes in Blacks but could probably make reference to other breeders closer to and/or in Switzerland.
Also you might try the Swiss Schnauzer-Pinscher Club http://www.schnauzer-pinscher.ch/
Edit: sorry... see that MC already posted the club link.
Mini Schnauzers are super popular in Argentina, but I only remember seeing silver grey ones. We meet so many people with them when we were there. They were all so sweet and with such a good character. Makes me regret the whole Chihuahua thing! LOL.
We lucked out and found ours thru englishnforum. She is a joy! Best of luck to you. PM me if you would like to have contact info...maybe she knows of someone else with a litter planned/coming.
www.tombola-schnauzer.ch breed mainly mini schnauzers, but also occasionally standards too. Frau Rossier-Feuz speaks English.
wrrr...now it makes me want to get one...had to leave mine with my mom back in Chicago as I ambarked on my return to Europe. Has a great life there but now looking at these links....ufff...somehow I feel it is not right to get one when I left one behind
And another resource for a breeder, the VDH (German kennel Club) breed club:
http://www.psk-pinscher-schnauzer.de/
---
And just because I can't resist...
An older Mittel Schnauzer 'Tasso' and two Mittel Schnauzer mixes , 'Freddy' and 'Hippie' are looking for new homes...
See the Tierdatenbank, ID numbers 32088, 30954, 31788
http://www.tierdatenbank.ch/cms/tier...unschtier.html
And if one wished to extend one's search into Germany, there is:
Riesenschnauzer In Not (Giant Schnauzer rescue):
*covering eyes* I will not look, I will not look, I will not look... awww crud... too late.... I looked. *sniff*
Mia, do you know where this show in Fribourg is going to be held and where the judging schedules are posted? I would like to pop-in. I haven't been to see any shows since I've been here. I think it would be fun.
The show is called Animalia and is held at the Forum Expo center in Fribourg. Scroll down for direction. There are signs when you get out off the highway.
http://www.chiens-expo.ch/FRIBOURG/page04F.html
It's been over 3 years since I've been to a dog show and it was my multi- champion that died in April. So I have no dogs to show. I can't remember specifically when the schedules came out. But I have a vague feeling most of the time we didn't know until the day of the show.
I'll ask around.
I keep thinking about Tasso! He's such a handsome dog and I really feel for him! He might wear down my defenses on the two-dog limit...
Just renewing this topic in the hope miniature schnauzer owners can help me now...
I have read this post with gusto and some of the websites linked dont work or they are just pictures with no links to email the breeders... I am hoping to begin my search for my very own mini as from the 1st January.
Any more up to date info is appreciated.
Not wanting to sound harsh, but you’ll have enough to do to learn German and find yourself a job without looking after a new dog. Get yourself established first, assuming you can find work without speaking a Swiss language, and only then think about acquiring a pet. What would happen if you can’t make a living here and have to move back to the UK for example? Do you understand that owning a dog here is much more regulated than it is in the UK? For a start you’ll need to do the theory part of the mandatory SKN course before you can even get a dog here. You’ll need to find a trainer to do this with in person because the only approved online course is in German.
Frankly, looking at your profile I wonder why you’re even moving here. If you’re unemployable in the UK what makes you think you can find a job in Switzerland?
The Swiss Schnauzer-Pinscher club - the breed club of the SKG - has a new website, which is why the old links no longer work.
http://www.schnauzer-pinscherclub.ch
---
As Medea mentions, the first thing you will need to do, before you start your search, is to determine if you are required to take the SKN Theory course.
This course is required of all first time dog owners, experienced dog owners are excused. Experienced owner, though, means having had a dog registered previously in your name in the ANIS database - which as a foreigner you will not have. So, foreigners who are experienced dog owners should upon moving to Switzerland contact the cantonal Veterinäramt with one's proof of previous ownership for a ruling on whether you need to take the Theory course or not. The decision is individual - I know people who were excused and people who despite having had dogs previously in their own country were required to take the theory course.
Where will you be living? Let me know and I can give you a link to the appropriate cantonal Veterinäramt if you need it.
The SKN courses are federal law - there is the Theory course which should be taken before you acquire your dog, and the Practical course which is required of all dog owners, experienced or not, with each and every dog acquired. You have 12 months from the date you acquire your dog to complete the SKN Practical course.
You can read more about the SKN course requirements, as well as more on Swiss expectations of dog owners, on the BLV's 'Mein Heimtier' website:
http://www.meinheimtier.ch/de/hunde
One reason we are stressing the SKN Theory course is that reputable breeders will want to see your SKN certificate before allowing you to buy one of their pups. So get that done first off.
(Any breeder who does not ask about SKN status is not a good breeder - walk away.)
And a personal recommendation: Even if you are excused from the Theory course based on previous ownership, I strongly recommend all newcomers to Switzerland take the course. There is much surrounding dog ownership here that is different from our home countries - social expectations, responsibilities, laws - this is information you need and the Theory course is a good introduction. The course is generally two lessons, usually costs CHF 150-200. The Practical course, which you must in all circumstances take, costs about the same and is generally done in 4-5 lessons. There is no test, attendence is all that is required.
---
Be aware that buying a dog from a reputable, ethical breeder might not be as simple here as it might be in other countries. There are relatively few breeders in Switzerland, and some of those might only do so infrequently - as is promoted by the animal welfare law. For some breeds demand outpaces number of pups born, some breeders have waiting lists of months to even a year or more for upcoming planned litters.
So the second thing you need to do is to start contacting breeders to establish a relationship. A good breeder does not breed until he has a list of potentially interested owners, with an eye to ensuring that every pup born will have a home. A good breeder wants to know that his pups are going to the right kind of families - so be prepared to go through an interview process, be prepared to wait.
And - you should be researching the breeder as well. You should understand what makes a good breeder, you should do due diligence on any breeder yourself, especially looking into his health testing and early socialization programs. Expect to make several visits to a breeder, likely before any pups are born or even mating scheduled. This is all part of the process of establishing a relationship.
Be aware that Switzerland is not free of the curse of the puppy mill/battery farm barstewards. I cannot stress how important it is to do due diligence - and if there is even a hint of a soupçon of puppymill signs - run, do not walk, away. Do not support this cruel despicable trade.
Here are two good threads on the process of buying a pup from a breeder in Switzerland:
How to spot a reputable breeder
3 scams, 2 rejects and a puppy
---
One thing to consider carefully: You mentioned in another thread that you have a very young child.
Growing up with a dog can be a wonderful, magical experience for a child - but the work for the parent is magnified a hundredfold. Are you prepared for this? And most importantly - is your child ready to live with a dog?
Wearing my rescue volunteer hat - because one of the most frequent reasons a dog ends up in a shelter is that parents find they cannot cope with both a dog and a young child - the critical point is whether the child is of an age/temperament to understand your instructions as to how to behave with the dog, and whether or not the child consistently, quickly obeys you. That can be a big ask for a young child - and a huge responsibility for a parent. If a young child is not yet at that stage I always counsel potential owners to wait until the child matures.
---
Looking at your profile I assume you are still in England? If so, have you found housing yet? Do you have permission to keep a dog written into the lease? This is very important. (And again - many breeders will want to see proof.) If you have not yet found a house, make sure that you put 'dog friendly' at the top of your priority list.
---
Be aware that in addition to the federal law, dog control is the competency of the canton. Each canton has it's own dog law - you will need to understand your responsibilities under your canton's law. The Tier Im Recht website summarizes the various dog laws and links the actual text, click on the canton:
http://www.tierimrecht.org/de/tiersc...echt/index.php
You are required to register the dog in the ANIS database - this needs to be done by a vet within 10 days of acquiring the dog, and you likely will need to register the dog with your Gemeinde as well.
You will need to pay the annual dog tax, and depending on the canton may be required to carry liability insurance.
---
And just to give you a heads-up: prices for a dog from a Swiss breeder generally run something between CHF 1500-4000, breed and pedigree dependent.
---
There is a lot to take on board as one gets ready to add a four-footed friend to the family. I wish everyone the joy of canine companionship, doG knows that life is all the merrier when accompanied by a furry friend. But I also wish every dog a family prepared and able to make the commitment necessary to give him the best possible life. Towards that end, I would counsel getting yourself settled here in Switzerland first - once settled, once you see how your life here unfolds - then start your search.
ETA:
Be aware that docked tails are banned in Switzerland. (As are cropped ears.) Any pup born in Switzerland will have a natural tail. Should you decide to look abroad for a breeder (or a rescue) be aware that if you are already resident in Switzerland you cannot import a dog with a docked tail. The exception to this ban, a family pet imported as part of the family's initial move to Switzerland, would not apply to your situation. So tails it is. Love Schnauzers with tails, as nature meant them to be.
---
Wishing you all the best...
Thanks For that. I won't be getting a job, my husband will be supporting me and I will be looking after our children, which is one reason why I will be getting a dog.
Perhaps instead of being so judgemental you should consider all the possibilities instead of just assuming I'm coming to rip off your precious country.
If you've been so busy looking at my profile you'll see that in October someone informed me of the skn programme, so I'm already aware of this and have already spoken to one person about this.
Maximum time I can learn German a day is 4 hours, what am I going to do with the rest of the time, while my children are at school? Oh right, I'm going to get a dog.
Once again, thanks.
FAir enough- how about also looking at the many dog refuges in Switzerland- you might even find a schnauzer there. Great dogs- be careful about miniatures, as they are usually the produce of breeding the runt of the litter, with another runt- and often have health problems as a reason.
But yes, I am sure you intend to get settled first and ensure you have accommodation, etc, to ensure a good start with a dog.
Thanks, I will be living in Basel, our temporary accommodation does not allow dogs however we find our own permanent property and the company sorting this for us already know that our requirements include a place suitableor a dog.
In the UK I was very close to getting a puppy, myself and my family met with several breeders and were in the processor agreeing with a breeder. The reason we didn't go ahead was because of this move- it wouldn't be right to uproot a puppy so soon after joining our family. I did this because I believe in the importance of responsibile dog ownership. My youngest daughter is 3 1/2 and we have been introducing her to the idea of having a dog for a year. We dog sit regularly and we got to the point where we felt she was ready. Many UK breeders were put off by me saying we have such a young child, but most agreed to meet us and none had a problem once they met our daughter and saw her interact withndogs.
I've also studied the miniature schnauzer breed since 2006 when I became aware of their beautiful breed and determined that it is the right breed for us.
Thanks for the info on skn, I am already aware of this and in the process of working out how to do this.
This part of my profile relates to my employability in Switzerland, I am totally unemployable in Switzerland because I don't speak German and I am non eu. I am not unemployable in the UK, I was a police officer until 10 days ago, a job I loved and was good at and resigned from to accompany my family on a life changing experience to Switzerland.
This site I'm sure was started to help and encourage, not to make people feel like crap for making a massive life change to become an expat, spend a bit more time being nice to people instead of assuming the worst.
You've made me feel like crap for wanting to make my time inswitzerland as fulfilling as possible while I'm over there. Finding a breeder takes months, I know because I did it for the last year in the UK.
Go back to when you were first an expat and ask yourself if the way you answered my question on this post was the most appropriate for a newcomer.
Thanks again for making me feel like absolute rubbish on what is a massive emotional and life changing personal situation.