Once you have decided that a Schnauzer is the dog for you, contact some breeders and ask about their dogs/puppies. Most will be happy to answer any questions you might have, if they don't, look elsewhere! Decide if you want a pet or a show quality pup. This may determine how long you have to wait and how much you will have to pay - show or breeding quality pups usually being fewer in number and more expensive.

Ask about the health of the other dogs in the kennel, visit the kennel if possible.

If it is not possible to visit the kennel, ask to see photos of the puppies... Puppies should be nicely rounded in shape, without being over fat or too thin. Most healthy pups will have shiny, alert eyes and healthy looking coats. Ask the breeder if the puppies have been tested for worms, dewormed and vaccinated.

Ask to see both parents. It is common for breeders to use a stud dog that they do not own, but they may have photos of the dog. Quite often, the bitch will not look in very good condition after whelping a litter. The reason for this is that feeding a litter places huge demands on the bitch, so she may be a little thin, but not skinny, and her coat may be shedding due to the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy and milk production. She should however, still appear happy, lively, confident, interact well with the breeder and show no signs of illness.

Ask the breeder if they have any references from people who have bought their puppies in the past. Make sure that you see all appropriate paperwork including parents pedigrees, medical certificates for tests such as eye clearances, as well as the puppies pedigree papers and records confirming worming and vaccinations. Be very skepticle of any breeder who is not willing to show you paperwork. If you are unable to see the papers, the breeder may not actually have them! Many people are not concerned about having "papers" for their pet, however, you do want to make sure that if you are paying the price for a pure bred dog, then that is what you are getting. Also, you will want to make sure that the parents have been cleared by a veterinary opthamologist to ensure that there is the smallest chance possible that the pup you buy will develop the eye problems common to the Miniature Schnauzer breed.

REMEMBER: It is ultimately your responsibility to research the individual breeder that you finally purchase from and while it is your right to ask as many questions as possible, it is also the breeders right (and responsibility) to ask you questions as well, so don't be offended if the breeder gives you the third degree!

Finally, if you do not want or cannot afford a pedigree dog from a breeder, there are many reputable dog rescue services that you can adopt from rather than obtaining a dog from a pet shop. You can obtain a dog of any age from a Schnauzer rescue, and usually the people who run the rescue will be able to give you some information about each dog they have. If you adopt a dog from a rescue, you may well save it from being destroyed, particularly the older or not so 'pretty and cute' dogs which usually don't get adopted quickly. If you would really like to make a difference to a rescue dog, you might also consider giving a dog that has been mistreated and abused a comfortable, loving home for the remainder of its days - you would be amazed at the love and devotion that you will receive in return.