The Truth About Toy And Teacup Miniature Schnauzers
Toy And Teacup Miniature Schnauzers, And The Truth Backyard Breeders Do Not Want You To Know
I thought it was time to address the issue of Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers. I have been a breeder of top-quality miniature schnauzers since 1998 and own Reberstein’s Miniature Schnauzers. Recently, there has been an influx of breeders who are breeding and selling Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers. Although they call themselves miniature schnauzer breeders, the proper term would undoubtedly have to be backyard breeders. Responsible and ethical breeders of the miniature schnauzer would never breed for such obvious flaws and characteristics not recognized by its originators.
The breed standard for the miniature schnauzer is quite specific as to the proper size of the American Miniature Schnauzer. The breed standard states as outlined by the American Kennel Club and the American Miniature Schnauzer Club, that the acceptable size for the miniature schnauzer is 12 to 14 inches in height at the withers. The breed standard also states that the miniature schnauzers should be a robust dog and NOT have any suggestions of toyishness. Obviously, Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzer breeders do not follow the same breed standard that responsible and ethical breeders follow. The breed standard for any breed are a set of guidelines ethical breeders follow to produce a uniform breed of dog. This uniformity defines that breed of dog and distinguishes it from all other breeds. No two breed of dogs look exactly alike because of these breed standards set forth by the Parent Breed Club, and submitted to the American Kennel Club for approval.
First off, lets get this fact clear, there is no breed of dog labeled a Toy or Teacup Miniature Schnauzer. This term was created by backyard breeders who produce substandard miniature schnauzers of improper size. Most if not all of these breeders claim to love the miniature schnauzer breed, but if you love this breed then why are you trying to change it? Many of these breeders also claim that the Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers are exactly the same as a proper miniature schnauzer just in a smaller package. I find this statement laughable and very misleading. The Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzer do not even come close to conforming to the breed standard. Also, they do not have the same high quality breed characteristics that a well-bred miniature schnauzer possesses. I personally think they look very unattractive and unhealthy compared to their correct breed standard counterparts.
The only motivation that I have been able to find for producing Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers has been for monetary gain. Many of these breeders state that the Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers are more valuable and desirable, thus they charge more to the consumer. I would suggest that a puppy or dog that does not conform to the miniature schnauzer breed standard would be less valuable and not more, I don’t know about you, but I would much rather have a dog that is well-bred and has all the great characteristics of a true miniature schnauzer. You can disguise your Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers in elegant clothes and pretty bows all you want. However, this still does not change the fact that they are substandard, unhealthy and should never have been bred for in the first place.
The only way to put an end to the unethical practice of breeding for Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers is to educate the general public. I personally have heard all these horror stories from people who have fallen prey to these backyard breeders of Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers. There is one common theme to these stories by very unhappy consumers. They were unaware that Toy and Teacup miniature schnauzers are not true miniature schnauzers and they were misled by the breeder initially. I feel so sorry for these people, and my heart is very saddened. All I can do as a reputable and ethical breeder of the miniature schnauzer is try to educate. Thus, the purpose of this article.
There are many responsible, reputable and ethical breeders of the miniature schnauzer in the United States. However, it does take some time and effort on your part to locate them. The internet is a good place to start, but before you do this take the time to educate yourself about the miniature schnauzer breed. I would estimate, that about 95% of the breeders you will come across will be backyard breeders. If you are armed with the knowledge about well-bred miniature schnauzers, you will be able to avoid them quite easily. Run, don’t walk when you hear the words Toy, Teacup, Parti-Colors, White, and other unrecognized colors and characteristics not supported by the Miniature Schnauzer Breed Standard.
The miniature schnauzer is a wonderful breed of dog. There is no other breed of dog that possesses the same outstanding breed characteristics and temperament as does the miniature schnauzer. You have carefully chosen the right breed of dog for you and your family, just be as careful when choosing the correct miniature schnauzer breeder.
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