About us
We are a small and devoted family kennel, registered by the F.C.I. and holder of the certificate for breeding L.O.S.H. dogs. Our dogs are our passion and we are exceptionally proud of them all.
We are a small and devoted family kennel, registered by the F.C.I. and holder of the certificate for breeding L.O.S.H. dogs. Our dogs are our passion and we are exceptionally proud of them all.
The Miniature Schnauzer: A Friend for Life
Bringing a Miniature Schnauzer into your home is not a decision to be taken lightly. You are choosing a living being that will be your companion for many years and will require daily care, attention, and love. This cheerful, alert, and loyal dog will become a full-fledged member of your family — but only if you are truly willing to invest in him.
- Do I have enough time each day to walk, play with, and properly care for my dog’s coat (stripping, brushing)?
- Am I financially prepared for the costs of food, grooming, veterinary visits, vaccinations, insurance, and potential unexpected medical treatments?
- What arrangements will I make for my dog during holidays, work trips, or other extended absences?
- Am I willing to commit for 12 to 15 years (the average lifespan of a Miniature Schnauzer)?
- Does the energy level and character of a Miniature Schnauzer fit my lifestyle and family situation?
A Miniature Schnauzer is not an impulse purchase or a temporary hobby. In return for your time, patience, and affection, you will gain an intelligent, loyal, and playful companion who will enrich your life every day.
The search for a puppy begins with finding a trustworthy breeder. Take the time to find someone who truly cares for the breed, breeds according to best practices, and prioritizes the wellbeing of their animals.
Never buy a Miniature Schnauzer if:
- Puppies are sold via pet stores, dealers, intermediaries, or online marketplaces.
- The breeder offers several breeds at once, especially trendy breeds.
- You cannot meet the mother (and ideally the father), or if the mother appears shy, fearful, or unhealthy.
- Puppies are kept in barns, garages, sheds, or other isolated, cold environments.
- Puppies appear sick, lethargic, or fearful.
- No health tests have been performed on the parent dogs (e.g., eye diseases, hip dysplasia, hereditary conditions).
- Puppies do not have an official pedigree from the Royal Society Saint-Hubertus (KMSH) or a recognized FCI association.
- You must pay extra for a pedigree, or the breeder claims a European passport is the same as a pedigree (it is absolutely not!).
Avoid "puppy mills": Their puppies are often raised under poor conditions, lacking socialization and genetic health considerations, resulting in severe behavioral problems and high veterinary costs later.
Where can you find a good breeder?
- Consult an official breeding club like the Royal Belgian Schnauzer and Pinscher Club or the KMSH. They can refer you to recognized breeders who follow breed standards and prioritize welfare.
- Ask about upcoming litters and consider joining a waiting list. A responsible breeder rarely has puppies immediately available, as they plan litters carefully.
Making the Right Choice – From Breeder Visit to Homecoming
At the breeder’s: What to look for
Your visit to the breeder provides valuable insights. Pay attention to:
- Parent dogs: Do you at least meet the mother? Is she friendly, confident, and healthy? Often, you can also meet the father or learn about him.
- The puppies: Are they curious, playful, and lively? A healthy puppy is alert, not fearful, and shows interest in people.
- Socialization: Are puppies exposed to everyday noises like vacuums, TV, children, and other pets?
- Documents: Ask for the pedigree, vaccination booklet (European passport), deworming schedule, and any parental health tests (e.g., eye exam, patella luxation).
Questions you can ask:
- How often has the mother had litters?
- Are there hereditary diseases in the bloodline?
- What steps does the breeder take for early socialization?
- Are the puppies allowed outside (e.g., garden) for early impressions?
Important: A good breeder will want to know a lot about you too — your living situation, dog experience, future plans — showing genuine concern for their puppies.
Choosing the Right Puppy: Trust the Breeder’s Expertise
Though it’s tempting to pick a puppy yourself, it’s best to choose in consultation with the breeder. A good breeder observes the puppies daily and understands their characters and energy levels. They can best match a puppy to your family, experience, and lifestyle.
Discuss with the breeder whether you're looking for an active playmate, a calm family dog, or an athletic walking partner to increase your chances of a perfect match — building a strong foundation for a happy future together.
In short: trust the breeder’s knowledge and experience when making your choice!
Preparing at Home: Welcome, Little Friend!
Before picking up your new companion, preparation is crucial.
What you’ll need:
- Food: Find out what brand/type of food the puppy is used to. Sudden changes can cause digestive issues.
- Toys: Chew toys and soft cuddly toys for teething.
- Grooming supplies: A good comb, brush, and nail clippers. Schnauzer coats need regular care!
- Food and water bowls: Preferably non-slip and easy to clean.
- Collar and leash: Start with an adjustable puppy collar and a lightweight leash.
- Safety: Puppy-proof your home — no loose wires, toxic plants, or small swallowable objects.
Other tips:
- Arrange an initial vet appointment for a health check-up.
- Learn about puppy training: A puppy class is a fantastic foundation for socialization and obedience.
- Keep the first few days calm, giving your pup time to discover their new home at their own pace.
In Conclusion:
A Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, sensitive dog who forms a strong bond with its family. With a loving start, proper guidance, and consistent training, you will gain a lifelong companion who will bring a smile to your face every single day.
The First Weeks – Setting the Right Start for Your Miniature Schnauzer
The first days and weeks together are incredibly important. Your puppy will learn who you are, how their new world works, and will lay the foundation for their future behavior. A calm, loving approach truly makes all the difference.
The First Days at Home: Gentle Adaptation
- Allow your pup to explore at his own pace: Sniff, listen, and observe without pressure.
- Limit access to one or two rooms to avoid overwhelming him.
- Introduce family members one at a time: Calm, brief meetings are better than a big welcome party.
- Create a safe spot: A crate or bed as a cozy, secure place.
Establish a daily routine: Meals, walks, play, and rest at consistent times. Pups love predictability!
Tip: Avoid major outings or visitors during the first week. Familiarity first, adventure later!
Housetraining: Patience Pays Off
Miniature Schnauzers are smart but still need time to become fully housetrained.
Go outside frequently: After sleeping, eating, playing, and every 1-2 hours.
Use a fixed potty spot.
Praise enthusiastically when they go outside! Reward immediately after.
Ignore accidents inside: Don’t punish. Clean up calmly.
Stay consistent at night: At first, night potty breaks may be needed.
Realistic expectation: By 4-6 months, most Miniature Schnauzers are house-trained, though occasional accidents may still happen.
First Steps in Training and Socialization
Good behavior begins at home:
Broaden socialization: Introduce your puppy to people, children, cars, bicycles, noises, and animals — calmly and positively.
Teach basic commands: Start with "sit," "come," "no," and "drop it."
Use positive training: Reward desired behavior with treats, toys, or kind words. Avoid harsh punishments.
Set clear boundaries: Miniature Schnauzers are clever but can be stubborn. Clear, kind rules from day one help a lot.
Puppy class recommended!
A good puppy course enhances socialization and teaches you how to guide your dog properly. Plus, it’s fun for both of you!
Mystax sana in corpore sano – A Healthy Moustache in a Healthy Body
With love, patience, and clear guidance, your Miniature Schnauzer will grow into a delightful, stable dog, bringing your family joy for many years. The investment you make now will pay off throughout your dog's life.
Coat Care: A New Generation of Coats Needs Extra Attention
Over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer’s coat has become much thicker and fluffier, especially on the legs and in the ears. This evolution makes regular grooming essential.
Stripping is essential:
Your Miniature Schnauzer should be professionally hand-stripped 5 to 6 times per year. This not only keeps him neat but minimizes shedding. Important: Your dog must be "trim-ready" — meaning you should be able to easily pull dead hairs from the back between thumb and finger.
Important at the grooming salon:
Never shave the schnauzer’s back; always strip. Shaving damages the coat’s structure, can cause discoloration, curliness, or even skin problems over time.
Home Grooming: 1 to 2 Times Per Week
Your schnauzer’s coat also needs regular home care:
Brushing: Use a sturdy brush like a Les Poochs purple (medium or hard, depending on coat).
Combing: A good metal comb ensures you reach down to the skin and detect mats early.
Deshedding: Use a coarse stripping knife (e.g., Mikki or Artero) to remove excess undercoat.
Check regularly for tangles, especially in the armpits, belly, legs, and under the tail. Keep ears clean and watch for excess hair inside.
Bathing: How to Do It Properly
With correct weekly grooming, bathing is rarely necessary. Usually, rinsing with lukewarm water to remove dirt is sufficient.
If you do want a thorough wash:
Only use a high-quality dog shampoo, specifically for white coats.
We personally recommend Chris Christensen products, ideal for sensitive schnauzer coats.
Important: Over-washing can strip the skin's natural oils, leading to a dull coat or skin irritation. Bathe only when truly needed.
Feeding: A Healthy Start
Your puppy is currently eating Nature’s Protection Superior Care White Dogs Junior White Fish. Feed this food in two or three meals per day, preferably at fixed times. Do not give a meal later than 6:30 p.m. in the evening, to support nighttime housetraining.
Let your puppy out one more time before bedtime. This helps them sleep through the night until around 7 a.m.
Always ensure fresh water is available, except during the night.
From the age of 6 months, your dog may transition to adult food, divided into one or two meals a day. We feed our adult dogs Nature’s Protection Superior Care White Dogs Grain Free with White Fish for Adult Large Breeds. This is a Super Premium complete and balanced dry dog food with the highest quality protein sources and ingredients. It contains the Tear Stains Off formula – a carefully selected complex of amino acids and fully balanced components. It is enriched with ingredients that deliver optimal support for your pet’s well-being. This complete dry dog food not only provides all the essential nutrients your pet needs but also ensures excellent digestibility and palatability.
Changing brands?
Transition gradually. Choose a premium brand (e.g., Hill’s Science Plan, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, Farm Food…) and avoid frequent changes.
Important tips for Miniature Schnauzers:
Dental care: Schnauzers are prone to tartar. Teach brushing early or use dental-friendly toys.
Exercise and mental stimulation: Daily exercise and mental challenges are essential. Think short walks, sniffing games, and simple tricks.
Of course, none of these tips, guidelines, or links are obligations — we simply hope they help you in your search for the right schnauzer and make life with your beloved four-legged friend even more enjoyable.