OFA-tested Standard Schnauzers

08/02/2024

Helpful information about the appropriate age for OFA testing. Don't just check to see your breeder is doing the right tests, but make sure they're doing them at the appropriate age to get the most accurate results.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/bthd7yoEvHNqKkcy/?mibextid=oFDknk

Did you know? Dogs must be 24 months or older for OFA Hip and Elbow certification, and 12 months or older for Cardiac, Patellas, and Thyroid certification. There is no age minimum for eye certification, nor for DNA, since DNA does not change as the dog ages.

The OFA also does Preliminary evaluations on hips and elbows before 24 months of age. However, they will need to be re-evaluated again for a final certification once the dog reaches 24 months.

For more information, visit https://ofa.org/

28/08/2023

If you're following us for breeder information or standard schnauzer posts, you're following us for the wrong reason. We are happy to provide breeder recommendations or to verify whether a breeder is testing according to OFA's recommendations, but you will not find puppy or litter availabilities here.

We are an informational page only, and here to post relevant information on the health and best breeding practices for the standard schnauzer breed to help current and future owners. We're not here to advertise or support any one breeder.

17/11/2022

The excuse that's it's hard to verify if a breeder is responsible and does the appropriate OFA testing is just that: an excuse. The OFA website makes it easy for any potential buyer to verify OFA results, and since it is a public database, there's no cost or account needed to look this info up. Simply go to the main site, click the magnifying glass icon, type in the sire's/dam's registered name (or partial name), choose it from the list of results, and review the dog's information. For a properly health tested SS, you should see a list of tests with dilated cardio-myopathy, eyes, and hips AT MINIMUM, then beside those will be the test results. It's that easy!

Photos of the steps are attached. (Example chosen simply based on alphabetical order.)

www.ofa.org

02/11/2022

Please remember this as the holidays approach. And also remember, starting with a breeder who does the recommended OFA health tests is the best way to ensure those new family members will have better chance at a long, healthy life.

They are 15 years commitment ..

27/09/2022

There are very specific questions a potential buyer should ask an SS breeder regarding OFA testing. First, ask if the sire and dam have all appropriate tests done. If they say no, look for another breeder who values the health of their dogs and the dogs they produce. If they say yes, ask for proof. If they can't provide it--regardless the reason/excuse--it's likely they don't have it. If they provide it, take that opportunity to ask about the results, the animals' health history aside from OFA tested conditions, and the breeder's input regarding the health history of others listed in the pedigree.

If they can't adequately answer questions about OFA testing, then all other questions are irrelevant. 🤷‍♂️

Master Trainer Kathy Santo shares her expert advice.

08/07/2022

The OFA has updated their site and made it even easier to find and verify OFA testing! They've also added visual aids for viewing health history info for a dog's entire pedigree. Check out their new layout, and look up your favorite SS while you're there! www.ofa.org

20/05/2022

Do not be fooled by Embark testing!!

We've had Embark tests mentioned a few times recently in messaging discussions, so let's address the topic here. If you have a Standard Schnauzer breeder "assure" you their dogs are healthy because they've had Embark tests done on the parents, it is safe to say you should avoid that breeder at all costs. Here's a few reasons why:

1. Embark is actually a useful tool for some dog owners and some dog producers--notice I didn't say breeders. Dog producers (DP's) are those that do not pay attention to pedigree, temperament, structure, or health when producing puppies; they simply breed for profit. Oftentimes, they use Embark for DNA purposes to determine if their Labradoodle is more lab or poodle; if their Cocka-winnie may have diseases common in Cocker Spaniels or Chihuahuas; or to find out...*surprise*...their Sheepa-sky isn't really a Husky hybrid but some mixed mutt concoction of another type.

Responsible purebred SS breeders do not need Embark tests for this, since they rely on years of pedigrees and past OFA tests to establish the lineage of their breeding dogs. So, if an SS DP tells you they have an Embark test to prove their dog is purebred, ask yourself WHY proof would be needed if they were adhering to responsible purebred breeding practices to begin with. And yes, there are a couple SS breeders out there *mixing other breeds in with their SS, trying to create "rare" colors, all the while claiming their dogs are still purebred. So, don't be fooled!!

2. While Embark may be useful in determining genetic markers for 100+ genetic canine diseases (such is their claim), the Standard Schnauzer *to date only has 1 genetic disease that is detectable via DNA analysis. ONE... that is all. As this page has mentioned, SS can be carriers for DCM, a fatal heart disease, and should either be cleared as a carrier or if a carrier, not bred with another carrier. This test is only $60 through the OFA website. Why would a responsible breeder spend $200+ on a test to clear their SS of the 1 disease it is known to have and 100+ genetic diseases that they could NOT possibly have, if they were certain their dog was truly a purebred? And, why would they not spend that same amount of money on a hip x-ray and eye exam to clear their SS of other two legitimate conditions the breed historically may suffer from?

Two reasons are, they are playing on the ignorance of the buyer who will no doubt be impressed and lulled into a false sense of security to know their puppy won't have these 100+ diseases it could have never had to begin with, and also trying to avoid revealing the potentially unhealthy conditions of their own dogs.

3. Lastly, you may be surprised to hear this, but if an SS dog producer does an Embark test, do you know what they also get? A form to submit their test results to...OFA for verification. That's right, the very establishment they are essentially trying to avoid reporting to. And out of those 100+ diseases their dog has supposedly been cleared for, OFA accepts results for only ONE for Standard Schnauzers...the one for DCM. This is why breeders who know their breed history and health history go directly to OFA for this test, to avoid needlessly wasting money on unneeded tests not relevant to the SS.
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So basically, if an SS dog producer is boasting of using Embark to prove their dogs are healthy, they are, in fact, admitting to a severe lack of knowledge regarding the health of the breed, in general. They are also admitting their own ignorance when it comes to the overall health of their own animals. There are a number of SS DP's out there relying solely on Embark, STILL not doing these 3 basic OFA recommended tests, and producing puppies with DCM, degenerative eye disease, and even early on-set hip dysplasia. They continue to do this because the general public and typical buyer are ignorant to risk they are taking in buying these dogs. There is also an incredible lack of accountability from the AKC, dog owners, and dog buyers alike when it comes to calling out these types of dog producers. As long as their are profits to be made on either end, or a few dollars to be saved upfront, people are content to look the other way. And you can bet your money these DP's are charging the same amount if not more than responsible breeders who do the proper OFA testing. Let this be your warning.

22/04/2022

If you are on this page, it is because verifying health is a concern for you when considering your next dog. Don't let the anyone discredit you for that.

(Author Unknown)

My purchase of a well bred purebred did not sentence another dog to death.

My purchase of a well bred purebred did not cause an increase in the number of dogs in shelter.

Me wanting a dog with a predictable temperament from healthy lineage did not cause another dog to not get adopted.

My meticulous research and support of only the most responsible of breeders is not the problem. It is not what you should be mad at. It is not what you should be pushing the blame onto.

I am not the one who brought these dogs into the world irresponsibly and left them in a shelter. Responsible breeders are not the ones who put dogs into shelters either.

It is my home, my life, and my choice of what kind of dog to bring into it. Maybe I needed a working dog, a sport dog, or simply a companion puppy to raise of a breed I enjoy. No matter the reason, my choice to support a reputable breeder did not send a shelter dog to its death.

A breeder who health tests, temperament tests, studies pedigrees, proves a dog worthy of being bred, and only breeds when doing so is of benefit to the breed is not contributing to the number of homeless dogs.

The number of homeless dogs in the world is a problem, but it is not a problem exacerbated by reputable breeders and those who purchase from them.

Your neighbor down the street who refuses to contain his unaltered dogs IS contributing to the problem.

Your friend who impulse bought a dog at PetLand IS contributing to the problem.

That guy on Craigslist pumping out the trendiest designer mix as fast as he can IS contributing to the problem.

Your relative who just HAS to let their dog have one litter “so she can experience motherhood” or because “she’s just so sweet” IS contributing to the problem.

Your old high school classmate who bought a high energy working breed without taking the time to research its needs and realize it was not a good fit for their household ahead of time IS contributing to the problem.

A reputable breeder offers their lifelong support. A reputable breeder would never allow their dogs to end up in a shelter to begin with. A reputable breeder makes it a contractual obligation to return dogs they have produced back to them should you find yourself unable of keeping it.

It is understandable to be angry about the number of homeless dogs in the world, but if you take a deeper look, you will find your anger is misplaced.

If you take a deeper look, you will find reputable breeders and those of us who purchase from them are just as angry, we are just pointing fingers at the right causes.

*Shared*

21/02/2022

This is true of every REPUTABLE standard schnauzer breeder. If you've had a different experience, then you may need to reconsider your idea of a reputable breeder.

Responsible Breeders require signed contracts from new owners to return any animal should they not be able to keep it.

Responsible Breeders and their parent breed clubs are the original founders of Rescue operations as a safety net for their beloved breeds. Responsible Breeders are not the source of the animals in shelters. Animal owners have a right to choose a animal for their needs. It's time for to . What do you think?

27/01/2022

The bold, bewhiskered Standard Schnauzer is a high-spirited farm dog from Germany. The Standard's sporty look is a canine classic.

Why do you love the breed?

30/12/2021

Great info on the breed, for those curious.

https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/whos-minding-the-kids/

Even non-German speakers can piece together that the German word, “kinderwachter” means “child watcher, but few would probably associate the term with a dog. Many years ago in Germany, there was a breed that filled the niche of ratter, drover dog, stock tenderer, and more. It was the Standard ...

30/12/2021

Wondering if you should breed your SS? Refer to this chart. It is spot-on!

15/12/2021

Just a reminder, this is an informational page for those interested in the standard schnauzer breed, reputable SS breeders, and vital health information regarding OFA required testing. We do not recommend individually any breeder, only advise to find a breeder who follows the AKC's and Standard Schnauzer Club of America's recommendations regarding OFA testing. This burden to CONFIRM testing is on the buyer, not the breeder.

06/02/2020

Buyer Education: Did you know it's possible that a breeder may have OFA tests done, but the results not be filed online? This is not commonly the case, but it is possible as there are some breeders who are responsible and test but feel the info on their dogs is private. In addition, for some a potential buyer who asks for results not easily found online is a potential buyer who is *educated in the importance of these tests, which can help a breeder narrow down whom they prefer to work with when placing their pups. In the comments we will show examples of what these unfiled results may look like so the buyer can better recognize the appropriate paperwork.

31/01/2020

Buyer Education: Many breeders hear gripes about price often. Guess what...a well-bred purebred dog is not cheap, and it's not cheap for a reason. Here's a good read that explains why:

"HOW MUCH FOR A PUPPY?"

Let me say a few words to you, the person who writes an email to simply ask the price. The person who also calls and surprisingly states: “I can buy a cheaper dog elsewhere”. I also address you; the person who just wants “a pet”.

Not a single dog is just a dog.

Behind every pure bred dog is a BREEDER. I’m using capital letters to differentiate a breeder from a pet factory, the "I have puppies available all year" type of people. When you select to buy a dog from a breeder, this breeder is responsible for the health of every dog; owned and also sold. This breeder will skip holidays, sleeping, laying in bed and most of their own house space as this will be turned into space for their dogs. The truly passionate breeder who loves what they breed, puts their whole heart into it. Not only in puppies that are sold but also in those who get sick and die.

A breeder will get their hands dirty, often covered in placentas and mud. Because that’s what life is about: birth and death.

In the middle of birth and death is life. The wheel that keeps turning. A breeder will do progesterone tests, echos, xrays, analysis, c sections, vaccinations, research pedigrees, deworm, as well as chipping their puppies and getting them evaluated by specialists.

Last but by no means least, a breeder CHOOSES the family lucky enough to have one of their puppies. Yes, you read that right. A true breeder chooses who they sell to.

Because it is not “just a dog”.

Written by: Sr. Eduardo Loredo Muller
Translated into English by: Angel Sophia Nogga

Always Support Responsible Breeders​ when choosing your new family member.

30/01/2020

The fundamental difference between purebred dogs and well-bred dogs

Buyer Education: This article is full of great, helpful information for how to tell the difference between a purebred dog and a well-bred dog. The two are not interchangeable terms, as many unethical breeders of purebred dogs would like you to believe.

Never assume that a dog came from a reputable breeder simply because it’s purebred.

23/01/2020

Buyer Education: This page has listed a few things for potential buyers to look for when looking for a standard schnauzer, but when it comes to OFA tests, the typical buyer new to the SS breed gets a bit overwhelmed. In the comments, this post will break down the OFA reports a buyer should look for using photo examples--with private, non-pertinent information removed--and what specifically a buyer should look for when viewing them.

(Please note that for all OFA certificates, a buyer should verify the correct name and breed are listed for the dog which they are researching, as well as the presence of a permanent identification tattoo/microchip, a registration #, and the OFA seal of authenticity.)

08/01/2020

Answer These 5 Questions to Find the Right Dog For You – American Kennel Club

For potential SS buyers: According to the AKC, "Deciding what dog BREED to get is as important as deciding to get a dog in the first place." So, deciding an SS is right for you has to be about more than just loving that big nose and that cute, bearded face. The #1 reason standard schnauzers are rehomed, placed in shelters, or returned to their breeders is NOT because of health or temperament issues, but because the new owner simply wasn't prepared for the SS's trademark big personality and "I'm the boss" mentality.

Every breed--even every *schnauzer type*--has different traits and care needs, which makes BREED RESEARCH prior to deciding on an SS necessary. Because, in doing so, you may find that while you think an SS puppy is absolutely adorable, in reality, the breed’s personality may not align with your lifestyle or desires in regards to the type of relationship you want to have with your dog. Reputable breeders do what they can to educate and prepare potential new owners, but there's only so much breeders can do if potential buyers/owners won't do the work of learning about the breed beforehand themselves.

If you're wondering how to determine if the standard schnauzer is the right fit for you and your family, you can start by checking out this link from the AKC on things to consider BEFORE deciding on what breed to get. If after doing some breed research you find the standard schnauzer is still your top choice, then this page would love to help connect you with a reputable breeder who does the proper OFA-testing to ensure you not only get a happy SS puppy, but a healthy one as well.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/answer-5-questions-find-right-dog/

Top questions to ask yourself to help select the right dog for you.

05/01/2020

In order to maintain impartiality, the OFA-tested Standard Schnauzer page will not accept invitations to "like" or "follow" any kennel or individual breeder's pages. The page will support any breeder or kennel that does the proper OFA testing by allowing them to post brags, announcements, advertisements, etc., but will not specifically recommend one kennel or individual breeder over another or engage in social media activities that can be misconstrued as such. Thank you. ~Admin

05/01/2020

OFA testing isn't the only thing that makes a responsible breeder, but it's a good place to start. And that means having ALL required tests done, not just those which are convenient.

Thank you responsible breeders.

There sadly isn't much of a voice for responsible breeders. They often get grouped into the category of backyard breeders or puppy mills, but they are so much more than that. Thank you responsible breeders. Thank you for not being part of the problem, but actually being part of the solution. I can guarantee you that if every breeder followed the guidelines of responsible breeders, "overpopulation" would not be a concern.

It pains me to have clients who come in and are so stressed and concerned about their dogs having one hair out of place. They worry we will judge them because they show and breed dogs and in the past they have been harrassed by the public. I usually just laugh and ensure them that a little dirt means they are loved and having a good time outside. Trust me, I have an English Setter and keeping him show quality groomed everyday would be torture to me and him. They are expected to always be perfect in the eye of the public, because if not a snood comment is likely to be made about their purebred dog. I, and even the clinic I work at, have been harrassed twice this week for supporting responsible breeders. I can't imagine the harrassment some breeders face, I know a few that try to keep the fact that they breed hidden from the public because they are scared of what the public will think.

Don't get me wrong, I love a good mixed breed dog. I work with tons of them everyday and care for each and every one of them the same. Each day I come home and worry about every mixed breed dog I treated that day the same as every purebred dog. I support shelters everyday at work and there are many situations where a rescue dog may be the best fit for you family.

However, there is nothing quite like a dog from a responsible breeder. That dog comes to you from a loving breeder who invested so much time, emotion, funds and research into each puppy that it would shock you. They spend their lives conserving a breed and making it better. That breeder can tell you everything about their personalities, what their traits and quirks will be, and what they were purposefully bred to do. They care about the placement of each puppy, often placing them into the homes themselves based on purpose and personality of each puppy, rather than letting the new owners pick out which one looked cutest online. These puppies go into homes fully vaccinated, with all required health clearances needed. They go into homes already house trained and crate trained to ensure easy transition for the new homes. These responsible breeders keep track of the puppies until they grow old and pass. They want to know about each and every health concern that they have throughout life so that they may alter their breeding program to avoid health concerns in the future. These breeders even make you sign a contract saying that if you can't keep the dog, no matter the age, you will return it to them so that the dog does not end up in a shelter. The list goes on and on.

The next time you meet a RESPONSIBLE breeder, thank them, ask them about their breed, and buy them a drink (trust me they need it 😉).

29/12/2019

Prospective Owners | Orthopedic Foundation for Animals | Columbia, MO

Dogs are a lifetime commitment, so if you’re thinking of getting a purebred puppy--especially if you are considering a Standard Schnauzer--please do your homework. If you are a potential-buyer looking for your next dog, here are a few tips from the OFA on what to look for when it comes to researching breeds, dogs, AND breeders.

https://www.ofa.org/prospective-owners

Before purchasing a dog or cat, it's important to know what health conditions certain breeds are at risk for. Explore our database to learn more.

22/12/2019

OFA-tested Standard Schnauzers's cover photo

20/12/2019

Welcome! This page was designed for SS breeders, owners and potential buyers as a place to advertise and find OFA heath-tested Standard Schnauzers. Our desire is to put the genetic health of the breed first when it comes to promoting reputable breeding practices and responsible buying. Be sure to check out the comments for rules for posting!

20/12/2019

OFA-tested Standard Schnauzers