Adopting a Miniature Schnauzer puppy sounds like a great idea, but are you sure this is the right choice for you.
It is quite likely that you have decided on adopting a Miniature Schnauzer because you have a friend who owns a lovely and irresistible Miniature Schnauzer puppy.
Now I don’t blame you for falling in love with your friend’s puppy and deciding on adopting a Miniature Schnauzer yourself. It’s a good enough recommendation as far as I’m concerned.
But, a little research on different breeds of dogs is something I consider worthwhile before making a final decision on which puppy is the right one for you.
Keep in mind that you and your puppy will be together for several years; maybe 10 or 15 years. Therefore knowing the various aspects of the kind of dog you are adopting will be very helpful.
Is the Idea of Adopting a Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Yours?
An essential factor to bear in mind is whether adopting a Miniature Schnauzer puppy is your decision. Maybe you agree to a Miniature Schnauzer because it is the wish of your children. But, it is vitally important that this puppy is your choice too.
It is almost a certainty the time will come when your children will move away from your home. When this happens, you will become the primary carer for this little puppy. By then, your Miniature Schnauzer will no longer be that ‘little puppy’. He will be a much older dog needing extra care and attention to what a puppy will require at this time in your life.
I well remember family members leaving home to study or even moving permanently overseas. Consequently, my husband and I became the primary carers of a middle-aged through to elderly dog. It wasn’t that we didn’t love him; we most certainly did love him, and he deserved to receive the attention needed.
As both my husband and I had business commitments, it meant that our dearly loved dog was without companionship for the working hours of Mondays through to Fridays.
Fortunately, our weekends were free to devote time to our dog. Saturdays and Sundays were enjoyable times being home with Muffy or taking him out for walks or drives in the car.
We gave this puppy all the care and love that we could. Still, we considered that his life was not quite the same because he didn’t have those young ones around him who he had become so loyal to, and who had played with him daily.
When I look back, as parents, we were the ones who agreed to adopt this puppy at the time we did, not having the foresight to see ahead. So that is a factor I feel is worth your serious consideration.
Thoughts To Consider Before Adopting Any Breed of Puppy
Before deciding on adopting a Miniature Schnauzer or any breed of puppy, I recommend giving serious thought to what will be necessary immediately and long term, for example:
- Are you sure about wanting a small breed of dog such as the Miniature Schnauzer?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer temperament suited to the age of your children?
- Could it be that you would prefer a larger sized dog?
- Will your property be suitable for a puppy; e.g. do you have a garden area where he can play?
- Is the garden area fenced so that he can’t escape?
- Have you given careful consideration to the ongoing expenses such as food, toys, veterinary services including vaccinations, boarding costs while you are on vacation?
- Will there be a family member at home during the day to care for your puppy?
- Or, will your puppy be left at home alone while the family are at work, school or college? If so, how will he be provided for during the day, especially while he is very young?
The above list includes just some points to bring to your awareness.
Resources to Assist You with Information about Dog Breeds
If you are still considering which breed of dog would be most suitable to join you and your family, Helena Troy’s Dog Breed book could be of assistance.
1. Within this book, there is information about 50 different dog types. Unfortunately, the Miniature Schnauzer is not included.
Click on the Image to Learn More about this Book
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2. Some good news is that valuable information about the delightful Miniature Schnauzer can be found at Wikipedia. Clicking this link will take you to Wikipedia and free information about Miniature Schnauzers.
3. Another excellent resource where you can learn about different dog breeds is Modern Dog Magazine.
Modern Dog Magazine is fascinating as it includes excellent information about various types of dogs, within each publication.
By registering for a free newsletter, you can benefit from helpful information about canines in general.
In addition to the free newsletter, a one-year subscription at the very reasonable cost of just $16 annually, will keep you well informed about life with an adorable canine pet.
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I hope this post is of help to you if and when you decide to bring a puppy into your home.
There is importance in weighing up anything you may see as a disadvantage of being a pet parent, against the pleasure a puppy should add to family life.
Bringing a puppy into your life will be exciting, should that be your decision.
Whether a Miniature Schnauzer or another wonderful breed, introducing a new puppy into your family will undoubtedly add much pleasure for now and many years into the future.
This article was originally published in February 2016 and updated on October 8th 2020.
