Frequently Asked Questions About Puppies

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppies

Puppy questions list

Can I visit you to get to know the breed?
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Yes, you can visit us in person by making an appointment in advance. We can also arrange to meet at dog shows.

How are the puppies raised?
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Our puppies are born at home. Constant human contact is vital for early socialization. Standard Schnauzers are not suited for kennel life; they belong with their family.

Growth & Care Timeline:

  • 14 days: first treatment for coccidiosis.

  • 3 weeks: first deworming and introduction to solid food.

  • Approx. 1 month: exploring the yard. Free-range movement is essential for physical and psychological development.

  • 5 weeks: second deworming.

  • 7 weeks: first vaccination.

  • 10 weeks: second vaccination. At this stage, the puppy is ready to join its new family.

  • 13 weeks: third vaccination. If the puppy remains with us, we begin socialization outside our territory, visiting the city to introduce new stimuli.

  • 3 months and older: rabies vaccination.

I do not plan to engage in dog shows or breeding with my Standard Schnauzer. Can I still purchase a puppy from you?
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Your decision regarding a future show or breeding career does not affect our choice of you as an owner. You are welcome to purchase a puppy strictly as a companion and family member. We do not insist on show participation.

Dog shows are like athletic competitions with an element of showmanship; they require specialized training and coat preparation. We understand that not every owner is ready to dedicate their free time to such activities.

Why are there different prices for puppies in your kennel?
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A puppy's cost depends on its breed quality and potential.

If you are looking for a puppy with a guaranteed show perspective, we can only provide such a guarantee when the puppy is 5–7 months old. At this age, a realistic assessment of its future show and breeding career can be made. The price for such puppies is higher than for those aged 1.5–2 months.

In other cases, we can offer you the most promising puppy from the litter at 1.5–2 months of age and provide a professional rationale for our choice.

Occasionally, we have puppies with minor exterior faults that do not affect their quality of life. Their price is lower, making them an excellent option for owners without show ambitions who are looking for a high-quality companion and family member.

What distinguishes a show-class puppy from others?
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We set high standards for the quality of our puppies. A show-class puppy is more than just the absence of disqualifying faults (such as cryptorchidism or an incorrect bite). It possesses the specific qualities that offer a real chance of winning at any show level, regardless of the competition.

Show quality is a harmony of exterior and temperament, combined with the "show presence" that allows the dog to present itself flawlessly in the ring.

I don't want to do shows, but I want a truly high-quality dog. Can I buy a show-class puppy from you and not show it?
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Yes, of course. That is your right. We do not breed solely for show experts, but primarily to maintain the breed at the highest standard. Our mission is to provide owners with a Schnauzer that, beyond a flawless exterior, possesses the correct breed temperament, excellent health, and freedom from genetic diseases.

Even someone far from the world of cynology can appreciate the beauty and harmony of a high-bred animal. A dog should bring pleasure, including aesthetic satisfaction.

Male or Female: Which should you choose?
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Visually, males appear larger, more powerful, and more impressive. You needn't worry about a male marking indoors; unlike many toy breeds, a Standard Schnauzer has too much dignity for that.

Females come into heat twice a year, during which time they must be walked on a leash. If you do not plan to breed, spaying after the first heat is an option. While safe for their health, in our experience, spaying can affect their personality — sometimes that unique charisma and "spark" in their eyes can fade.

Expectations and Family Dynamics:

  • Bonding: While some believe dogs gravitate toward the opposite sex, in reality, it depends on who dedicates more time to the dog.

  • Children: Both males and females view children as junior pack members — protecting them and showing tolerance toward their antics.

  • Temperament: Males are generally more straightforward. Females are gentler but more cunning; occasionally, they may try to "discipline" or "parent" your children.

Obedience is not a matter of gender. It is a result of your bond and the effort you put into training. We suggest discussing this choice with us personally before making a final decision.

Why is a puppy's color different from an adult dog's?
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Standard Schnauzer puppies in "pepper and salt" are born with predominantly black guard hairs and a grayish undercoat. The true, high-quality "pepper and salt" coat only appears after the first stripping.

Do you crop ears and dock tails?
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No. We do not take pre-orders for docking or cropping. Tails are typically docked at three days old, an age when it is impossible to determine which puppy is the right match for you. Ear cropping is done from two months of age, usually alongside tail docking.

If you specifically prefer a cropped and docked Standard Schnauzer, you may arrange this yourself after the puppy moves to your home. If we have information regarding specialists experienced with Schnauzers in your region, we will be happy to provide a referral.

What documents will I receive with the puppy?
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Our kennel has been officially registered with the Kennel Union of Ukraine (UKU) since 2005. The UKU is a member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), meaning our documents are recognized in all FCI member and partner countries, as well as by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and The Kennel Club of the UK (KC).

Along with your puppy, you will receive:

  • UKU Puppy Card (Metric), which is later exchanged for an official pedigree.

  • International Veterinary Passport with records of all vaccinations and the microchip number.

  • Sales and Purchase Agreement.

For puppies moving abroad: It is more efficient for us to process the Export Pedigree in your name while we hold the original puppy card. This is because a Ukrainian pedigree can only be issued in Ukraine based on the physical original document. The processing time for an export pedigree is approximately one month. Once ready, the original document will be sent to you via mail or another convenient method.

At what age can we take the puppy home?
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  • If the puppy stays in Ukraine: you can take your puppy home at 10 weeks of age or older. By this time, the puppy will have completed its initial vaccinations and be ready for its new family.

  • If the puppy is moving abroad: the age of travel depends on the import regulations of the destination country and will be discussed individually.

Can you help with the delivery of the puppy?
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Yes. If you are unable to pick up your puppy in person, we can help arrange delivery both within Ukraine and abroad. Please note that delivery costs are not included in the price of the puppy.

Do you provide post-purchase support and consultations?
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Yes, absolutely. We stay in touch with all our puppies' owners. You can count on our guidance regarding nutrition, care, training, and potential show careers. If needed, we can also recommend trusted specialists in your area to assist you further.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppies