The Search is On

Once I decided a Standard Schnauzer was the breed for me, selecting the right breeder was the logical next step. My search began last March and I soon found out finding a Standard Schnauzer that met everything on my wish list wasn't going to be easy. 

Standard Schnauzers come in two colors - pepper and salt (gray) or black. Some have docked tails and cropped ears. Others have natural tails, but cropped ears. And still others have natural ears and natural tails. The breed standard allows all of those combinations. After looking at lots of photos, I knew I wanted a black Standard Schnauzer with both a natural tail and natural ears. It turned out to be a rather tall order. 

Standard Schnauzers in general are not always easy to find since they are not bred in great numbers. In fact, during my research I found there are only about 500 new Standard Schnauzers registered with the AKC each year. In addition, black is not the most popular of the two colors. 

The SSCA breeders' list currently includes 59 breeders. Only 11 breed black, exclusively. I emailed the breeders closest to me and filled out numerous puppy applications. The best breeders don't breed often and they typically have a waiting list of interested people. It became obvious; I wouldn't be bringing home a puppy anytime soon.

In April, I found a black-only Standard Schnauzer breeder. After checking her website I noticed both her dogs had natural ears and tails. Even though she was located on the other side of the country, I decided to reach out. At her invitation, I called her after submitting a puppy application.

She answered all of my questions and provided lots of good information -- including many things I hadn't thought to ask. I asked her to put me on her list. She planned to breed her female, Gypsy, that spring when she went into season. In the meantime, we continued to talk, as well as exchange text messages and emails. 

The wait was longer than anyone anticipated. As the weeks, and then months, ticked by, I considered a couple of other litters that had recently been born. However, the puppies’ tails had already been docked which generally happens just a couple of days after birth. Even though both of those breeders were also on the breeders' list and considerably closer, I wouldn't be getting a puppy with a natural tail. So, I continued to wait. 

Ultimately, the inevitable happened. Gypsy went into season and was bred in early July. Five black Standard Schnauzer puppies were born on September 4 (only four pictured in the photo below). And one of them would be mine!