Genetic Disorders in Miniature Schnauzers

Every breed of dog has one or more genetic defects that are particular to its breed. Miniature schnauzers are no different. Genetic defects are one of the main reasons someone interested in a mini schnauzer as a pet should do their research when selecting a breeder.

The most common problem with mini schnauzers is (inherited) eye problems: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia, cataracts, blindness

Be sure that your breeder does a CERF on the sire and the dam before breeding them. Also, the puppies should be examined. If the breeder hasn't CERF'ed the puppy, be sure to take the puppy to a veterinary opthamologist within the next 2 to 3 days and then 6 months after the first visit.

Another common problem is with the endocrine system: pancreatitis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushings disease Addison's disease and liver problems, such as hepatic shunts. Kidney problems: bladder stones and UTIs. These diseases can sometimes be avoided (or, at least, are less exacerbated) by feeding your mini schnauzer a good diet and keeping treats, junk food and table scraps to a bare minimum. These guys put on weight very easily and their bodies don't do well processing fats, so a wholesome diet is mandatory. Also, be sure to brush their teeth regularly.

Skin problems are also fairly common with this breed: schnauzer bumps (schnauzer comedo syndrome), skin allergies and hot spots (usually the result of poor diet and little exercise) Mini schnauzers are frequently allergic to corn, wheat and low grade meat products. So, again, diet is very important.

Some very serious health problems in miniature schnauzers are:
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Proliferation of NuVet Vitamins

If you start researching for a puppy, you are going to find a lot of breeders are promoting Nuvet vitamins.

After seeing the 40th breeder mentioning these miracle vitamins, I became suspicious. Then, I noticed every breeder has a special, exclusive "code" for the consumer to use to purchase the vitamins. (I smell kickbacks)

It gets worse—some breeders make this brand of vitamin mandatory for the life of their dog, or the health guarantee is void. (Some even stated that this is the only brand formulated for their specific breed.) This seems a bit unscrupulous to me. While I think breeders can, and should, recommend things like veterinarians, vitamins, toys and food brands, why would they demand that only a certain brand be used? Or make a contract contingent upon it? Especially a contract that concerns genetic health!?

(Notes: I can understand a breeder requiring you to give your pup a monthly supplement, but the brand should be your choice. I can understand a breeder requiring you to take your dog for a yearly exam and vaccinations, but the vet should be your choice. I even understand requiring that you feed your dog a premium food, again, the brand should be your choice.)

These vitamins likely are excellent, but that isn't an argument for making them exclusive. Nope—this could be a possible warning flag. Be sure to ask the breeder why they want you to exclusively use those vitamins, how many years their own dogs have been using them, how long is the health guarantee if you give your dog another brand of vitamin, and could they direct you to some articles or clinical studies to support the claims that the vitamins are essential to the dog's good health.

By the way, is anyone out there a fan of NuVet vitamins that isn't some kind of affiliate?