If you’re reading this article, it’s safe to assume you’ve been considering buying a Miniature Schnauzer.
But, because small things don’t usually come in inexpensive boxes, you might be thinking of how much does a Miniature Schnauzer puppy truly cost?
The Mini Schnauzer has a lot of expenses considering that they are a high-maintenance breed. You have to think and prepare both your initial and annual costs, which will sustain your dog for the rest of their lives.
If you are keen to add this breed to your family, keep reading as I will be discussing important information and tips about how much it costs to buy and care for them.
The Average Cost of a Miniature Schnauzer Puppy
A Miniature Schnauzer puppy can cost approximately $1,000 to $3,000, depending on its age, size, gender, and coat. This price range can increase for some sought-after breeders, but it will be much cheaper if you adopt from an animal shelter.
When buying a Miniature Schnauzer puppy, choose a responsible breeder or shelter if you want your potential dog to be fed and cared for properly.
This limits the possibility of having a pet with several health issues or unwanted behavior.
Adopting a pup is a less expensive option, with rehoming/adoption fees depending on your chosen shelter.
However, if you don’t have enough budget to afford the Miniature Schnauzer price, you can check out our article on ways to find free puppies in your area for adoption.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Miniature Schnauzer Puppy
It’s nearly impossible to predict how much you’ll spend on a new puppy without thinking about several factors.
The price of a dog is affected by a variety of things. For the Miniature Schnauzer, the cost can vary depending on the age, ancestral lineage, size, breeder’s reputation, medical expenses, and a few more.
Here is a detailed list that can affect the pricing of a Miniature Schnauzer puppy:
Age: Prices tend to be cheaper for older puppies because most people want to receive their puppy as young as possible. Younger puppies are thought to be more ideal for early training.
Ancestral Lineage: The price will be significantly higher if the parents are show-quality Miniature Schnauzers from a reputable breeder. Speaking of which, mating two champion lineages of this breed would cost more.
Size: Miniature Schnauzers barely stand 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 18 pounds. The challenge of breeding miniature dogs incurs additional costs to their already hefty price tag.
Breeder’s Reputation: Any dog purchased from a reputable breeder will be outrageously pricey. A breeder’s credentials in producing quality puppies, number of years in the dog breeding industry, and experience with a specific dog breed allow them to charge a higher fee.
Registration Papers: Make sure you choose a Miniature Schnauzer puppy that comes with registration documents. Kennel club papers can be obtained by registering their breeding dogs and puppies in kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC), which also increases their prices.
Medical Expenses: Experienced, responsible breeders will get their breeding dogs and puppies assessed for various medical issues. Furthermore, before selling their puppies, health testing, vaccinations, and deworming will almost always be included in a trustworthy breeder’s health checks, adding to the overall puppy cost.
Location: You also have to consider the location where you will purchase your puppy. The price of Miniature Schnauzer puppies depends on where you acquire them. Shipping fees via airline will be more pricey. Instead of paying hefty shipping fees, consider visiting a local breeder or an adoption shelter near you.
Training and Socialization: Most breeders sell puppies that have been trained and socialized. This will raise the puppy price but save you money in the long run because you won’t have to invest in further training. You’ll also have a better chance of getting a well-behaved dog.
Other factors that determine the Miniature Schnauzer price range include gender, coat color, and breeding rights.
Make sure to speak with the breeder to learn about all of these so that you can determine whether their pricing is appropriate.
Take a look at this YouTube video about Mini Schnauzers to learn why they are worth the price:
8 Best Advantages of Having a Miniature schnauzer<a href="https://youtu.be/NZ9Tu2JevH8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FNZ9Tu2JevH8%2F0.jpg" alt="8 Best Advantages of Having a Miniature schnauzer" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Miniature Schnauzer From a Rescue?
Adoption is strongly recommended as a more cost-effective and moral choice for getting a new dog. Rehoming or adoption fees usually range from $150 to $500 for Miniature Schnauzers, depending on your chosen shelter.
In addition, you’d also be helping an organization and ending the cycle of pet overpopulation by rescuing an abandoned pup.
The cost of microchipping along with national registration is usually included in the shelter adoption cost. Consultations with a licensed veterinarian, spay/neuter surgery, and pet care counseling are also covered.
The small adoption fee is intended to compensate for the expenses associated with caring for your Miniature Schnauzer prior to adoption.
If you want to successfully adopt one and get these benefits, follow our ultimate dog adoption guide.
Initial Cost of Miniature Schnauzer Ownership
I’m sure you’re already picturing a fun-filled, energetic life with your soon-to-be Miniature Schnauzer after reading the above information.
But knowing the average price for a purebred Miniature Schnauzer is just the beginning of your financial considerations.
The Miniature Schnauzer dog price is not the only financial necessity you must consider. You must also take into consideration the cost of their basic necessities in order to make a Miniature Schnauzer healthy, safe, and happy.
I’ve included all of the essentials you’ll need to buy for your Miniature Schnauzer as it adjusts to its new home:
Food and Treats: A couple of bags of dog food and treats are one of the first items you should purchase for your Mini Schnauzer. Thankfully, dog food is relatively inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk. This pooch’s initial supply of kibble and treats will cost between $50 and $80.
Food and Water Bowls: Other essential items you should invest in for your puppy are feeding and water bowls, which typically cost between $10 and $25. These should be made of stainless steel because they can last longer and are safer and easier to clean than plastic bowls.
Bed: Choosing to invest in a high-quality dog bed will aid in the preservation of your fur baby’s bones and muscles. A good bed for a small dog like this breed might cost anywhere from $30 to $150. You may also want to browse this article featuring our top picks for the best dog beds of 2023.
Crate: A crate is among the most important dog accessories, especially if you are planning to bring them along on your travels. When you’re not around, a crate also acts as a secure space for your dog. A good-quality dog crate will cost you between $30 and $200.
Leashes and Collars: A leash and collar set can cost anything from $15 to $50. Make sure you already have a leash and collar before you pick up your dog. Choose one that is both adjustable and washable. If you choose a metal nameplate collar, be sure it is corrosion-resistant.
Toys: Puppies will chew on whatever they can get their teeth on. This is why buying a few chew toys for your furry family member is a good option. It will not only keep them from chewing and destroying your furniture, but it will also aid their brain growth. The price range for chew toys starts from $20 to $30.
Grooming Essentials: To maintain the distinct bushy beard and eyebrows, you need to groom your Mini Schnauzer as frequently as possible. Fortunately, grooming items are reasonably priced. For $30 to $150, you will get a set of hairbrushes, shampoo, clippers, and a nail cutter.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Fleas and ticks are common in puppies. Fortunately, they are easily controlled with over-the-counter medication. Deworming should also be done to get rid of parasites in their gut. These drugs will cost between $50 and $200.
Initial Vet Visits: In addition to the costs of vaccinations, deworming, and other medical treatments, you’ll have to pay your vet fees. The initial vet visits for your puppy will cost between $100 and $300. Please note that the cost of a vet visit may vary based on where you live.
Initial Vaccine Shots: When you buy a puppy, it’s likely that it hasn’t been completely vaccinated. Most of the time, you’ll have to shoulder the subsequent vaccine shots. Diseases such as distemper, parainfluenza, rabies, parvovirus, and hepatitis are all covered by these vaccinations. Initial vaccinations for Miniature Schnauzers cost $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: Take into consideration that the majority of puppies are sold intact, meaning you’ll have to allot a budget for neutering or spaying. If you purchase or adopt an older dog, there’s a good chance it’s already been spayed or neutered. The cost of neutering or spaying a dog ranges from $50 to $500, depending on the gender.
Dog License: Registering your dog is vital. This guarantees that your dog’s medical records are easily recognizable. A dog license costs between $10 and $20.
Microchip: An electronic device implanted in canines is known as a microchip. Computer scanners can read this device and retrieve details about the dog. If your dog gets lost and is rescued, this comes in handy. Microchipping a Mini Schnauzer can cost anything from $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Expenses: Aside from the ones listed above, your pooch will require cleaning materials, poop bags, stool inducers, vitamins, and other similar items. For these miscellaneous supplies, you might want to allocate a budget of $15 to $30.
You can refer to this summarized checklist of all your initial expenses for your Miniature Schnauzer pup:
Make sure that you have everything ready before you get your dog, most especially their basic needs.
As per our checklist, you will need at least $525 to $1,995 as your initial budget to cover all the essential costs.
If you don’t mind getting quality second-hand items, such as the crate and dog bed, this idea can trim down your expenses. Some breeders might even give out freebies for your dog.
Annual Cost of Owning a Miniature Schnauzer
The lifespan of a Mini Schnauzer is approximately 12 to 15 years. With that being said, you should prepare an annual budget for your pooch’s recurring needs.
The annual essential necessities of almost every dog are pretty much the same and are quite manageable.
With that being said, pet parents should be responsible enough to set aside a realistic budget for their dogs’ yearly expenses.
The following table shows the breakdown of the annual expenses of having a healthy Miniature Schnauzer:
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Miniature Schnauzers should thrive on high-quality dog food.
Allocate a budget of $240 to $720, whether you opt for commercially or cooked at home, with your veterinarian’s advice and consent.
In general, the Miniature Schnauzer is a healthy breed. Investing in a $600 pet insurance is a must since this breed is susceptible to a number of health problems, including cataracts, hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, and others.
You should monitor their overall health and visit your vet at least twice or thrice a year for a routine check-up.
Vet fees and medical costs may vary depending on your canine’s needs. It can be between $200 and $400 or more.
Other Potential Expenses
When caring for a Miniature Schnauzer, you might need to deviate from your budget at a certain point.
Listed below are possible expenses associated with owning Miniature Schnauzer dogs:
Dog Sitter: If you are a frequent traveler but you need to leave your dog behind, you can leave them with dog sitters. There are quite a lot of dog nannies who would happily take care of your pup for a fee of $20 to $30 per day. Make sure to hire genuine ones.
Dog Boarding: Pet boarding services are another option if you are unable to find a sitter. You should expect that they will be a bit more expensive than pet sitters starting at around $20 to $50 per night, excluding miscellaneous fees such as deposit fees.
Grooming Services: The Miniature Schnauzer dog breed has a double coat and wiry topcoat with a soft undercoat. To always appear clean and presentable, they have to be brushed, combed, and groomed on a regular basis. Professional grooming services usually cost $30 to $60 per session, depending on your location.
Kennel Club Certifications: If you are planning to participate with your dog in dog shows or sporting events, you’ll need to join a kennel club like the American Kennel Club (AKC). This isn’t required, but it’s a good idea to have. You may register your Miniature Schnauzer for roughly $80 to $200.
Emergency Medical Costs: With the possible diseases mentioned above, it is best to set aside an emergency budget if this kind of need arises. The average cost of emergency pet care is $1,000 to $5,000.
The majority of these potential expenses are optional. Do take note to treat the emergency medical costs as non-negotiable ones. It is still best to be prepared than not at all.
Places to Find Miniature Schnauzer Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Most pet lovers might choose to get a cheap puppy from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. Low puppy prices from these sources can be tempting at times, but it is never a wise idea, especially with a purebred dog.
With that being said, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most reputable Mini Schnauzer breeders to make things easier for you.
The following is a list of a few reputable breeders who have Miniature Schnauzer puppies for sale:
Shazzam of Oz – With 30 years of experience as a Schnauzer breeder, Shazzam of Oz is one of the most reputable foster-based professional breeders located in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. They are members of the American Miniature Schnauzer Club (AMSC) and active participants of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Breeder of Merit program.
Blackwitch Farms – This professional breeder located in East China, Michigan has been known to breed Miniature Schnauzers since 1982. They are both members of AMSC and AKC and are one of AKC’s Breeders of Merit. You can reach out to them through their website or their Facebook page.
Beau Ideal Schnauzer – Established in 1985, Beau Ideal Schnauzer breeds their Mini Schnauzer puppies in Raleigh, North Carolina. Like the first two breeders mentioned above, they are also members of the AMSC and AKC.
Please be reminded to double-check the authenticity and genuineness of the breeder. Buying from puppy mills and backyard breeders is the least of your options.
If you prefer to adopt a Miniature Schnauzer instead of buying from a breeder, here are a couple of rescues that you can reach out to:
Colorado Mini Schnauzer Rescue – Based in Littleton, Colorado, this rescue group is a small, all-volunteer, foster-based group. Instead of a physical facility, they put their rescued Miniature Schnauzer dogs in foster families taken out from puppy mills and backyard breeders in loving homes through the help of foster families.
Schnauzer Friends for Rescue & Adoption Inc. (SFRA) – Since 1996, SFRA has been rescuing Miniature Schnauzers in parts of Ohio, Kentucky, southern Indiana, and southern Michigan. They are flexible with their adoption requirements which results in a shorter waiting time.
New Jersey Schnauzer Rescue Network (NJSRN) – This rescue group has been providing loving homes for Schnauzers and Schnauzer mixes throughout the northeastern United States. If you are around this area, you may want to consider them.
These are just a few of the many reputable breeders and animal shelters where you can buy or adopt a healthy Mini Schnauzer pup.
Feel free to research and ask around social media groups if you can’t find one in your area.
Money-Saving Tips for Miniature Schnauzer Owners
Owning small dogs of any breed is a major financial commitment for any fur parent. Luckily, I compiled a couple of handy tips to minimize your expenses without compromising the intention of raising a healthy dog.
Listed here are some money-saving recommendations for owning a Miniature Schnauzer:
Make regular trips to the vet. Frequent visits to a vet at least twice or thrice a year will ensure that your dog is well-monitored, especially when it comes to unforeseen health issues. Remember that prevention is always better than cure.
Invest in high-quality needs. If you are a first-time fur parent, the best money-saving advice is to invest in high-quality necessities such as feeding bowls, dog crates, dog beds, etc. High-quality items are proven to last longer than cheap products. In the long run, we only want the best for our animal companions.
Provide DIY dog food. Training your Miniature Schnauzer to eat homemade food will save you the pain of buying expensive canned, processed food. A mix of veggies and white meat cooked in your own kitchen is much healthier and savory and will more likely prolong their life. Make sure to consult with your vet to ensure that your dog gets the ideal amount of nutrients in its food.
Groom them at home. If you are one of those people who likes to DIY almost everything, then grooming your Miniature Schnauzer might not be an issue for you. With a set of good-quality grooming kits and some YouTube tutorial videos, you can maintain your dog’s grooming needs easily.
Train your Miniature Schnauzer at home. Miniature Schnauzer is highly intelligent and is quick to adapt to humans and other dogs, especially when properly socialized. Personally training your pooch will not only save you money but will also establish a good bond between humans and canines alike.
These are just a few practical tips that are useful to remember when caring for a Mini Schnauzer.
Just remember that saving money should not be an excuse to ignore your dog’s needs. You can cut extra costs when you can, but make sure your Miniature Schnauzer gets the care and attention it deserves.
Final Thoughts
The Miniature Schnauzer is a tough little fellow who loves to play vigorously. They make excellent watchdogs, making them a family-orientated breed.
Generally, small dogs tend to be less expensive than large dogs. Grooming, boarding, and food, for instance, will all be less expensive.
The overall cost of owning and raising a Miniature Schnauzer is nothing in common with other small dog breeds. They may be high-maintenance, but it all depends on how you pay attention to their needs.
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