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Red Flag
Red Flag
- Red Flags to Watch for in a Dog Breeder
Red flags from a breeder often signal backyard breeding practices or puppy-mill operations where profit is placed above the health and welfare of the dogs. A reputable, ethical breeder prioritizes health, temperament, structure, and proper placement. If you encounter any of the following, proceed with caution:
Breeding for Non-Standard Traits
Any breeder who focuses on sizes or colors not recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) or CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) breed standards is a major concern.
Producing “rare” colors or exaggerated sizes often indicates:
• Crossbreeding
• Poor genetic selection
• Higher risk of long-term health issues
Examples of Problematic Marketing Terms:
• Exotic
• Teacup
• Micro
• Rare
• Mega coat - Blue eyes
- Merle (in breeds that do NOT naturally come in Merle)
• Designer Breeds
• “Hypoallergenic” claims used as a sales gimmick
• Designer or off-color varieties that suggest mixed breeding or genetic instability
Breeding Practices That Are Red Flags:
• No written contract
• No health testing
• Releasing puppies before 8 weeks of age. ( ideal age should be at least 10 weeks of age. The small/medium breeds should be kept longer with the breeder.)
• Offering discounts for purchasing two puppies - They sale a certain gender higher than the other.
• unproven quality
• Breeding dogs under 2 years old
• Breeding dogs with poor conformation or obvious faults (Example: ears that stand straight up naturally)
• Charging extra for so-called “rare” colors
• Always having puppies available (high-volume breeding)
• Not asking buyers any questions about lifestyle, experience, or suitability
• Poor or no socialization for puppies
• Won't take puppies back at any time of their life.
Choosing an ethical breeder helps protect the breed, supports responsible breeding practices, and ensures you bring home a healthy, well-raised puppy.
- Pushy On asking for money
- Asking for gift cards for payment
- Will not speak to you. Their only communicate is by email or text messages.
- Registration CKC (Continental kennel club)
- Registration APRI ( American Pet registration Inc)
- When they say they have traditional color schnauzer puppies. But their pedigree says it all. When their pedigree is NOT traditional color. (always check pedigree)
- NOTICE: Canadian Kennel Club does recognize the WHITE (black nose) ! They do not recognize the White liver (Sales term is white chocolate. They are all white, with liver nose, pads and hazel eyes) miniature schnauzer. American Kennel Club does not recognize the white miniature schnauzer. You can still register them with AKC, but can not compete in the breed class. They can compete in Obedience and other sports activities.
Don’t Fall for Puppies Sold Without Registration From a Reputable Kennel Club
Be cautious of anyone selling puppies without proper registration from a well-established kennel club that has been around for generations. There are several red flags to watch for:
1) “The parents are registered, but we didn’t register the litter.”
When you hear this, it is almost always a sign that the breeder did not have permission to breed those dogs.
Most likely, the parent dogs were sold on limited registration—meaning the original breeder allowed the dog as a pet only, not for breeding. Offspring from limited registration cannot be registered, and anyone breeding that dog anyway is knowingly going against the contract and breeder ethics.
There are many valid reasons a reputable breeder places a dog on limited registration.
2) Paperwork is held until the puppy is spayed or neutered.
Some breeders withhold registration papers until the buyer provides proof of spay/neuter. This protects the breed and prevents irresponsible breeding. Only after the procedure is done does the original breeder release the paperwork.
3) The dog did not meet the breed standard.
Sometimes a breeder recognizes early on that a puppy does not meet structural or temperament requirements for breeding or the show ring. In that case, the dog is ethically placed on limited registration.
These reasons protect the integrity, health, and future of the breed.
How Backyard Breeders Work Around This
Backyard breeders who can’t get legitimate papers will often turn to generic “kennel clubs”, such as CKC (Continental Kennel Club). These clubs are not held to the same standards as AKC or other long-established registries.
Example:
CKC allows registration with as little as three signatures stating the dog is “purebred”—from people who may know nothing about the breed at all. This is how unregistered dogs suddenly become “registered.”
Backyard breeders commonly use these clubs because:
• They may have been removed or suspended from AKC for breaking rules.
• They want to avoid AKC inspections, which begin once a breeder registers four litters in a year. AKC inspections include record checks, facility checks, and welfare checks.
• Generic registries allow them to continue breeding without oversight.
This is how irresponsible breeders avoid accountability and continue producing poor-quality or mixed-breed puppies under the label of “purebred.”
Protect Yourself — Always Ask Questions
Always ask:
“Why are your dogs registered with a generic club instead of AKC?”
Be suspicious of vague answers, excuses, or breeders who get defensive. A reputable, ethical breeder will be transparent, will register with long-standing clubs, and will gladly explain their practices.
Stay informed, ask questions, and protect yourself—and the breed you love.
Warning about Toy Schnauzers.
Toy Schnauzers are especially prone to anxiety, most notably separation anxiety. Common signs include excessive barking, lip licking, destructive chewing, house soiling, clingy behavior, trembling, and vocalizing such as whining or howling. This anxiety is often linked to poor socialization, sensitivity to loud noises, or fear of being left alone.
Toy Schnauzers may also be predisposed to several health concerns, including pancreatitis, bladder stones, eye disorders and skin allergies. These conditions are often influenced by genetics and diet. Additional risks include hypothyroidism, liver shunts, dental disease, and obesity.
Toy” Schnauzers – Important Truth About Size.
According to every legitimate kennel club standard (AKC, CKC, FCI, KC):
There is no such thing as a “Toy Schnauzer” in any official Miniature Schnauzer breed standard.
Why “Toy Schnauzers” Are NOT Recognized
No legitimate kennel club in the world recognizes a “Toy Schnauzer”:
❌ American Kennel Club (AKC)
❌ Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
❌ FCI (International Federation of Cynology)
❌ The Kennel Club (UK)
Dogs marketed as “Toy,” “Teacup,” or “Micro” Schnauzers are not a real breed or variety. These are marketing terms used to make puppies seem rare, trendy, or more valuable.
How “Toy Schnauzers” Were Created
Because the Schnauzer gene pool does not naturally produce a toy-sized dog, these dogs are created by:
• Breeding the smallest, often weakest dogs together
• Using runts repeatedly without regard to health
• Crossbreeding with actual toy breeds:
• Toy Poodles
• Pomeranians
After crossing, breeders breed back to Schnauzers so the dog “looks” like a Schnauzer, but genetically it is no longer pure.
The Real Reason They Exist: Profit
“Toy Schnauzers” are bred for money, not for improvement of the breed.
They are often advertised as:
• “Rare”
• “Exclusive”
• “Teacup”
• “Apartment perfect”
These terms are marketing tactics, not indicators of quality.
This kind of breeding:
• Does not preserve the breed
• Does not follow the standard
• Does not improve health or temperament
Instead, it destroys the true Miniature Schnauzer.
Health Problems Common in “Toy” Schnauzers
Out-of-standard tiny dogs frequently suffer from:
• Fragile bones and frequent fractures
• Heart defects (mitral valve disease)
• Liver shunts
• Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain)
• Collapsing trachea
• Severe dental crowding
• Seizures
• Chronic digestive problems
• Shortened lifespan
This comes from shrinking dogs unnaturally instead of preserving strong, healthy structure.
Size and Color Gimmicks Harm the Breed
Unethical breeders often combine illegal sizing with illegal coloring such as:
• Merle
• Parti
• Blue/tan
• Liver
These “rare” colors do not exist in the correct Miniature Schnauzer standard and are only produced by mixing in other breeds.
This does not help the breed — it damages it.
Bottom Line
There is no such thing as a “Toy” Miniature Schnauzer.
They are:
• ❌ Not recognized by any real kennel club
• ❌ Created through crossbreeding and profit-driven breeding
• ❌ Genetically mixed
• ❌ Harmful to the breed’s future
Ethical breeders protect the standard, structure, health, and temperament of the true Miniature Schnauzer.
Mega Coated Schnauzer
The true about the mega coat
Mega-Coated” Schnauzers – Facts vs. Marketing
What Is a Correct Schnauzer Coat?
A true Miniature Schnauzer has a very specific coat type defined by all major kennel clubs (AKC, CKC, FCI, UK KC):
✅ Harsh, wiry outer coat
✅ Dense undercoat
✅ Weather-resistant texture
✅ Tight, clean outline
The coat is meant to be functional, not fluffy. The breed was developed as a working vermin dog, so the coat had purpose — protection, durability, and low maintenance in the field.
What Is a “Mega-Coated” Schnauzer?
A so-called “mega-coated” Schnauzer is a dog with:
• Extremely long, soft, fluffy fur
• Heavy feathering
• Excessive volume
• Hair that grows like a spaniel or poodle coat
This type of coat is not natural to the Schnauzer and is not part of the breed standard.
How the Mega Coat Appeared
The Miniature Schnauzer does not naturally produce this type of coat.
This exaggerated coat occurs through:
• Crossbreeding with long-haired breeds such as:
• Cocker Spaniels
• Poodles
• Maltese
Repeated breeding for soft, flowing hair instead of correct wire texture
After multiple generations, the dogs may visually resemble Schnauzers, but genetically they are no longer purebred.
Why It Is NOT Accepted by Breed Clubs
No legitimate breed organization accepts this coat type:
❌ American Kennel Club (AKC)
❌ Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
❌ FCI (International Federation of Cynology)
❌ National Schnauzer clubs worldwide
The correct Schnauzer coat is harsh and functional, not soft and ornamental.
Schnauzers are not meant to look like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, or designer mixes.
Non-Standard Colors: Reds and Other “Rare” Coat Colors
True Miniature Schnauzers only come in accepted colors such as:
✅ Black
✅ Salt & Pepper
✅ Black & Silver
Colors like:
❌ Red
❌ Chocolate
❌ Liver
❌ Blue
❌ Parti
❌ Merle
…are not recognized or accepted by legitimate kennel clubs. These colors only appear through mixing other breeds into the genetic line.
Why Backyard Breeders Promote “Mega Coats” and Rare Colors
These exaggerated traits are not about improving the breed.
They are marketing tools used to:
• Create the illusion of “rare”
• Charge inflated prices
• Attract inexperienced buyers
This kind of breeding:
• Ignores health
• Ignores correct structure
• Destroys the breed standard
Biggest Misconception
Schnauzers are not supposed to look like Cocker Spaniels.
If a “Schnauzer” has:
• A flowing, silky coat
• Feathering
• Spaniel-like appearance
…it is not a correct Schnauzer by any legitimate breed standard.
Bottom Line
So-called “mega-coated” Schnauzers are:
• ❌ Not part of the true breed standard
• ❌ Produced by crossbreeding
• ❌ Rejected by all legitimate breed clubs
• ❌ Promoted strictly for profit
Ethical breeders preserve the correct:
✅ Coat texture
✅ Structure
✅ Color
✅ Function
BEWARE OF SCAMMERS
Things to watch out for.
Puppy & Transport Scammers – What You Need to Know
Unfortunately, puppy and pet transport scams are becoming more common. These scammers prey on good-hearted people looking for a new puppy by using stolen photos and fake stories to make quick money.
Common Puppy Scammer Tactics:
• Stealing photos from real breeders’ websites and social media pages and using them to “sell” puppies they do not own.
• Advertising puppies at very low prices to grab your attention. If the price seems “too good to be true,” it usually is.
• Using emotional wording like “adoption,” “rehoming,” or “rescue” when they are actually trying to sell a dog for profit.
• Refusing to offer live video calls or in-person visits.
• Avoiding phone conversations and communicating only by email or text messages.
Transport Scammer Warning Signs:
• Claiming the puppy must be shipped immediately.
• Being pushy or aggressive about booking transport.
• Asking for extra “unexpected” fees such as special crates, climate-controlled shipping, insurance, or paperwork.
• Pressuring you to pay through gift cards, wire transfers, or apps like , Cash App and more.
Big Red Flags to Watch For:
• They will not talk on the phone and avoid video calls.
• They rush you to send a deposit.
• They won’t show live proof of the puppy or parents.
• They use poor grammar and copy-paste style messages.
• They claim to be “out of state” or “traveling” and can’t meet in person.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Always ask for a live video call showing the puppy.
• Ask for vet records and proof of ownership of the parents.
• Research the breeder’s website and social media history.
• Never send money without verifying the breeder is real.
Important Reminder:
Scammers rely on urgency, low prices, and emotional stories. A real breeder will be transparent, patient, and willing to answer your questions. Cheap puppies with shipping offers are almost always a scam.
BEWARE
Red Flags
Signs of a Backyard Breeder (BYB)
Backyard breeders often sell puppies cheap just to get rid of them. When they can’t sell the puppies, they may:
• Give them away for free
• Dump them at a humane society
• Or, in the worst cases, abandon them somewhere
This is heartbreaking and irresponsible. If you help bring puppies into this world, you are responsible for their care — not just until they are convenient, but for their wellbeing.
Paper Games & Fake Registries
Many BYBs play registration games:
• They sell puppies cheaper without papers
• Or register pups through generic or fake registries such as:
• Continental Kennel Club (CKC)
• American Pet Registry Inc. (APRI)
These registries often do not protect breed standards and allow dogs of questionable lineage to be registered with little to no proof. This is a huge red flag.
Lying to Real Breeders
Another common BYB tactic:
• They buy a puppy from a reputable breeder claiming it is just a pet
• The real breeder may place the puppy on limited registration or hold papers until the dog is fixed
• The BYB then breeds the dog anyway, breaking their contract
If they lied to the original breeder, they will lie to you.
They may tell you the dog “has papers” but never registered it — or they registered it through a poor-quality registry.
Panic at 6 Weeks
BYBs often panic when puppies reach 6 weeks old and are still unsold.
Why?
• They don’t want to invest time in training
• They don’t want to pay for more food, vaccines, and deworming
• Some don’t properly care for them at all
Instead of working with their puppies, socializing them, and preparing them for life, they rush to get rid of them.
Supporting a BYB Keeps Them Breeding
When people buy from a backyard breeder, it puts money in their pockets — and encourages them to keep breeding irresponsibly.
Truly, it is better to:
• Adopt from a humane society
• Choose a reputable rescue
• Or work with a responsible, ethical breeder
Scammers on Facebook — What to Watch For
1. Suspicious Page Names
Watch how the page is named. Scammers often use odd word combinations like:
• “Diane Andy Miniature Schnauzer for Adoption”
• “Diane Andy Miniature Schnauzer Puppies”
• “Miniature Schnauzer Rehoming”
🚫 Selling animals is not allowed on Facebook.
Never discuss prices in comments or Messenger.
✅ Always ask for a phone number and call them. Don’t rely only on texting or messaging.
2. Check Their Profile Carefully
Look closely at the page:
A. Page creation date
Scam pages are often newly created.
B. Photos
• Check when pictures were posted
• Check who liked them
• Scammers often like their own posts from fake profiles
C. Followers
• Scammers often have multiple fake profiles
• Many followers are from outside the country
• Digging into profiles often reveals their true location
If a profile is blocked or locked, this is a major red flag.
✅ If it looks suspicious — report the page to Facebook.
3. Stolen Photos & Fake Breeder Names
Scammers steal photos from real breeders and:
• Slightly change the breeder’s name
• Reuse stolen videos and photos
If you recognize a photo from somewhere else, report the page.
4. Payment Requests
Scammers will ask for money through:
• Facebook Messenger
• Gift cards
• Apps like Cash App, etc.
🚫 This is a scam.
Facebook does not allow private animal sales or payment requests.
5. Emotional Stories
They often use sad stories:
• “I’m being deployed”
• “I lost my job”
• “My child is allergic”
They try to pull at your heart.
❤️ Do not fall for emotional manipulation.
6. Risky Platforms
Be very careful with:
• Craigslist
• Hoobly (and similar classified sites)
These platforms are loaded with scammers and irresponsible sellers.
What a Good Breeder Will Do
A reputable breeder will:
✅ Have you fill out a questionnaire
✅ Call you by phone or possible schedule a video call
✅ Want to get to know you before placing a puppy
This should not be done only by:
• Text
• Chat
• Or email
Real breeders want to talk. They care where their puppies go.
Note About Google Business Pages
Google has improved how they verify real businesses.
Legitimate breeders often must:
• Fill out applications
• Complete live video calls
• Show their facilities
This process helps reduce scammers.
Final Reminder
Yes — there are poor-quality breeders and scammers even inside the United States.
Don’t fall for them.
Protect your heart, your wallet, and most importantly — the dogs.
Registration WARNINGS
Accepted National Registration
The National Kennel Club (NKC) is a real registry, but it is not a widely recognized or respected kennel club within the professional dog world.
Here’s a clear, honest breakdown 👇
What the National Kennel Club (NKC) is
• Founded in 1964
• Based in the United States
• Registers purebred and mixed-breed dogs
• Offers basic registration papers
What the NKC is NOT
• ❌ Not recognized by the AKC
• ❌ Not recognized by the FCI (international governing body)
• ❌ Not recognized by major national or international breed clubs
• ❌ Does not enforce strict breeding, health testing, or pedigree verification standards
Why NKC registration is a red flag for many breeders & trainers
• Pedigrees are often owner-reported, not verified
• Dogs can be registered without proof of lineage
• Frequently used by backyard breeders and puppy mills
• No meaningful enforcement of breed standards
• Registration alone does not prove quality, health, or ethics
How NKC compares to reputable registries
RegistryRecognitionCredibilityAKC✔ USAHighUKC✔ USAHighCKC (Canada)✔ CanadaHighFCI✔ InternationalHighNKC✖Low
Bottom line
➡️ NKC is a registry, but not a reputable or recognized one
➡️ NKC papers do not add value to a dog in breeding, showing, sport, or ethical programs
➡️ Ethical breeders, like yourself, do not rely on NKC registration
For people serious about:
• Breed preservation
• Health-tested dogs
• Titles, temperament, and structure
• Ethical breeding
👉 AKC / UKC / FCI-recognized registries are the standard
⚠️ IMPORTANT WARNING ABOUT KENNEL CLUB REGISTRATIONS ⚠️
Not all “registered” puppies are equal. Papers alone do NOT guarantee quality, health, or ethical breeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kennel Club Registration & Buyer Awareness
❗ Do you recognize the National Kennel Club (NKC)?
No. We do NOT recognize or accept the National Kennel Club (NKC).
❗ Why is NKC registration a concern?
NKC is a registry, but it does not uphold the standards required to protect puppy buyers or preserve breeds. NKC:
• ❌ Is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
• ❌ Is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
• ❌ Allows owner-reported pedigrees with little to no verification
• ❌ Does not require health testing
• ❌ Does not enforce breed standards
• ❌ Is widely used by backyard breeders and puppy mills
NKC papers are easy to obtain and offer no real oversight.
❗ Why should buyers be cautious of “NKC registered” puppies?
Because registration does not equal legitimacy. NKC registration:
• Does not prove purebred status
• Does not verify lineage
• Does not protect the buyer
• Does not protect the breed
Many unethical breeders rely on lesser-known registries to make puppies appear legitimate while avoiding accountability.
✔ Which kennel clubs do you recognize?
We recognize well-established, regulated registries that enforce ethical breeding practices, including:
• American Kennel Club (AKC)
• United Kennel Club (UKC)
• FCI-recognized international registries
These organizations require verified pedigrees, enforce breed standards, and support responsible breeding.
❗ Why does proper registration matter?
Proper registration helps ensure:
• Verified lineage and pedigree accuracy
• Breeding to the official breed standard
• Accountability and traceability
• Long-term health, temperament, and sound structure
Without these safeguards, papers are just paper.
❗ Our commitment to puppy buyers
We do not cut corners. We do not use paper registries. We do not support practices that undermine the breed.
Our dogs are:
• Bred to the breed standard
• From health-tested, titled lines
• Registered with recognized kennel clubs
• Produced with ethics, responsibility, and transparency
If a breeder relies on questionable registries, ask yourself why.
⚠️ IMPORTANT WARNING ABOUT KENNEL CLUB REGISTRATIONS ⚠️
Not all “registered” puppies are equal. Papers alone do NOT guarantee quality, health, or ethical breeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kennel Club Registration & Buyer Awareness
❗ Do you recognize NKC, APRI, or CKC?
No. We do NOT recognize or accept the following registries:
• National Kennel Club (NKC)
• American Pet Registry, Inc. (APRI)
• Continental Kennel Club (CKC – USA)
These registries are often referred to as “paper registries” and do not meet the standards required for ethical breeding or buyer protection.
❗ What do APRI and CKC stand for?
• APRI stands for American Pet Registry, Inc.
• CKC (USA) stands for Continental Kennel Club
⚠️ Important:
This CKC is NOT the Canadian Kennel Club. The Canadian Kennel Club (also abbreviated CKC) is a reputable, well-regulated national registry in Canada. The Continental Kennel Club (USA) is a completely separate organization and is not recognized by the AKC or FCI.
❗ Why are NKC, APRI, and CKC (USA) a concern?
These registries:
• ❌ Are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
• ❌ Are not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
• ❌ Allow owner-reported or easily obtained pedigrees
• ❌ Do not require meaningful health testing
• ❌ Do not enforce breed standards
• ❌ Are commonly used by backyard breeders and puppy mills
Papers from these registries are easy to obtain and provide little to no oversight.
❗ Why should buyers be cautious of puppies registered with these organizations?
Because registration does not equal legitimacy. NKC, APRI, and CKC (USA) registration:
• Does not verify purebred status
• Does not confirm accurate lineage
• Does not ensure health, temperament, or structure
• Does not protect the buyer
• Does not protect the breed
These registries are frequently used to make puppies appear legitimate while avoiding accountability.
✔ Which kennel clubs do you recognize?
We recognize established, regulated registries that protect breeds and buyers, including:
• American Kennel Club (AKC)
• United Kennel Club (UKC)
• FCI-recognized international registries
❗ Our commitment to puppy buyers
We refuse to participate in registries that lower standards or mislead the public.
Our dogs are:
• Bred to the breed standard
• From health-tested, titled bloodlines
• Registered with recognized kennel clubs
• Raised with ethics, responsibility, and transparency
If a breeder relies on questionable registries, ask yourself why.