Vaccination protocol

Learn More About Puppy Vaccinations: What Breeders Should Know

Are breeders required to vaccinate their puppies?
Well, here at A'Lord Miniature Schnauzer, we do! We never let our puppies go before they are 10 weeks old, and they receive their second set of vaccinations before heading to their forever homes.

There’s a lot to consider when bringing a puppy home—finding the right breeder, puppy-proofing your home, and thinking about training are just the start. One topic we get a lot of questions about is vaccinations. It can be confusing, and many buyers wonder: Which vaccinations should their puppy have already received from the breeder?

No, breeders are not legally required to vaccinate puppies. In the U.S., the only vaccine required by law is for Rabies, which puppies typically receive at 12-16 weeks of age (depending on state regulations).

That being said, it's possible to bring home an 8-week-old puppy without any vaccinations, but we strongly caution against buying from breeders who don't provide at least the first round of shots. A reputable breeder will prioritize the health of their puppies with basic veterinary care, which includes:

• Vaccinations
• Health check-ups
• Microchipping

While schedules can vary, here’s the general vaccination protocol most breeders and vets recommend:

• DHPP/DAPP:
  • 6-8 weeks
  • 10-12 weeks
  • 14-16 weeks
• Rabies:
  • 12-16 weeks (depending on state and local laws)

This schedule ensures that puppies receive 3 to 4 rounds of the DHPP/DAPP vaccine, separated by 2-4 weeks. Additionally, your vet may recommend "non-core" vaccines like Bordatella or Leptospirosis based on your location and lifestyle.

You may notice DHPP and DAPP used interchangeably. Here’s a breakdown of what the letters stand for:

• D: Distemper
  A deadly virus transmitted through wild animals and dogs. It starts with respiratory symptoms and can lead to seizures, digestive issues, or death.
• H/A: Hepatitis/Adenovirus
  Passed through urine, this virus can damage the liver and kidneys.
• P: Parvovirus
  One of the most dangerous viruses for puppies, it attacks the immune and digestive systems, causing severe diarrhea and vomiting.
• P: Parainfluenza
  A viral disease that causes respiratory infections similar to the flu.

Some people wonder why we don’t wait until puppies are older to vaccinate them. Here’s why:

• After birth, puppies receive maternal antibodies through their mother’s colostrum (the first milk) that offer protection for the first few weeks.
• Around 6 weeks, those maternal antibodies begin to fade, and the puppies' immune systems start developing.
• By vaccinating puppies at 6 weeks, we help bridge the gap between their maternal immunity and their developing immune system.

While puppies aren’t fully protected from these viruses until they’ve received their final round of vaccines, starting early helps reduce their risk.

Unlike other vaccines, rabies only requires one dose to provide long-lasting protection. However, it’s only effective if given after the maternal antibodies have subsided and the puppy’s immune system is strong enough to respond. This is why rabies vaccines are typically administered at 12-16 weeks. Vaccinating earlier could render the shot ineffective, as maternal antibodies might interfere.

Rabies is less of a concern for young puppies because:

• It has a slow onset, giving the immune system time to respond.
• Puppies are less likely to come into contact with rabid animals, unlike adult dogs who may venture into risky areas.

While many breeders send their puppies home at 8 weeks, we prefer to keep ours until 10 weeks. This allows us to provide an extra round of vaccinations, ensuring your puppy has the best start in life. If we ever hold onto a puppy past 12 weeks, we ensure they receive their rabies vaccine before they go home.

We hope this guide clears up some confusion about vaccinations and what to expect from your breeder. Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet for your puppy’s specific vaccination schedule, as factors like age and environment can affect the timing.

For more information, feel free to reach out to us:

• A'Lord Miniature Schnauzer
• Website: www.alordminiatureschnauzer.com
• Cell: 815-419-5884
• Home: 256-998-8172
  

Have Questions or Want to Learn More About Our Puppies?

Contact us today, and we'll be happy to help! We're passionate about connecting our A'Lord Miniature Schnauzer puppies with loving families and would love to hear from you.

Whether you're curious about our breeding practices, vaccination schedules, or just want to chat about bringing a new puppy into your home, we’re here to answer any questions you may have!