Kim_MacMillan
Posted : 1/17/2009 6:47:24 PM
In terms of Mini Schnauzers (I know this is old!), I would be far more worried about health testing being done than any form of "papers". If the parents haven't had any CERF testing, then I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. Eye disorders are the main debilitating disease in Schnauzers, most schnauzer disorders that don't have distinct tests, so I consider that a minimum of standard of care for any breeder.
My Zipper boy is both AKC and CKC registered (Canadian, not Continental). He was used in a breeding program, and still might be used again someday to sire a litter by the breeder I got him from (I actually think he is planned for two future litters if the matches work out). He has been CERFed as a pup, at a year of age, and every two years since. Even after he is done breeding I plan to CERF him every two years, despite the fact that it's a 2-3 hour drive out of province to do so, just so that I can keep in touch with the breeder to let her know that he has been shown to be clear for his lifetime.
Gaci was CERFed even though she was never bred. Shimmer was not CERFed, and I only made that decision because she is the end of her line and is spayed.
But from a breeding perspective, having been there for the breeding program, the kennel clubs, the showing (been there, done that kinda thing!), the health testing is what matters first and foremost to me. Before any titles, before any working ability, before any papers - if you aren't breeding the healthiest dogs you can (no dog is 100% free of all genetic disease, many diseases are polygenic and require just the right line-up, even if you haven't seen the issue before in your life - it could pop up in the next litter), you have no rights breeding. Period.