Rivertree Miniature Schnauzers

Rivertree Miniature Schnauzers

Menu

Frequently Asked Questions

Please take a moment to read this page as it will answer many of your questions about adopting one of our puppies. 


Where are you located?

We are located in Aledo, Texas which is...

15 minutes west of Fort Worth

45 minutes west of Dallas

3 hours north of Austin

4.5 hours north of San Antonio

5 hours northwest Houston.


Do you allow visitors?

For the protection of our dogs and puppies we have strict rules about visitors. We meet all visitors in our driveway and ask that you remain in that area while you are here. If absolutely necessary, we allow you to visit your puppy after it has its first shot (typically around 6-7 weeks). We do not give kennel or nursery tours due to the risk of Parvo being tracked onto our property. Our home has always been Parvo free and want to keep it that way. 


How do I adopt one of your puppies?

Start by reading our website which will answer many of your questions. Next, call / text us at (682) 597-4128 to let us know what you are looking for. We are happy to answer your questions and will probably have some for you too. Once you are certain you want one of our puppies (and we are certain you will provide it with a good home) you may send a deposit to hold a currently available puppy or a spot on our waiting list for a future puppy.  

Once puppies are born, we will post pictures on our website. Those with paid deposits are contacted first and make their pick. Any puppies not reserved are then posted on our website and marked “available”. Pictures will be updated at important milestones (birth, eyes open, standing/walking) so you can watch your puppy grow.


How much is the deposit? How do they work? Is it refundable?

Deposits are $250. A deposit can be paid to reserve an available puppy or a spot on our wait list for future puppies. People on our waitlist are contacted and make selections in the order deposits were received. If it is your turn to pick and you do not like your choices then you have the option of moving your deposit to the next litter. Deposits are nonrefundable because they are a commitment to purchase a puppy. When we add you to our wait list or mark a puppy as reserved for you, we are counting on you to give the puppy a good home and turning away other interested people because of your commitment. Please make sure you understand this before placing a deposit. 



How much do your puppies cost?

Prices vary depending on registration options. Prices for pet puppies are less than puppies with show/breeding rights. 



Are your dogs / puppies registered?

Yes, all our Miniature Schnauzers are dual registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Continental Kennel Club (CKC). We have options for both pet puppies and puppies with show/breeding rights. 



How big will the puppies get?

We breed Miniature Schnauzers according to the AKC breed standard. Average weight is 12-18 pounds and average height is 12 to 14 inches at the shoulder. We do not try to breed "toy" sizes although sometimes we have a puppy that is smaller than average.


Do you ship puppies? What about delivery?

We do not ship puppies as cargo because we feel this is both unsafe and traumatic for them. However, we do offer delivery options for those who are not able to pick up their puppy in person...

Car Nanny

Our experienced and trusted Car Nanny delivers to your home or a prearranged meeting place. This is an individual that we know personally (not a commercial puppy transporter) who will give your baby special attention and care for the entire trip.

Car delivery price:

Varies by distance, message me and I’ll put you in contact with our nanny.


Flight Nanny- not always available 

Our Flight Nanny is the perfect person to transport your baby if you live outside Texas! Our Flight Nanny will meet you at your nearest airport. 

Plane delivery price:

Varies based on distance and current airline rates. Message me and I will put you in contact with our Flight Nanny to get rates. 

Airport Delivery (you fly here) 

You may fly to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) if you want to buy a round trip ticket and carry the puppy in the cabin with you. Rental cars, taxis and Uber drivers are available to bring you to our house. If arranged in advance, we may be available to deliver the puppy to DFW for $50. Our schedule is very full so this is not always possible. Please keep in mind that you will need to buy a ticket for yourself (price varies) and the puppy ($150) plus an airline approved carrier ($50-$75) so it is often less expensive to use our flight nanny.

Small private planes may fly into Bourland Field and larger private planes may fly into Meacham Field. Delivery to these locations (when available) is $25.


Do your puppies shed? What about grooming?

No, Miniature Schnauzers do not shed. However, they do require grooming to keep them tidy looking. Most people take their Mini Schnauzer to a groomer to have a traditional Schnauzer cut. It’s also possible to learn to do this at home. We recommend the Wahl KM10 clipper with the 30, 10 and 7F blades or learning to hand strip your dog. 


Do you crop ears?

No. Most of our puppies go home before the age that ears should be done. Ear cropping is an art- many vets are not experienced enough or not willing to perform this surgery. Cropping a puppy’s ears before the 10-12 week mark can result in a unappealing look because the puppy is not developed enough for the vet to know exactly where the cut should be made. When you see Schnauzers with cropped ears that are either too small or too large its is quite possible that they were done at too young of an age or by an inexperienced person. Should you decide to have your puppy’s ears cropped, your vet can hopefully direct you to someone qualified to do it. Remember...it is a cosmetic surgery that requires anesthesia and should be performed by someone with experience!


What about docking tails?

It depends on buyer preference. Do a Google search for pictures of both looks and see what you prefer. You will need to let us know shortly after birth if you want your puppy’s tail to be docked or left natural. If you decide you do not want a docked tail on your Mini Schnauzer, a deposit must be placed before they are 2 days old. If there is no deposit, the puppies will all have their tail docked.


When can I pick up my puppy?

Puppies must be a minimum of 8 weeks, possibly older if flying with a flight nanny. We reserve the right to keep a puppy past 8 weeks if we feel it is small and needs more time to wean. Please remember these are babies with immature immune systems. We ask that you not take your puppy to places like Petsmart, dog parks, hotels or anywhere unknown dogs have been until they have completed all vaccinations. Your vet can tell you when it is safe to take your puppy in public. 


What comes with my puppy?

We send our puppies home with registration papers (limited AKC for pets or full AKC for show/breeding prospects), a shot record, a health guarantee, feeding instructions, toys, a blanket scented like mom, and discount access to our recommended food and supplement. 


What type of food are you feeding the puppy? What supplies do I need to buy?

Our puppies are fed PawTree Real Chicken and Oatmeal formula. For more information on this awesome food and a complete supply list visit our Puppy Supply Page here: https://www.rivertreeminiatureschnauzers.com/Puppy_Supplies.html


What should I bring to pick up my puppy?

A crate or basket is useful to carry the puppy home in. Some puppies get car sick so it may be a good idea to bring puppy pads or paper towels and trash bags. Remember it is not safe to stop roadside with a young puppy. If you have a long drive plan on disposing of waste when you stop. 


Rivertree Miniature Schnauzers
X