Thank you, lute. I don't know why exactly she wants to start breeding them. I was, in fact, a bit shocked when she said she wanted to. I suggested she maybe foster a few and see how she liked it. She lives on a farm and helps my cousin breed horses, so it's not like she'd be doing it out of an apartment or something...but I still wanted to get some information together to send her about the pros/cons of breeding.

I love Miniature Schnauzers too. My mom has one, too, a former stud dog that she adopted from a breeder. He was 'retired' at the age of four and everyone kept picking the puppies over him, but my mom just fell in love with him. You can see pictures of Harley in this thread. When I move out of my apartment and get a place with a yard, I hope to adopt a Mini Schnauzer too.



Anyone else have an idea on what I should tell my aunt? What exactly are the genetic consequences of breeding a "toy" dog? I mean, do these dogs have health problems because they're not following a breed standard? I don't have any experience with this type of stuff so any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Just please don't make me feel attacked! I do love animals, and I would like to see my aunt follow a breed standard in order to further the breed if she does choose to start breeding...but I don't know what to tell her. Thanks.