[GermanCarFan]

Hello,

I am looking to buy a male Miniature Schnauzer in Hong Kong. I saw one a few days ago in a pet store that I really like but its already 5 months old and has cropped ears. I have a few questions that I want to ask before I make the purchase:

1. Are there any reputable dog breeders in Hong Kong or are the pet stores the only place to buy a puppy?
2. The store keeper told me the Miniature Schnauzer has a birth certificate to certify that he is a pure breed. Can I trust the birth certificate?
3. They just cropped the ears not long ago (the dog's ears still have the threads). From what I read online, the best time to crop the ears is when the dog is under 3 months so the dog won't remember the pain. Is there anything that I should be suspicious about because they cropped the dog's ear so late? Why do you think they cropped the ears?
4. If I purchase the dog from them, should I take it to a vet for inspection immediately? They have a 24 hour guarantee policy if the dog is sick. Can anyone recommend me a reputable vet?
5. What is a reasonable price? They are asking for HKD$10k. Is the price negotiable?

If there is anything else that you think I should know, please let me know. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[hello_there]

It is cruel that they had the poor pups ears cropped, especially so late. Just goes to show that many pet shop owners in HK really don't care about the animals they are selling. They are more concerned that the dog has the right appearance for Hong Kong owners so they can make money. The dog's confort and health are not really considerations for HK pet shops. You should definitely have the puppy checked out by a veterinarian, if possible before you buy the puppy or immediately thereafter. Pet shop puppies in HK are often suseptible to parvo and other potentially fatal illnesses. Also, ask for all health certificates, vaccination records, etc. from the pet shop. And, ask them where the dog was bred. To verify the vaccinations call the vet office who administered them. They should have records.

Also, I won't go on and on about the virtues of adopting a dog, but since you're looking for a schnauzer, consider checking out the homeless ones at Hong Kong Dog Rescue before you buy. There are a couple there right now, pictures attached below.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1332/...708dcfc7_o.jpg

http://www.hongkongdogrescue.com/images/Delia.jpg


You might also want to check with a local kennel club to see if they have any registered schnauzer breeders in HK.

Good luck with your new doggie and just make sure to have him checked out by a vet if you're going to purchase from a pet store.

(Try www.creaturecomforts.com for the vet.)

[PC_Man]

Yeah - personally would avoid a dog with cropped ears.
No benefit to the dog done only for human vanity - actually banned in UK, Oz but still considered normal in US breeding circles.
If going to be done should be as young as possible theoretically...

Reputable petshops - I do know a breeder out this part of town who I'm quite happy with her standards - mainly poodles but does do schnauzers as well (seen 2 there that are now with an expat - both doing well). She is comparatively expensive though compared to mongkok or Causewaybay petshops from what I gather.

Shelters are worth a look - schnauzers are hugely popular and so by nature are as likely to be abandoned more often than less popular (just statistics not a prob with the breed) although they can be very vocal dogs.

Vets - lot of good vets about.
Give me an area and I'll see if I know someone there.

[hello_there]

Originally Posted by PC_Man

Yeah - personally would avoid a dog with cropped ears.
No benefit to the dog done only for human vanity - actually banned in UK, Oz but still considered normal in US breeding circles.

Actually cropping ears has fallen out of favor in the US also - many schnauzer and other breeders make people who buy their pups sign agreements to not crop. In some states it is hard to even find a vet who will perform the procedure. When I moved here I was shocked at the number of dogs with ears cropped as I had always been told it is cruel.

[HowardCoombs]

Schnauzers are very popular in HongKong and therefore very easy to find at the SPCA. Give them a visit or 2 before spending your hard earned $$$$$.

We got a lovely pug from SPCA 3 years ago, its been a great choice and decision; and saved us over $5000+

HC

[PC_Man]

Glad to hear its becoming less common.

Never been, but only become aware of ear cropping, de-clawing and other such things when came into contact with people from US.

Got the impression it was common over there but may just be remember the few people who wnat it done.

[wtbhotia]

try this place out, it a dog breeder out in Kam Tin, I have actually been their before and they had about 100 schnauzer's their, the price was around 1500-2000 with 1 injection also. The white ones were more money, i think around 3000. If you can't speak or read chinese get someone to help you translate.

http://www.schnauzerhk.com/index2.htm

[reei]

i hope u didn't buy the dog yet. i bought my schnauzer from a local breeder and costs hkd2000 only. the breeder was recommended by a friend and she went with me the vet to make sure the puppy is 100% fine before selling it. also , she paid for the first jab.

[lulumay]

Originally Posted by wtbhotia

try this place out, it a dog breeder out in Kam Tin, I have actually been their before and they had about 100 schnauzer's their, the price was around 1500-2000 with 1 injection also. The white ones were more money, i think around 3000. If you can't speak or read chinese get someone to help you translate.

http://www.schnauzerhk.com/index2.htm

how is this place different than a factory?

[luvyanxx]

I'm gonna have to agree, this place looks like a puppy farm. The puppies look great but look at the Schnauzer moms, I wouldn't have guessed she was a Schnauzer.

Looks a bit disturbing to me, the surroundings look like a farm and the bitches don't look like they get out much and are there only for breeding purposes, anyway that's how I see it.