This information is intended solely to educate prospective puppy buyers and assist them in finding a healthy Giant from a responsible breeder.
A responsible breeder health tests their dogs so they can make informed decisions before breeding.
GSCA participates in the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program which documents all breed-specific health testing requirements.
As documented in the
GSCA Health Statement on the AKC website,
this includes four required health tests (hips, elbows, thyroid, and eyes) and three recommended screenings (heart and genetic tests for PRA/PRCD and DCM).
The most up to date details for the CHIC program as it pertains to Giant Schnauzers can be found
here. Completing these tests allows a Giant to become CHIC certified – something that should happen before any Giant is bred.
Informed puppy buyers should understand CHIC testing and expect it from any breeders they are considering.
Health Information for Puppy Buyers as well as the
Top 10 Worst Excuses Breeders Use for NOT Doing Health Testing
are additional resources available to provide even more education on health testing.
GSCA strongly recommends reviewing both before contacting any breeder.
Responsible breeding isn’t only about health testing. It also requires a significant investment of time, effort, and expertise from the initial planning, breeding, and whelping to raising the puppies until they leave for
their new homes at 8 weeks of age or older. Responsible breeders also clearly document their commitments and their expectations of puppy owners via written contracts. And most significantly,
they provide support to the puppy buyer for the life of the dog. This commitment includes taking the dog back at any time if an owner is no longer able to keep it. Here is a list of
Breeder Interview Questions that should be asked long before purchasing a puppy from any breeder.