I have a 2 yr old black mini-mini (11lbs) and am looking to find a suitable mate for her. Obviously she is not of a 'showing' standard but she is a fantastic little dog and I would like to make a good match with her size and temperament. She is a real family dog who loves children and other dogs but who is overall, quiet and laid-back.
Her next season is in June and I am keen to find a suitable black mini sire for then.
I am in no way familiar with any of this and would be grateful for any tips/advice/leads.

Why the need to breed from her why not let her stay a lovely family pet.If she isn't up to show standard , many stud owners wouldn't let you use their dog any way. If your wanting another pup why not go to your bitches breeder to see about another one. A lot less hassle believe me . I'ts extremely hard work having puppies and expensive and very time consuming.You need to really put a lot of thought in before deciding to breed a litter.And then there's always the worry of finding good homes for the babies .

Your advice is hugely helpful. The main reason for wishing to breed Lola is that she is so popular and friendly that a number of family and friends are eager to have pups from her. Most people understand that there is a lottery element to finding a new pup and the reassurance that the pups' mother has such a great temp. is reassuring - although not a guarantee - it's about playing the percentages.

I have taken her to the vet who is not concerned about her size with regard to whelping/breeding.

With all of this said and after reading thru a great deal of the general breeding chat within the Forum I can see the real arguments about retaining standards within the breed which I completely take on board. My friends/family are still desperate to have similar mini-schnauzers (black ones seem so difficult to come accross) - where might someone find reputable breeders?

Thank you again for your help.

Again if you are pleased with her then going to the source of your bitch, her breeder, ks what I weould advise family and freinds to do!

Family often express a wish to have a pup, but if they were really that keen they would already have got one, so rarely are there when the chips are down. Also they will make you feel responsible for anything negative the pup does, or if there are health problems. The bitch is only half the resulting litter, and you have no way of knowing how the sire and Dams genes may combine for good or ill.

Best to leave it to those who have a deep understanding of the breed lines to make compatible mating decisions, as it is still a lottery even when you have researched as much as possible. Unless of course you have a wish to become deeply involved with Showing and breeding.

I am sure Lola's breeder may breed from her Mother again, or maybe from a sister s/he kept from the litter Lola was from!!

Lola's breeder might also be able to tell you if she is of good enough quality to breed from and help you find a suitable stud dog. Have you had any of the relevant health checks done that are necessary for your breed? :-)

I agree with what ace says, and there's always the possibility that, if she is particularly small for her breed, she may well have whelping problems. Best to keep her as a lovely pet. :)

Hello,
I have a black mini male who i occasionally let people use, but a word of advice from me would PLEASE DO NOT BREED HER as she is very small my black minis mum was the same weight and only 12" and i wish we had not bred her because she did have problems rearing the litter, she suffered a major stroke due to stress but luckily enough our vet got her round and she recovered she is now spayed and living with a lovely family who have no other dogs.
Regards
Jenny.