Miniature Schnauzers and the Genetic Disease PRA

.OPTIGEN is a service company established to provide DNA based diagnoses and information about inherited diseases of dogs. For many breeds their researchers have identified the mutations that cause the most common diseases and by working in cooperation with breeders  they track these mutations to help reduce the frequency of common diseases in breeding stock.  

I have checked with the Optigen website to see if there are any genetic DNA tests available at this time for the  Miniature Schnauzer and unfortunately there are not.   (I keep hoping researchers will discover it!)  So I asked my veterinary what kind of screening is currently available for Miniature Schnauzer breeders and she recommended screening for PRA.

Progressive retinal degeneration (PRD), also known as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)  is a gene that causes blindness in dogs.  Because it is recessive, both parents have to carry it, if it is to show up in the offspring.  Unfortunately, at present, the mutation that is the most common cause of PRA in the Miniature Schnauzer has not yet been identified.  Therefore, there is no genetic DNA test for the Miniature Schnauzer to identify dogs that may carry the gene for blindness.

Grooming your Puppy at Home --- Scaredy Cut Review

Sometimes I am amazed at the number of useful Grooming Tools that are available to help us keep our dogs looking their best!   I wanted to share the Scaredy Cut as an easy way for a novice to trim a dog without investing a lot in an electric groomer.  (See the Scaredy Cut in our shop...$29.95.)

Scaredy Cut combs come in #1,#2,#3, #4, #5, #6 sizes.

Although I always encourage my customers to get a puppy use to the motor of the Grooming Clipper at an early age.  It may be better to let the young puppy hear the noise of the tool and feel the vibrations without actually cutting the fur.  Because initially they will be very squirmy for grooming.

You will have a much easier time getting the puppy to stand still using the Scaredy cut.  And for the early trims most people want to leave a longer length on their puppies.  The Scaredy Cut Grooming Scissors are perfect for longer length cuts.  The Scissor comes with 7 easily detachable combs.   The large array of sizes means you can cut a close 1/4" length (great for the back) all the way up to a full 1" length (great for fluffy legs)

Grooming Your Schnoodle at Home - Andis Clippers

After hearing that a few families have begun grooming their Schnoodles at home, I decided to write several posts to discuss the various grooming tools that I use, and why I like them. I will begin with the Clippers and blades I recommend.

I use an Andis Clipper for fast professional looking grooming.
(you will also find this tool in Our Shop above.)

Andis are one of the top manufacturers on the market for grooming clippers.  You will buy this tool once, and it will likely last you beyond the life of your dog.  I like this tool because it is not the most expensive of the Andis clippers...but it is fairly quiet...and it has easily detachable blades.  Other models are more expensive because they run more quite, and they run cooler. Some are also cordless.  These extra features are useful for the professional groomer, who grooms one dog after another all day long.  But I do not feel these features are necessary for most home grooming)

The Andis Clipper comes with the #10 blade (1.5mm length cut) that is perfect for the ears, and face.  During the summer you can get away with also using it on the Schnauzer or Schnoodles back.....but it is a very close cut.

For the back of the Schnauzer I use a #4FC Clipper blade.  (3.2mm length cut) This blade costs $24.99. You could use this short cut on your Schnoodle too, if you want to increase the time between grooming. 
The FC next to the blade number stands for 'Finished Cut'.  This is a nice smooth cut for everyday.

Andis also makes a 3/4HT" blade  (1/2" length cut) which leaves a 'puppy cut' look when used over the whole body of the Schnoodle. This blade costs $37.46.  
The HT next to the blade number stands for Heat Treatment. Andis® UltraEdge™ dog clipper blades are made from high-carbon steel and processed through a unique carborizing heat treatment that actually adds carbon to the metal. More carbon on the metal means a harder cutting surface. Blades hold a razor sharp edge that will endure prolonged use and more sharpening treatments.

Liam's body was shaved using a 3/4" blade.

Some people use the 3/4HT blade on Schnauzer legs....but I like Schnauzer furnishings to be a bit longer than that.  Lately I have used the Scaredy cut with the 1" comb (#6) for legs.  Most plastic attachment combs will also fit on the Andis clipper to increase the length of the cut.  But I have found hair gets caught in the combs, and they don't work as well.  

Note:  You will notice when buying blades that the Ceramic Edge blades are a little more pricey than the Regular Carbon blades.   The Ceramic Edge is a higher quality material for the Professional groomer who is grooming multiple dogs throughout the day.  The high-quality ceramic cutters on these blades stay sharper longer and require less sharpening than standard steel blades. The low heat transfer and friction index of ceramic keeps blades running 50 percent cooler than steel. But for the single dog, home groomer, the Regular Carbon blades are also a good choice...and the UltraEdge Carbon blade will save you $5-10.00 per blade over Ceramic Edge Blades.

Here is a very useful Chart from Andis in a PDF format you can print.  It explains all the blades and what they are used for.

 

 Finally, always remember to oil your blades with Clipper Oil before you cut, and after you cut.  If the blades get hot while trimming then spray them with Cool Care.  Both these products lubricate the blades and will clean them and prolong their life.

My next post will be all about the Scaredy Cut grooming scissors with detachable combs.  In my opinion, this is the easiest way to start grooming a young puppy, or for any person or pet who is nervous about using an electric clipper....it is a great tool for longer 'puppy cuts'.  (more to come...)

Liam Graduates from Puppy 2 class - 8 mth old update

I just received an update on Liam.  Erin has shared so much good information about training, the Schnoodle coat and grooming.  Here is the note!

        "Just wanted to send you a note, the litter is now 8 months old!  Crazy!   Liam graduated from his puppy 2 class today.  He's so smart:)   We are going to have him do the Good Citizen training, but he has to be 1 year old to take the test, so we have to hold off for now.

Oh my goodness!  Liam sure appears to be enjoying his puppy class!  How adorable!

In terms of size, Liam has grown in every area:

Liam's Measurement                     5 months              8 months
Weight (lbs)                                                 14.8                           17.4
Chest                                                          17.25                         18
Shoulder to beginning of tail                           16.5                          17    
Floor to the top of shoulder                            15                             16
Floor to the top of head                                 18                             19
waist                                                           15                             15
leg space                                                     8.5 b                           9
neck                                                            10.75                        13 

         
Liam has not gotten a haircut since the summer and his hair is definitely fluffy but coarse.  Like Pukah's mom said, his coat has definitely changed over time, being light and thin when he was tiny, to thicker, darker and more curly now.  His hair is definitely straighter than his brothers and now we're noticing it's growing in lighter at the roots.  So who know what his 'adult color' will be! 

             I do all Liam's grooming which is not perfect, but does the job and will definitely save us money in the long run.  I bought the Andis clippers in your shop which comes with a 10 blade (very close cut) and then I bought a 4FC blade for his body, but that was still a pretty close cut (like a Schnauzer).  I'm going to purchase the 3/4" blade because I like the longer look on Liam, and his hair doesn't grow that fast.  It's a large initial cost, but at $50 per cut arround Boston, the clippers pay for themselves after a few cuts.

Liam LOVES to run.  So I try to take him to places where he can safely do so off leash.  We walk 1-3 miles a day, 2-3 days a week he goes to doggie daycare, and on Saturdays we go to puppy playtime and training.  He has so much energy, I wish he would give me some!   Initially, Liam really liked the snow, but I think even he is starting to tire of it:) 

The only issue that we continue to work on is his barking.  From the time he was little, he has been a vocal puppy.  He is a very good guard dog and protective of me in particular.  We have tried the citronella bark collar which works great (when he wears it) and then additional commands in training.  It is definitely a work in progress.

Liam is such a great dog, happy, smart, loving, affectionate and obedient.  Even my mom, who is not a 'dog person' has a soft spot in her heart for Liam."

---Erin

Thanks for your informative note, Erin!   I am so glad you have been able to give Liam so much exercise and training.  I am also glad to hear you are taking care of the grooming.  It's so much more convenient!  

You have given me a good idea to do a series of posts on all the different grooming tools that I find useful. 

Thanks again for the fun photos and news!  I am sure I can speak for everyone who reads the blog....We love it!  

Update on Pukah the Schnoodle - 8 months old

Pukah at 8 mths old

Pukah (Blaze was his birth name) started out the smallest of all our litter of Schnoodles puppies.  He was born out on the lawn in the early morning sunlight (quite by surprise, I assure you!)   I wondered if he would always be a tiny Schnoodle.  But birth weights are not always indicative of adult weights and such was the case with Pukah.   As I was charting the puppy growth I was so surprised how he was growing so much faster than the other puppies.   In no time he had caught up, and was no smaller than any of the rest.   But it is still a surprise to receive this update from Pukah's owner.  Pukah is now 24.5lbs.  That is bigger than both his Mama and his Papa!  Things have a way of working themselves out I suppose. As you will read, his mom tells me she had always wanted a bigger Schnoodle!

You also need to read the note to hear about the changes of a puppy's coat as it matures.   It is interesting and a good thing to note for future puppy owners....


Here is Julie's note:

      "Now that Pukah's haircut has grown out, I thought I would send a couple of pictures.  We bought a good set of clippers and I am now doing his trims myself because we really love the natural 'scruffy' teddy bear look.  He's lost all his puppy hair and had a thick new coat grow in.  It started out as a course short layer under the curly soft baby coat .  At first it was only down the center of his back and I thought it was going to be an odd undercoat.  But suddenly in December it started to grow very quickly and replaced his entire baby coat.  It is no longer course but has grown out soft and fluffy, honey-colored and very thick.

      Pukah also surprised us with his size, since his early weight seemed to indicate that he would be about 18lbs.  As of today he is 24.5 lbs!  He's not overweight at all and has a distinct tapered waste. But he has developed a very sturdy frame.  Of course, this has worked out perfectly for us since I had originally preferred a larger pup (until I got charmed on my first visit!)  I thought you would like to know for your records.  

      I have enclosed two photos one of which shows his new hobby of bird watching out the window.   That photo is the most accurate depiction of his color without the suns reflection."

Julie, I am glad that you are trying your hand at grooming your Schnoodle.  It definitely is easier to groom an 8 mth Schnoodle than a 3 month Shnoodle.   Your dog at this point is more able to stand still, and will listen better to your direction.   Plus, you can fit his haircuts to your own schedule, and save money in the long run.   I hope you have fun....I know I have always enjoyed grooming my dogs.  Best wishes in your grooming endeavors!   Thank you so much for the beautiful photos and interesting news!  ---Mary

Mischievious Puppies

It is my habit to put the puppies in my front office when I have to leave for several hours during the day.  I could put them in their crates.  But I know the puppies will have so much more fun if they can romp and play together. I throw a bunch of toys  and chews into the room, close the doors and go down the road without a worry.  And in the past, I have always returned to happy, well behaved doggies.

But last Thursday I was not thinking straight.  I planned to be gone the whole morning...and I was running way behind schedule.  I didn't have time to hunt down various forms of puppy entertainment....All I could find was a rope toy.   So I threw it in the office, closed the door and went on my way.   Did I think for a moment about the trouble I was possibly creating for myself?  Yes, I have to admit I did wonder what they would do with themselves for so long.  But I was in too much of a rush to think about consequences.

And I am sure you can guess what happened next.  The puppies had a hay day!  When I got home it looked like a book bomb had exploded.  There was paper of all shapes and sizes littered over the whole room.  Even the office chair had taken a hit.  The seat cushion had been chewed and a chunk was gone.   It was a terrible mess!   

Misty...caught in the act!  Coco does a better job acting innocent.

I felt a little shocked.  How could my sweet little puppies have created such chaos?!?!    But was I really shocked at their behavior....or was I surprised at my own negligence?    No I was not angry at my dogs.  How could I be?.  The puppies were so happy to see me they started leaping high in the air with exuberance, cute as they could be and oblivious to the destruction they had created.  

So I let them outside to romp in the back yard while my daughter and I picked up the pieces of wreckage.  Lucky for me the damage was actually fairly minimal.  The cardboard and paper were not bits of treasured volumes....but old boxes and used notebooks that were easily replaced.  And the chair was never in pristine condition....Black duck tape on black vinyl will do wonders.  

I consider it a lesson well learned.  It will impress upon me a solid course of action for the future. Never again will I leave the puppies without first puppy proofing their play area and providing suitable entertainment.   I will make sure to collect some toys and chews especially for times when I have to rush out the door.  I certainly don't want to be caught unprepared again.  My dogs are good dogs.  But as you can see, young puppies will create their own entertainment if they are left alone and don't have something to relieve their boredom.