Mayas Puppies – Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breeders

Ethics

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Ethics

Ethics

At Maya’s Puppies, this isn’t just breeding it’s a deep commitment to the dogs I love and the families who welcome them home. Every puppy is raised with care, intention, and heart. My goal is to bring happy, healthy, emotionally balanced puppies into the world, and set them up for a lifetime of love.

Health and temperament are at the core of my program. All of my breeding dogs are thoroughly DNA tested to avoid hereditary issues, and I carefully match dogs from unrelated bloodlines to protect the genetic integrity of each litter. My dogs don’t live in kennels, they live in guardian homes where they’re cherished as part of a family, just as every dog should be.

From their very first days, my puppies are gently introduced to the world around them. I use Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and early socialisation techniques to help them grow into calm, confident, and adaptable dogs. By the time they go home, they’ve already experienced love, touch, sound, routine — all the building blocks of a well-rounded puppy.

This is more than a breeding program — it’s a promise. A promise to give each puppy the very best start, and to support every family that becomes part of the Maya’s Puppies community.

Ethics and breeding standards

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Guardian Program

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DNA Testing

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Puppy socialisation and rising well rounded, confident puppies

At Mayas Puppies, I am deeply passionate about raising puppies who aren’t just healthy, but emotionally resilient, confident and well adjusted for life.

Socialisation isn’t just about letting puppies meet other dogs or people, it’s about gently exposing them to the world. That includes new sights, sounds, textures, environments, and handling, all introduced in a way that feels safe and positive. These early experiences help shape a puppy’s temperament and how they cope with the everyday challenges of life.

The most critical stage in a puppy’s development is their first 16 weeks. What they’re exposed to during this time can shape their temperament, confidence, and ability to cope with new situations as adults. This is why we start our socialisation as early as 3 days old with ENS.

Health & DNA Standards

Just like humans, dogs can inherit serious genetic health conditions  and as a responsible breeder, it’s my job to do everything I can to prevent that.

All of my breeding dogs are thoroughly DNA tested through Orivet Genetic Pet Care. These tests screen for a wide range of inheritable conditions, helping us identify whether a dog is clear, a carrier, or affected by any known and testable genetic disorders.

For Miniature Schnauzers, one of the most important conditions to watch for is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)  a degenerative eye disease that can cause early-onset blindness. At Maya’s Puppies, none of our breeding dogs are affected by PRA. Any dog found to have the condition is desexed and never used in our breeding program.

This is just one of the ways we stay committed to raising healthy, happy puppies  and giving their future families peace of mind from day one.

Our puppies are:

  • Vet checked, microchipped, and vaccinated at 6 weeks of age
  • Wormed every 2 weeks using Drontal Suspension
  • Sent home with a vet check certificate, signed by our vet and included in your puppy pack
  • We feed our puppies a premium diet through Lyka and proudly participate in their Breeder Program. We also provide a health guarantee with every puppy, because we believe your new best friend deserves the very best start in life.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

ENS is a method originally developed by the U.S. military for training service dogs. It involves five simple daily exercises from days 3 to 16, including:

  • Holding the puppy upright
  • Gently inverting them
  • Touching each paw
  • Placing them on a cool, damp surface
  • Holding them cradled off the ground

These small, controlled stressors help stimulate the neurological system earlier than it would naturally develop. The result? Puppies that are more adaptable, confident, and calm in unfamiliar environments.

Early Grooming & Handling

Puppies in my care are gently introduced to grooming and physical handling from a young age. This includes:

  • Being wiped with a warm cloth
  • Having their bottoms shaved
  • Gentle brushing
  • A full wash and blow-dry before going home

They also become used to being touched on their paws, ears, and mouth — simple routines that go a long way in reducing stress at the vet or groomer later on.

I always encourage new puppy families to continue gentle grooming and handling at home. These small, everyday actions help raise dogs who are calm, tolerant, and easy to manage in real-world situations.

  • Socialisation starts early, and it’s about much more than simply meeting new people or dogs. It’s about gradually introducing puppies to a variety of sights, sounds, textures, and environments in a gentle, positive way. These early experiences build the foundation for how a dog will react to the world around them for the rest of their life.

About Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature Schnauzers are fun-loving, affectionate, and adventurous little dogs who make wonderful family companions. With their spirited personality and loyal nature, they’re just as happy exploring the outdoors as they are curled up on the couch with their people.

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
Coat Type: Medium-length, wiry-soft coat
Grooming Needs: Professional grooming every 8–12 weeks
Breed Group: Terrier
Size: 6–9 kg, 30–36 cm in height
Colours: Salt & Pepper, Black & Silver, and Pure Black

Exercise Needs: 20–40 minutes per day – walks, playtime, and mental stimulation keep them happy and balanced
Child Friendly: Yes – early, positive interaction with children is important to build confidence and trust
Drooling: Low
Barking: Moderate – they’re alert and love to communicate
Shedding: Low – they’re considered hypoallergenic
Intelligence: High – they’re quick learners and thrive with training
Social Needs: High – they love being around people and other dogs

Mini Schnauzers are highly adaptable. Whether they’re living in a city apartment or on a country property, what matters most is that they’re included in family life and given opportunities to socialise. They’re happiest when they’re part of the action and they’ll quickly become a much-loved member of the family.