Our umbrella organization is the Swiss Dog Breeding Association. The SRZ is an independent, active breeding association with its own dog stud book, which was founded in 1988. The Miniature Schnauzer Club, which is subordinate to the SRZ, attaches great importance to obligatory health examinations.

Eye examination ECVO

All Miniature Schnauzers that are bred (both males and females) must be examined for ECVO eyes every two years up to the age of 7.

In order to be approved for breeding, every Miniature Schnauzer must present a valid ECVO eye examination that is not older than 365 days.

Mandatory genetic testing

In addition, all Miniature Schnauzers must also have been genetically tested for the diseases listed below in order to be approved for breeding.

MAC = Mycobacterium avium complex
The working group of Prof. Dr. Giger (University of Pennsylvania, USA) was able to identify a gene variant in Miniature Schnauzers that is associated with a genetic predisposition and therefore with an increased susceptibility to the ubiquitous bacteria Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare (Mycobacterium avium complex, MAC). Dogs with MAC commonly present with the following symptoms: lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, swelling of the lymph nodes, enlargement of the liver and spleen. The first symptoms usually appear between the ages of 1-8 years. Due to the hereditary immunodeficiency, the infections respond only inadequately to the treatments.

MC = myotonia congenita
Myotonia congenita is a disease affecting the skeletal muscles. It is caused by a gene mutation that affects the function of the chloride channels. Symptoms of the disease are mainly observed a stiff, lumbering gait, difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation. All affected Miniature Schnauzers showed abnormal dentition and an overbite, in some cases also abnormal barking.

PRA B1, HIVP3 = progressive retinal atrophy
According to the latest scientific studies, a mutation in the HIVEP3 gene is responsible for the early form of type B PRA in Miniature Schnauzers. The previously offered type B PRA test via Optigen (now GeneSeek) examined a genetic variant in the PPT1 gene that showed deviations in terms of genotype and phenotype. The newly discovered HIVEP3 variant shows a better correlation, which is why we recommend using the newer test according to Kaukonen et. al. to perform.

CMT = Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy
Even at a young age (< 2 years), affected dogs experience frequent belching due to the presence of a megaesophagus and breathing difficulties due to laryngeal paralysis. In the cases described so far, the affected dogs lived more than 3 years after diagnosis, which speaks for a long survival time with this disease.

CD = Comma Defect (Spondylocostal Dysostosis)
Spondylocostal dysostosis (comma defect) is characterized by segmentation disorders of the spine and ribs. Affected dogs show disproportionate short stature as well as spinal shortening and rib defects even in newborns.

PMDS = Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome
The cause of the persistence of the Müllerian gait syndrome (PMDD) is a lack of regression of the Müllerian gait during sex differentiation in male dogs. The external genitalia are normally fully developed. In 50% of the affected animals, the testicles do not descend (testicular dystopia), which can lead to infertility and possible tumor formation.

Source:  LABOGEN Genetic Tests - Miniature Schnauzer - Dog - Genetic Test Order

(Miniature Schnauzer Package DNA Tests)

* All test results can be found on our bitches and dogs

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