Searching for miniature schnauzer puppies and are located in Illinois?
As a dedicated Miniature Schnauzer breeder, Fernweh Schnauzers has been connecting our Miniature Schnauzer pups with loving Illinois families for over a decade. We carefully evaluate and personally pair each puppy with their forever family.
Our home is located in Indiana. Historically, Illinois families have used our in person delivery service or drove to pick up at our house.
Delivery: One of our family friends can drive your new pup directly to your home
Home Pickup: You are welcome to travel to our Indiana home for pickup
We are recognized as one of the top Schnauzer breeders in the country and have over a decade experience
We are uniquely known for producing Healthy and Socialized Miniature Schnauzers
Highly reviewed by our past adopters – 4.9 star Google review average
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Health Tested Parents
We have over a decade of bloodline improvement.
Health examines focus on:
Hereditary Diseases, Digestive, Patellar Tendons, Eyes, Hips, Heart, and Tail
Head to Tail Puppy Examination
Performed by our licensed veterinarian
Customized personality profiling
We do personality testing to ensure that each puppy is a good match for their family
Platinum Health Guarantee
Personal follow-up after puppy goes home
We are fully invested in supporting our adopters during the critical transition period
Each of our Puppies come with:
-AKC Registration from “Bred With Heart AKC Breeder”
-Bag of puppy food
-Internal parasite prevention
-Blanket that has been with their litter
-First puppy grooming
-Starter toys
-Fully up to date on vaccinations
Matching the right miniature schnauzer puppy with its forever home!
Through extensive experience, we have refined our adoption process to emphasize the match between each miniature schnauzer puppy and their adopter family. We know that successful adoptions begin with pairing the right schnauzer with the right family.
1. Phone Interview – While miniature schnauzer puppy questionnaires are useful, direct communication through phone calls is invaluable. We’ll discuss work schedules, family dynamics, pet experience, and goals to confirm a Fernweh Miniature Schnauzer suits your household. Given your Illinois location, clear communication and strong relationships form the foundation for finding your ideal pup.
2. Deposit – We require a $500 non-refundable deposit (please add a 4% processing fee if using credit/debit card) to secure your place on our wait list for the next available miniature schnauzer puppy or current puppy available.
3. Miniature Schnauzer Selection – When an adopter reaches the front of our waiting list, we begin the puppy matching process. We’ll review personalities* (details below), discuss the strengths and considerations of each mini schnauzer puppy available before making a choice. While the final puppy selection rests with the adopter, we provide comprehensive guidance and information for the best decision. We consider it our responsibility to give you complete information for an informed choice. Illinois adopters receive the same thorough support and detailed information needed to select the right puppy for your family.
*Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Personality Assessment – To ensure proper matching of each puppy with their ideal family, we must evaluate each personality thoroughly. We complete our personality assessment through extensive time with each puppy, observing energy levels and dominance/submissive traits. This evaluation requires puppies to reach approximately 5 weeks of age before we can accurately assess each puppy’s personality. Some adopters ask (and we decline) to select their puppy as early as 1 to 2 weeks of age. This early selection approach lacks insight and frequently results in poor matches as the adopter cannot understand the miniature schnauzer they are choosing before their decision.
4. Mini Schnauzer Puppy Preparation and Pickup or Delivery Coordination – After matching an adopter with their miniature schnauzer puppy, we’ll coordinate pickup or delivery scheduling and provide the adopter with a puppy supply checklist they’ll need before welcoming their new miniature schnauzer puppy! For Illinois families, we’ll work through arrangements and help you decide between traveling for pickup or having one of our family members deliver your puppy to you in Illinois.
Your Fernweh puppy comes home with complete AKC registration documents, current health records including vaccinations and deworming, comprehensive veterinary documentation, and a thoughtful starter kit containing toys, quality puppy food, a detailed care guide, and a familiar-scented blanket from their litter.
Yes! Every puppy receives thorough veterinary examinations and stays current with all age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming protocols before joining your family.
Your puppy will have been introduced to crate basics and simple commands. However, miniature schnauzer puppies typically develop full housetraining readiness around 10-12 weeks of age, so continued training at home will be necessary.
Our puppies go home at 10 weeks of age. This extra time with their mother and siblings provides valuable socialization and developmental benefits that set them up for success.
Please arrange a veterinary appointment within 72 hours of bringing your puppy home. We recommend scheduling this visit before pickup or delivery day. Through our work with numerous Illinois adopters over the years, we have veterinary clinic recommendations available. We provide a list of well-reviewed vets in Illinois that can help you find a qualified Schnauzer veterinarian if you haven’t selected one yet.
Certainly! We have comprehensive nutritional recommendations available on our website’s nutrition page.
Our home is located in Northern Indiana, where our family has deep roots and has been raising schnauzers for years.
Yes! For Illinois, we prefer to drive. We provide personal puppy delivery through our family’s delivery service. Your puppy travels safely with a family friend of ours, following all USDA and state transportation regulations. He delivers our pups ethically and comfortably to your home.
Absolutely! We welcome personal pickups and enjoy meeting our puppy families. We’ll review everything in your puppy package and ensure you feel confident before heading home.
A deposit secures your spot on our waitlist or reserves a specific puppy. The remaining balance is due at pickup or delivery. Our miniature schnauzer puppies are often reserved quickly, so early planning is recommended.
Our puppies receive veterinary care from our best-in-state vet clinic, Auburn Hills Animal Hospital. We register all puppies through AKC’s purebred registry and proudly maintain our “Bred With Heart” AKC recognition. We comply with all state and USDA requirements for puppy care and transport.
Definitely! We feel it is essential to support our out of state adopters. We’ll check in personally after your puppy arrives and review their care package together. We’re committed to ongoing support and welcome any schnauzer-related questions as your puppy grows. Even our out of state adopters like Minnesota will receive world class support from our family.
Miniature schnauzers have unique characteristics and health considerations. With our years of breed-specific experience and access to veterinary consultants, we can provide knowledgeable guidance on schnauzer health matters.
The pages from our website our helpful: https://fernwehschnauzers.com/most-important-aspect-of-breeding-healthy-puppies/
Yes! We have extensive resources and experience with schnauzer-specific training, nutrition, and behavior. Our website features helpful articles on housetraining, crate training, and proper nutrition for miniature schnauzers.
Here are some links we recommend from our website: https://fernwehschnauzers.com/separation-anxiety/ https://fernwehschnauzers.com/how-to-potty-train-a-miniature-schnauzer/ https://fernwehschnauzers.com/puppy-behavioral-issues/
Yes! Maintaining AKC registered purebred lineages is fundamental to our program. You’ll receive all necessary AKC documentation to register your puppy after adoption.
Email works best for most questions and ongoing communication. For urgent health concerns, we’re happy to schedule phone consultations to provide immediate support.
Over the years we have worked with many Illinois based Miniature Schnauzer adopters. Here is information we have compiled that might be helpful for future adopters.
Chicagoland: Dr. Rachel O’Connor, DVM – Prairie State Animal Hospital, Schaumburg Board certified in small animal dermatology with specialized training in seasonal allergy management, Dr. O’Connor has extensive experience managing hereditary schnauzer conditions including pancreatitis, urinary stones, and coat-related skin issues common in Illinois’s variable climate.
Why We Recommend: Many of our adopter families value that Dr. O’Connor truly grasps the schnauzer temperament and takes time to explain breed-specific health considerations for Midwest living. Our families particularly appreciate her expertise in managing seasonal allergies and the dietary sensitivities common in miniature schnauzers during Illinois’s dramatic weather changes.
Central Illinois: Dr. Thomas Anderson, DVM – Lincoln Land Veterinary Clinic, Springfield Recognized for his expertise with small breeds and four-season health management, Dr. Anderson employs a comprehensive approach to preventive care and collaborates closely with specialty veterinarians for complex cases involving genetic conditions common in miniature schnauzers.
Why We Recommend: Our central Illinois families appreciate that Dr. Anderson remembers each dog’s individual personality and seasonal patterns. Several of our adopters have shared how he helped them prepare their schnauzers for Illinois’s harsh winters while managing digestive sensitivities with specialized diet plans.
Northern Illinois: Dr. Patricia Kim, DVM – Rock Cut Animal Medical Center, Rockford With over 30 years treating small breeds and extensive experience with Great Lakes region pet care, Dr. Kim provides specialized care for terriers and maintains emergency availability for severe weather situations.
Why We Recommend: Many of our northern Illinois families value the severe weather expertise and the fact that Dr. Kim understands schnauzer-specific needs during blizzards and extreme cold. Our adopters consistently mention how the entire team treats their schnauzers with genuine care and remembers their winter activity preferences.
Michelle Thompson, CPDT-KA – Heartland Canine Academy A Certified Professional Dog Trainer with specialized experience in terrier breeds and four-season training, Michelle offers both group classes and private sessions throughout Illinois. Her background includes therapy dog training and she holds a degree in Animal Behavior, bringing scientific understanding to schnauzer behavior during Illinois’s dramatic seasonal changes.
Why We Recommend: Our families praise Michelle’s ability to explain the reasoning behind schnauzer behaviors during different seasons. One adopter mentioned Michelle helped them understand their schnauzer wasn’t being difficult about winter walks – he just needed different equipment and motivation for cold weather exercise. Many families appreciate that she offers video consultations, perfect for quick questions about new behaviors.
Steve Wilson – University of Illinois Extension Services Offering affordable weekly training classes that welcome all skill levels, Steve has developed specific methods for working with intelligent, independent breeds like schnauzers in variable Midwest weather conditions. His group classes provide a supportive environment where small dogs can learn without feeling overwhelmed by seasonal changes.
Why We Recommend: Our adopters consistently rave about these reasonably priced classes! Several families drive considerable distances to attend because Steve makes training enjoyable for both dogs and owners while addressing seasonal challenges like ice safety and heat management. One family shared that their schnauzer actually gets excited on “training nights” and waits by the door with his seasonal gear.
Why Our Families Love This: One of our Chicago families mentioned their reserved schnauzer gained confidence after joining monthly meetups. Another family developed lasting friendships through the Springfield group – they now take regular camping trips together with their schnauzers!
Why Our Families Love This: Our adopters frequently mention Lake Michigan as their schnauzer’s favorite summer destination. One family drives from the suburbs weekly because their schnauzer learned to love the cool lake breeze and gentle waves at Montrose Dog Beach.
Why Our Families Love This: Hiking families tell us these state parks are perfect for schnauzer-sized adventures across Illinois’s diverse landscapes. One family makes Starved Rock their monthly tradition and says their schnauzer knows every chipmunk along the waterfall trails!
Why Our Families Love This: City families consistently mention how these activities helped their schnauzers become well-socialized urban explorers. One Lincoln Park family says their schnauzer has become a neighborhood celebrity and local shop owners know his name!
Why Our Families Love This: All-season families appreciate venues that offer year-round beauty for schnauzer exploration. One couple said their schnauzer has become an excellent seasonal hiking companion and actually gets excited when he sees different weather gear come out!
Why Our Families Love This: History-minded families tell us these activities helped their schnauzers experience Illinois’s rich heritage. One Springfield family says their schnauzer has become a regular at Lincoln sites and actually knows the difference between indoor and outdoor tour areas!
Why Our Families Love This: Our winter-surviving families say these activities saved their sanity during Illinois’s harsh winters. One family’s schnauzer became so skilled at indoor agility, they now compete year-round – and their dog clearly prefers heated facilities to subfreezing outdoor walks!
Special Illinois Considerations: Illinois’s dramatic four-season climate requires comprehensive gear for miniature schnauzers – from winter coats and booties for subfreezing temperatures and icy sidewalks to cooling vests for hot, humid summers. Be prepared for rapid weather changes typical of the Midwest, watch for seasonal allergies during spring and fall, and consider indoor exercise options during extreme weather. The state’s variable conditions also mean year-round attention to paw care from both winter salt and summer heat!
We are currently accepting deposits to join our waiting list for future miniature schnauzer puppies of many different colors. If you are interested in adding a Fernweh Schnauzer to your family we would encourage you to reach out to us via an email or phone conversation. Please be advised that we are known through the country as a breeder of high quality miniature schnauzer puppies and are in high demand. Be sure to reach out and plan in advance when considering a future Fernweh addition. Adopters who plan ahead and join our waiting list are preferred and treated as such during the adoption process. Click Here to see our puppies!
