Searching for miniature schnauzer puppies and are located in Ohio?
As a trusted Miniature Schnauzer breeder, Fernweh Schnauzers has been matching our Miniature Schnauzer pups with devoted Ohio families for over a decade. We interview and personally match each puppy with their adopter family.
Our home is located in Indiana. Historically, Ohio families have used our in person delivery service or drove to our house for pickup.
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
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Matching the correct miniature schnauzer puppy with its forever home!
Through years of experience, we have developed our adoption process to focus on the compatibility of each miniature schnauzer puppy with their adopter family. We believe that a successful adoption always starts with placing the correct schnauzer with the correct family.
1. Verbal Interview – Miniature Schnauzer Puppy questionnaires are great, but verbal interaction via a phone conversation really cannot be beat. Expect to talk about work schedule, family/pet structure, and expectations to ensure a Fernweh Miniature Schnauzer is the best fit for your family. Because of your Ohio location, communication and a good relationship are important foundations. They are essential to working towards finding the best pup possible for your family.
2. Deposit – We require a $500 non refundable deposit (please add a 4% processing fee if using credit/debit card) to join our wait list for the next miniature schnauzer puppy available or current puppy available.
3. Miniature Schnauzer Selection – Once an adopter has made their way through the waiting list, we will begin the puppy selection process. Personalities will be discussed* (read more on this below), and the pro’s and con’s of each mini schnauzer puppy available will be weighed before a selection. Ultimately, a puppy selection is made by the adopter, but we will do our best to provide support and information to make the best decision. We believe it is our job to give you all the information possible to make the best decision. If you are in Ohio, know you will receive the support and information you need to pick the correct puppy for your family.

*Miniature Schnauzer Puppy Personality Profiling – In order to ensure we understand (and correctly match) each puppy with their correct family we must understand each personality. We conduct our personality profiling by spending a large amount of time with each puppy and noting both their energy levels and dominance/submissive levels. This process requires each puppy to be around 5 weeks of age before we can confidently profile each puppy’s personality correctly. Some adopters request (and we deny) to choose their puppy as early as 1 to 2 weeks of age. This selection approach is short sighted and often ends in disaster as the adopter has no idea what kind of miniature schnauzer they are purchasing before their selection.
4. Mini Schnauzer Puppy Prep and Pickup or Delivery Information – Once we have matched an adopter with their miniature schnauzer puppy, we will transition to setting a pickup or delivery date and preparing the adopter with a puppy supply list they will need before getting their new miniature schnauzer puppy! If you are from Ohio, we will begin to work through logistics and help you make the best decision – either traveling for an in person pickup or using one of our family members to deliver your puppy to you in Ohio.
Puppy Prep Questions
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. Because we have worked with many Ohio adopters over the years, we do have some vet clinics that we recommend. We provide a list of highly reviewed vets in Ohio that can help you locate an experienced Schnauzer vet if you haven’t already done so.
Certainly! We have comprehensive nutritional recommendations available on our website’s nutrition page.
Delivery and Pickup Questions
Our home is located in Northern Indiana, where our family has deep roots and has been raising schnauzers for years.
Yes! For Ohio, 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 your pup to your home comfortably and ethically.
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.
Adopter Support Questions
Absolutely! We believe ongoing support for our out-of-state adopters is crucial. We’ll personally check in after your puppy arrives and discuss their care package together. We’re dedicated to continued support and welcome any schnauzer-related questions as your puppy develops. Even our out-of-state adopters like those in North Dakota receive exceptional 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 quite a few Ohio based Miniature Schnauzer adopters. Here is a pool of information that we have gathered that might be helpful for future adopters.
Central Ohio: Dr. Michael Thompson, DVM – Buckeye State Animal Hospital, Columbus Fellowship trained in small animal cardiology with advanced certification in four-season health management, Dr. Thompson specializes in managing hereditary schnauzer conditions including pancreatitis, kidney stones, and seasonal allergy issues common in Ohio’s variable climate.
Why We Recommend: Many of our adopter families appreciate that Dr. Thompson truly understands schnauzer temperament and takes time to explain breed-specific health considerations for Ohio living. Our families especially value his expertise in managing seasonal transitions and the dietary sensitivities common in miniature schnauzers during Ohio’s dramatic weather changes.
Northeast Ohio: Dr. Sarah Rodriguez, DVM – Lake Erie Veterinary Specialists, Cleveland Known for her expertise with small breeds and Great Lakes climate health, Dr. Rodriguez takes a comprehensive approach to preventive care and works closely with internal medicine specialists for complex cases involving genetic conditions common in miniature schnauzers.
Why We Recommend: Our northeast Ohio families love that Dr. Rodriguez remembers each dog’s personality and individual lake effect weather responses. Several of our adopters have mentioned how she helped them navigate their schnauzer’s digestive sensitivities with customized diet plans that work well in Ohio’s humid summers and harsh lake effect winters.
Southwest Ohio: Dr. Jennifer Wilson, DVM – Queen City Animal Medical Center, Cincinnati With over 25 years treating small breeds and extensive experience with Ohio River valley pets, Dr. Wilson offers specialized care for terriers and maintains emergency hours for severe weather events common in southwestern Ohio.
Why We Recommend: Many of our southwest Ohio families appreciate the river valley expertise for those “my schnauzer had an allergic reaction during pollen season” spring situations. Our adopters consistently mention how the entire staff treats their schnauzers like VIPs and remembers their seasonal comfort preferences.
Lisa Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP – Heartland Ohio Dog Training A Certified Professional Dog Trainer with special expertise in terrier breeds and four-season behavior management, Lisa offers both in-person and virtual training throughout Ohio. Her background includes therapy dog training and she has a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior, bringing a scientific approach to understanding schnauzer behavior during Ohio’s varied seasonal patterns.
Why We Recommend: Our families rave about Lisa’s ability to explain the “why” behind schnauzer behaviors during different Ohio seasons. One adopter told us Lisa helped them realize their schnauzer wasn’t being stubborn about muddy spring walks – he was just showing intelligent responses to Ohio’s unpredictable weather that needed different management strategies. Many families love that she offers virtual follow-ups, perfect for quick questions about new behaviors.
Tom Martinez – Ohio State University Extension Services Offering affordable weekly training classes that welcome all skill levels, Tom has developed specific techniques for working with intelligent, independent breeds like schnauzers in Ohio’s variable climate and urban environments. His group classes create a supportive environment where small dogs can learn without feeling overwhelmed by seasonal changes.
Why We Recommend: Our adopters can’t stop talking about these reasonably priced classes! Several families drive over an hour to attend because Tom makes training fun for both dogs and humans while teaching Ohio-specific challenges like ice safety and pollen management. One family told us their schnauzer actually gets excited on “school nights” and waits by the door with his seasonal gear.
Schnauzer Meetup Groups
Why Our Families Love This: One of our Columbus families told us their shy schnauzer completely came out of her shell after attending monthly meetups. Another family made their best human friends through the Cleveland group – they now take seasonal lake trips together with their schnauzers!
Lake Erie Shoreline Adventures
Why Our Families Love This: Our adopters consistently mention Lake Erie as their schnauzer’s “summer paradise.” One family drives from Columbus weekly because their schnauzer learned to love both the cool lake water and the sandy beaches at Headlands.
Ohio State Parks and Natural Areas
Why Our Families Love This: Several families have told us these natural areas are perfect for their schnauzer’s exploration of Ohio’s diverse ecosystems. One family makes Hocking Hills their monthly tradition and says their schnauzer knows every waterfall overlook along the hiking trails!
Major City Urban Experiences
Why Our Families Love This: City-dwelling families tell us these activities helped their schnauzers become “urbane Ohio citizens.” One Short North family says their schnauzer has become a regular at gallery openings and the artists know his name!
Amish Country and Agricultural Heritage
Why Our Families Love This: Heritage-minded families say these activities transformed their “suburban schnauzer” into a country explorer. One family’s schnauzer became so good at Amish country visits, they now participate in harvest festivals – and their dog clearly loves the attention from farming families!
Amusement Parks and Entertainment
Why Our Families Love This: Entertainment families appreciate venues that combine excitement with dog-friendly amenities. One couple said their schnauzer has become a “Cedar Point expert” who knows which resort areas provide the best people-watching during summer vacation season!
Four-Season Indoor Activities
Why Our Families Love This: Our weather-prepared families say these activities saved their sanity during Ohio’s unpredictable seasons. One family’s schnauzer became so skilled at indoor facility navigation, they now help other dogs find heated areas during lake effect snow storms – and their dog clearly understands Ohio’s weather challenges!
Special Ohio Considerations: Remember that miniature schnauzers need adaptable gear for Ohio’s four-season climate with significant variation from north to south – lake effect snow in the north, milder winters in the south, hot humid summers statewide, and intense spring pollen seasons. Be prepared for rapid weather changes typical of the Great Lakes region, including sudden thunderstorms and temperature swings. Ohio’s industrial areas may require awareness of air quality during high pollution days, while the state’s agricultural regions mean seasonal allergen exposure during planting and harvest times. The proximity to Lake Erie also creates different weather patterns in northern versus central and southern Ohio!
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!