Mentone Minis

Raised by Rita C.

Certified Breeder of Miniature Schnauzers

  • 1 club membership

Meet the breeder

I'm the breeder behind Mentone Minis located in Mentone, AL. All of our dogs are loved as family members. We cherish our puppies from birth up until they leave our arms to snuggle into yours! Each of our dogs has brought so much happiness to us throughout their lives. We want to do our part to produce wonderful, healthy dogs that can bring other people joy as well, and we strive to provide each of our puppies with loving homes where they can live happy lives.

Rita’s experience

  • About Rita

    I’ve had dogs as house pets all my life. I’ve always planned to have a breeding business upon retirement and it’s time to start living this dream. I also run a small dog boarding and PlayCare business, Mentone Minis. You can find my business on Google and Facebook.

  • What makes Rita’s program special

    We’ve consulted with quality breeders of home-run breeding programs to learn before we opened our business. I’ve studied the "Puppy Culture" method and learned how to socialize and train puppies from an early age. Having once experienced an unhealthy puppy we bought from a backyard breeder, I'm serious about producing the healthiest puppies possible, researching the genetics and pedigrees of all dogs in my breeding program (and stud dogs as well). My desire is to preserve the Miniature Schnauzer AKC breed standard, producing strong and healthy puppies. Potential owners will be interviewed to ensure my puppies are placed in appropriate homes where their best care will be a priority.

  • Rita is a member of a club

    American Miniature Schnauzer Club

  • Rita’s certifications & recognitions

    Puppy Culture Breeder, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T.

Getting a puppy from Rita

Rita has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.

Price

Puppy prices range from $1,500 - $2,000 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.

“The price range variables are based on the body coloring, the coat thickness, and eye color. This price will include deworming and age-appropriate shots, AKC registration, puppy socialization, and a 1 year health guarantee. Free microchipping is available. Deposits will be accepted from approved buyers to hold a puppy until the go-home age of 8 weeks.”

Contract and health guarantee

Rita may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Rita offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rita directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What's included

Enrichment and socialization

Our puppies are well adjusted to a home environment with other dogs. We give them early desensitization handling, play with them daily and introduce them to various sounds and textures to help stimulate learning and prevent fear reflexes. I utilize the following enrichment methods: nail trimming, brushing and clipper intro , Introduction to Grooming Table, outside play, They will be started on crate training, potty training(outside), basic obedience such as sit, wait, down and leash exposure. , Crate training, started on potty training. Collar trained., Touch, pets, and kisses are encouraged during human socialization., bathing, Confidence building, eye contact, and general initial potty training., Recall training, Puppy Culture, Noise desensitization, Sit Command, Early Socialization, Puppy Pads, Outdoors (when Weather permits), Touch Desensitization, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, and Socialized with Adult Dogs.

Puppy health practices

All puppies are dewormed, vaccinated, and taken to my vet for a health check before leaving our home.

Extras

We send our puppies home with Blanket with Littermates' and Mom's scents, Microchip, Food Starter Bag, Certificate of Health, and AKC Registration.

Bringing your puppy home

Rita offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.

Pick up your puppy in Mentone, AL or nearby

If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.

“Come visit me in beautiful Mentone atop Lookout Mountain. There are bed and breakfast opportunities as well as several cabins and homes to rent for your visit. See DeSoto State Park and DeSoto Falls and Little River Canyon. I am willing to meet within 2 hours drive.”

Get your puppy dropped off to you

Work with a trusted transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at a meeting point close to home.

More about Rita

  • Why Rita started breeding

    My father trained and bred bird dogs so I grew up in that environment. I’ve always planned to have a dog business of my own. My husband totally supports and helps me with this and we run a quality small business, loving on our dogs as family.

  • Rita has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years

    Rita was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.

  • Rita’s program includes one color

    Rita’s Miniature Schnauzer puppies are black and silver. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Rita’s links

Rita is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Mentone Minis meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Parent health testing

Miniature Schnauzer

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

Mentone Minis reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Miniature Schnauzers.

  • Cardiac Evaluation , Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)

    Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.

  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

    A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.

  • OFA/CHIC DNA Repository, Full Embark Panel

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).