Mentone Minis
Meet the breeder
I'm Rita C., 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.
Q. & A. with Rita
Why did you start 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.What makes your 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.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are black and silver. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and a kennel on my property.
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.
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 include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,000 - $1,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“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 & 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
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Rita.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Mentone, AL
4605 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Lovell Field
4567 miles away
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More about Rita
Club memberships
Rita is a member of American Miniature Schnauzer Club.
Certifications & recognitions
Puppy Culture Breeder, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T..
Rita has been a member of Good Dog for almost 5 years
Rita was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
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
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).
