I'm Tara S., the breeder behind Stearns Mini Schnauzer's Diamonds & Gems located in Plattsmouth, NE. **Stearns Mini Schnauzers** is a small-town dog breeder located in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, specializing in high-quality, AKC-registered Miniature Schnauzers. We are dedicated to raising healthy(Embark Tested), well-socialized puppies in a loving home environment.
Q. & A. with Tara
Why did you start breeding?
We have raised Miniature Schnauzers our entire lives and have a passion for continuing the breed, specifically in Miniatures that carry the "Parti" gene, & Wheaton Rare Reds with Mega Coat.
What makes your program special?
At **Stearns Mini Schnauzers**, our breeding program is built on a foundation of love, care, and a deep commitment to the health and happiness of every puppy we raise.
We offer **AKC registration** with every puppy. All of our puppies will have had their **tails docked, dew claws removed**, been **dewormed**, and received their **first round of puppy shots**.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include wheaten, parti, liver, salt and pepper, and black and silver. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Rolo
Went home
Male
Elvis
Went home
Male
Zelda
Went home
Female
Reese
Went home
Male
Heath
Went home
Male
Amber
Went home
Female
Zara
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Tara
Tara 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 $200 refundable deposit and between $1,000 - $9,799 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Tara 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 Tara 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 Tara directly.
Stearns Mini Schnauzer's Diamonds & Gems 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
Litter and program updates
Tara S.
Litter update on 28 Oct. •
Introducing Our Diamond Rebate Program! 💎
We’re excited to offer our valued puppy buyers an exclusive opportunity to earn rebates toward your dog’s achievements! Even if your puppy isn’t eligible for the show ring due to their rare and beautiful coat colors, they can still participate in titles such as CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and more.
Our Diamond Rebate Program rewards dedication, training, and the joy of celebrating your dog’s milestones. It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of the Stearns Mini Schnauzers family!
For more information and to apply for your titles, visit the AKC Title Application Portal.
AKC.org
Shine bright with your pup and earn your rewards! ✨
…
Apollo and Fancy's litter
Tara S.
Litter update on 06 Sept. •
“Puppies don’t find homes—they find hearts that match their own.”
Apollo and Fancy's litter
Tara S.
Litter update on 05 Sept. •
“Heath” after Bath today, so cute!
Apollo and Fancy's litter
Tara S.
Litter update on 05 Sept. •
“Heath” 7 weeks, 4 days
Apollo and Fancy's litter
Tara S.
Litter update on 05 Sept. •
“Zelda” 7 weeks, 4 days
Apollo and Fancy's litter
Tara S.
Litter update on 23 Aug. •
5 wks 6 days
Apollo and Fancy's litter
Parent dogs
Fancy, mom
Miniature Schnauzer
About Fancy
Meet Stearns’ beautiful dam, Fancy — a breathtaking Miniature Schnauzer with a striking black coat and soft white undercoat, giving her a plush, velvety appearance that’s as elegant as her name. She carries the Parti gene, adding to the richness of her genetics and enhancing the potential for uniquely marked, colorful puppies.
Fancy is the picture of grace and sweetness, with gorgeous doe-like eyes that seem to understand everything around her. Her loving and gentle temperament makes her a natural companion, especially to children. Always close by their side, Fancy is endlessly patient and devoted, often seen quietly following little ones from room to room or sitting attentively as they play.
One of Fancy’s most charming traits is her tolerance and love for affection—she can be dressed up and cuddled like a baby doll without ever causing a fuss. Whether she’s being carried in tiny arms or snuggled into a lap, Fancy simply melts into the moment, happy just to be near.
As a dam, Fancy brings beauty, sweetness, and devotion to her puppies, passing on not just her stunning coat and expressive eyes, but also the calm, affectionate nature that makes her such a treasured part of the Stearns family.
Uploaded health tests
Full Embark Panel.
Parent health testing
Stearns Mini Schnauzer's Diamonds & Gems 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.
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).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Tara to bring home their puppies.
Ashley F.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
Tara is such an amazing person! She’s that genuinely care so much about the animals that she helps bring into this world. She is so involved and incredibly supportive throughout our whole journey of us finding ‘Zara’ aka Bonnie. She and her whole family rise beautiful babies. Keeps up with their health records, they pour a lot of love onto these babies. Not only did I get an amazing cute puppy pal for my other girl, but I got a great friend along the way as well! Which is a bonus that I love! You really can trust your future baby in her hands.
Tasha K.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
Tara and Adrian were so great to work with! They made the entire process super easy and went above and beyond with delivering our new best friend just in time for my daughter’s birthday. I would highly recommend working with them if you’re looking for a sweet pup and a couple that cares so much!
TM
Taryn M.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
Tara was very responsive and always gave me regular updates on my dog. She was super flexible and you could tell she cared a lot about her dogs. Good dogs made it super easy to buy and communicate in order to find my perfect puppy. Overall a very easy and wonderful experience.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.