Well, papers do matter because they cost around $200.
So some breeders, "the not so reputable ones", will not register their dogs and that way lower their cost and price. People who just want the cheapest dog will think they got a good deal even though that dog may not be of good quality.
When does it cost $200? Charlie and Strider's papers only cost $30 each to send in, and then they gave us a gift certificate for dog supplies. And then, the breeder didn't pay for the registration. As the new owners we did.
Anyway, here is the link for mini schnauzer rescue. Right now they have a TON of beautiful dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston 1-Looking for Homes
The benefit to paying the bit extra to get one from a reputable breeder is having the health screenings done. If the folks who put Salty and Pepper together because they'll make cute schnauzer babies and sell them for $100 in the paper haven't done any health testing, and you get one, how are you going to pay the vet bills to correct luxating patella, or siezure meds every month should problems arise?
One way to go about getting the money is to just put way $20 a month. Since you don't know of anyone with puppies right now anyway, you can start saving. That way, if you know you can come up with $300 on the spot you only need to save up a little bit more. It's very doable, that's how we paid for my husbands dog and the dumb little guy was $1100.
Totally worth every penny though. He, and his parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts uncles etc. are all totally screened for every health problem and in the OFA database with excellent scores. The peace of mind knowing that we most likely won't be dealing with the heartbreak of chronic and crippling diseases, and the money saved is well worth it. And he came microchipped too.
ETA: something else to keep in mind, is whether a breeder charging $300 and less is worming and vaccinating the puppies. If not, that is another expense you will have to shoulder.