IS THIS THE BREED FOR YOU?

From those who hold this breed close to their hearts you will hear them say that the Standard Schnauzer is the perfect dog. A dog who is their constant companion, their soul mate, the dog with the human brain. These people make them sound so perfect, and believe me, they are, to the right owner!

What type of person do you need to be? The Standard Schnauzer is a versatile dog. He can suit the single person who wants an active, fun dog who will be a great friend. His ability to be a family member amongst young families is one of his great attributes. His fondness and kindness towards young children is an endearing quality and his ability to know when they need his protection. The older retired couple or person who is looking for a dog who will protect them and their home and give them constant companionship falls well into the Standard Schnauzers capabilities. However, be warned, the Standard Schnauzer with his sharp intelligence can soon pick up your weaknesses and if allowed will rule the household. To live with a Standard Schnauzer, one needs to be made of strong character, know how to set the rules and to carry those rules through. The Standard Schnauzer responds well to knowing that he has a loving, but strong leader, who he can rely on and to whom he will give his devotion and loyalty.

The Standard Schnauzer is a stylish dog, but with that style comes a non-shed coat and he needs an owner who is prepared to give his time to keeping the coat trimmed and clean. A well groomed Standard Schnauzer does not shed and does not have a doggy odor. While it takes time to groom your dog, it is not hard to learn, and there is nothing more rewarding than doing the grooming yourself and has the benefit of a tidy dog always. Another benefit of a well groomed Standard Schnauzer is that he can certainly attract a crowd, and wherever you go with your dog, you will know you won’t be alone for long as people cannot help themselves, but to ask you about your Standard Schnauzer. This certainly can have its benefits, for those single people out there, you will know what I mean, and older folk who like someone to chat with, just go sit in the park or walk down the street and you won’t be short of people to talk with!.

The Standard Schnauzer loves companionship and being with his people is his favorite thing. He will demand your attention and will go out of his way to make your life unbearable if you do not give your time to him. He loves nothing better than to be with you every moment of the day and night and although it is not always possible for him to be with you, whether you have left him for a short few minutes or an entire day, he will greet you with the same excited enthusiasm on your return. The Standard Schnauzer is not a dog to be left continually outdoors. He is a great dog indoors as he has the ability to curl up into a small area out the way, where he can just keep you in his sights.

The Standard Schnauzer does well in obedience and many gain high honors in this sport. It is recommended that all Standard Schnauzers have some obedience training which will help both you and your dog understand each other and the games Schnauzers play!

Standard Schnauzers need room to run and play. He can live in small homes and town houses, but in such cases his owner must be prepared to take him daily for a walk and fun in the park. Many Standard Schnauzers love water and will swim in rivers, lakes and the ocean. Some Schnauzers drive their owners to distraction in hot weather by playing in their water bowls and those who have water bowls inside often do a great job of washing the owner’s floor!

As previously mentioned the Standard Schnauzer can be the perfect dog with the right owner. Before you get a Standard Schnauzer you should spend time with the breeders and try and meet other people who own the breed as pets. Go to your local obedience school and you may get to meet owners there. Ask the breeders if you can get to meet not just their show dogs, but if they can arrange for you to meet their pet puppies and their owners.

Do not be in a hurry for a puppy as that is when mistakes are made. Do your research well. Make sure that you like and get on well with the breeder you are going to get your pup from. If you feel tense and unsure around the breeder and do not feel you will be comfortable with them going back to ask questions after you have your pup, seek out other breeders. Remember to look at the adult dogs that a breeder has as, remember, your pup is coming from that family. If you do not like the type or temperament of those dogs, then again seek out breeders and further dogs before you make your mind up. If you find a breeder or breeders that you like be prepared to wait for them to have a puppy for you. Waiting a short few months is nothing compared to 12 years or more life of regret if you buy the wrong pup, just because you wanted one now. Remember they are living creatures and are not kept on the shelf in the warehouse. This breed , and the right puppy for you, is worth waiting for. With his sharp intelligence, lively spirit, courageous guardian of home and family, loving and constant companion, if you are strong in character, like to have fun, have time to devote to your dog and to have him as your friend, then you will have chosen well………A STANDARD SCHNAUZER.