Hi there,  Would anyone be able to advise me on a suitable breed  for a new dog owner.  I have a preference for Schnauzers (not the miniature, too small) and the owners I have spoken to all rave about the breed. I am aware that they are biased and would appreciate non owners and owners views.  Are they easy to train for a beginner like me?  Are they friendly and relatively gentle?  I dont want a guard dog just a family pet.  I have two children 10 and 13 so I am looking for an all round family dog that doesn't bark too much, doesn't jump up at everyone all the time and is good witho ther dogs.  The dog must not moult which led me to Schnauzers which I now absolutely love the look of but are they the dog for me?    Thanks

There was one at the training i go to, it learnt really fast. great with people but could be snappy with bigger dogs, that might just of been this perticular one though. Id of thought aslong as you socialise your pups well you should be fine.

Hi there

The only thing you can be guaranteed with in this case is that your preferred breed won't moult.  If you want a dog that doesn't bark, doesn't jump up on people and gets on with other dogs, you'll have to socialise and train it well!  Unfortunately, a lot of people think that puppies and dogs come ready trained!!  I am sure that anybody on this forum will tell you that that is far from the case.   As for the breed.  I know a few and they appear to be lovely dogs.  What about contacting the breed club.  You will get their telephone number from The Kennel Club.  Hope this helps.