We are looking to bring a standard schnauzer into our family, ans would love to hear from others in the know about this breed. Can you help?

Hello Guest
I have a standard who is 12 months old . Wonderful comical dogs in the right enviroment.There are some excellent breeders and the best information can be found at the breed clubs,who have web pages look at the northern schnauzer club and the schnauzer club of GB.Read Standard schnauzer BY Barbra Dille ,the only book available which is available at amazon.Be prepared for a long wait and to travel we had an 8 hour round trip.Make sure you take pup to training lessons and socialise socialise and socialise some more.Be prepared for your training to fall to pieces when pup becomes an adolecent and keep a sence of humour .they are clever,stuborn, mischievous dogs and are creative problem solvers infact my little monkey has just decided ive been on champdogs too long and has taken a bauble off the xmas tree and bought it too me intent on a game off chase.They do best being around there family and are very easy to train when there in the mood, but when they decide its just no fun call it a day .I spent weeks getting mine to hold a dumbell and after yet another session thinking all was lost i put the dumbell down rather frustratedly and the little madam picked it up and bought it to me. They are very versatile dogs mine has an excellent nose so we do some recreational tracking which she adores and she can clear a 5 ft fence no problem .
       Mine gets on well with all dogs from yorkie to wolfhound and will play acordingly.shes excellent with children and cats however some have a strong hunting instinct and although mine was brought up with small furries  her instincts are too ingrained to be trusted with rodents she has also tried to climb trees to catch birds.They do tend to favour one person but will obviously interact with everyone they are a very loyal and playfull breed. 
      Although they dont moult this is no guarantee of an anti allergy dog and you will need to either hand strip or have your dog clipped.Clipping will make the coat soft and the p&s colouring will eventually become solid.
      Good look in your search i have had a wonderful year with my girl and wouldent be without her. speak to the breed clubs they have years of experience behind them and will point you in the right direction of a reputable breeder who will no doubt want your life story but will be there throughout your dogs life to offer sound advise.
  caroline