Does anyone have a miniature or standard Schnauzer?

[bran]

When we move back to Ireland we will have a garden and I really want have promised DS a dog once we are settled.

I'm trying to decide what breed we should go for. When I was a child we had a much loved and very special golden retriever, but we lived on the edge of the countryside so he had lots of space and I wouldn't like to have one in a suburban setting where he would be on a lead most of the time. After the retriever my parents had a Shi Tzu (aka The Shit) who I never really took to as I prefer a doggier dog.

My requirements are, not nervy, stupid, lazy/floppy or aggressive. I like a dog that doesn't look too pretty and likes a bit of rough and tumble and good long walks up the mountainside, but would also be able to tolerate days when he only gets a couple of 45 min walks on a lead. He can't be too big as the garden is likely to be medium-sized and he would have to be good with children (although I will obviously teach my children to respect the dog I don't want to fear that would bite if the bump him accidently).

Anyway after watching Spaced careful consideration I think a Schnauzer might fit the bill, so I thought I'd seek an expert second opinion and ask you lot. Do you like them? Can you think of any other breed that might be better suited?

TIA

We have a miniature schnauzer but he's only 3 months old! We chose this breed for similar reasons - not too big, average exercise, big breed in a small body, low shedding, not a "toy" dog.

He's great but on reflection I would go for a bigger dog, mainly cos DS is not quite 3 and thinks he's a play thing . I thought a bigger breed would knock him over etc but now realise that he might respect a bigger dog more. He's just got to know my friend's HUGE labradoodle and is much better with him.

Having said that I think he's the right size for DD 5.5. And he does put with anything that DS throws at him (not quite literally)

If you were choosing again do you think you would go for a standard instead of a minature AW?

By the time we are settled enough to take on a puppy DS will be nearly 7 and DD will be 3. DD is a very gentle little thing though, so I'm not worried about her being rough with a dog, although she may try to get him to wear cute hairbands or clips.

Have you thought of a cocker spaniel? We were going to go for a schnauzer but were put off as they can be yappy and now have the most gorgeous blue roan cocker, he has settled in wonderfuly and will walk for england except if it's raining then he won't walk just run in the garden to do his business and then straight back in. Good luck though with whatever you chose it was the best decision we have ever made!

I have a mini - she's very good with kids, can be a bit barky at home, is very loving and very very chilled. She can be a bit lazy, but would easily cope with long walks, and gets a little restless if she doesn't have 2 walks a day but they can be 15 mins and she;'s just as happy as two hours!

I have a friend with a cocker spaniel the same age- lovely dog but very different. In comparison my schnauzer is chilled to the point of lazy, but then this cocker is crazy!

My mini is on the big side of mini - people often think she's a standard.She is very lovely, but not all that lively!

I think I read that the minis have better temperaments than the standards? Hence went for the mini...

A cocker spaniel was also on the list

BTW DS was incredibly gentle with our 2 cats - no tail pulling etc at all - but turned into a demon when the puppy arrived home

I think he has middle child syndrome.

Mumofkyle, I know lots of families who have/have had spaniels of various types and, while they were all lovely dogs, I've never been drawn to owning one. I'm not sure what it is really, they are lovely to cuddle and play with but somehow always a bit daft. I like intelligence. The only exception was a charming and dignified Clumber spaniel, but although his personality was charming I don't like the look of Clumbers. He was also always a bit smelly, even within a few hours of having a bath. Actually all spaniels are a bit droopy and flappy, and they all need quite a lot of brushing.

AW, I wonder if your DS was less gentle with the cats on one occasion that you didn't see and learnt a hissing, clawing lesson?

Interesting that your research showed that minis have better temperaments. All the Schauzers that I've come into contact with have been minis, although that's probably only 3 or 4. They have all been bright and friendly but not pushing into a stranger's personal space.

Entirely possible bran I bought a crate for our puppy but have often been tempted to put DS in it instead...

It wasn't exactly extensive research on minis vs standards - maybe ask on the schnauzer forum for a better informed answer?

They are intelligent little dogs and although Max has his Madmax moments, he is relatively chilled even for a puppy. I've had no dog experience whatsoever but have managed to train him to do a few things already, and we don't start puppy classes til later this week [proud puppy owner emoticon]

Hi we have 2 schnauzers- a salt and pepper ( 18months old) who can be a bit barky when startled and grumpy if woken up, but otherwise is a lovely friendly dog. Our other schnauzer ( also 18 months) is a jet black totally gorgeous laid back, friendly, loving dog. He wants cuddles all the time, loves children and anyone who treats him like a giant teddy. They both like walks, but don't mind if they miss them from time to time (not mad on snow and rain!), but can easily cope with 2 hours on the beach romping along with bigger dogs if given the chance. Would really recommend the breed as a family dog.

I have a friend with a mini schauzer,although quite big for a mini.Lovely dog,very good with the family,doesn't smell etc but can bark for Britain both in house and at other s on a walk!
We have an 8 months cocker,has been great but cockers are quite mouthy as puppies ,he isn't too crazy though ! and has been a cinchj to house train etc .border terrriers also seem very popular here as a family dog.

Thanks everyone. The barking thing is something to think about, although he won't be left in the house alone for very long so hopefully it won't drive the neighbours nuts. I do want a dog that barks a bit, especially when someone comes to the house as I feel more secure knowing that I have a canine early warning system in case of burglers when the family is sleeping.

Do you think they can be trained out of barking when they are out for walks? I'm happy to put time and effort into training but I would like to end up with a dog that is sociable but polite and well-behaved when out in public.

I asked the trainer at our 1st puppy class last night the very same question. She reckons you can. I may be calling upon her 1-to-1 services in a few months.

Our pup does bark a little when walking past strangers/other dogs, but usually stops after a few seconds. The recipient just laughs cos he's just a ball of fluff, hardly scary & threatening!

Trainer has given me some tips already, so working on it now I want a well-behaved sociable dog too.

BTW I'm pretty sure he doesn't bark when he's home alone in his crate (have stood outside & listened)