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Should we get a Schnauzer?
I would like to get a dog soon, but our youngest son is only 19 mo, so
I guess it is better to wait a year or two. On the other hand a dog companion would be nice to have around when my husband is away. Therefore we don't want a small dog. We live on the countryside, no neighbours and no roads nearby, but a lot of deer, hares etc. A hunting dog would not be a good idea?! I do have time for dog walking and training every day, - unless the kids are sick or something like that. The breeds I have considered are the following: 1)Standard Schnauzer, because I had a mini before and I like the personality, the looks and the non-shedding. I understand they require a lot of education time, and are not recommended for young children. But if we manage to get the right female puppy and REALLY teach the children how to behave around the dog ...?! 2) Soft coated wheaten terrier.Supposedly better with children, I have never met one . I don't like the silky coat so much. What are Terriers like compared to Schnauzers? 3) Catalan sheepdog. I like the looks (like berger de pyrenees), and the descriptions sound nice, but what are herding dogs like compared to Schnauzers? Restless? Or is the one and only dog to get a Labrador or Golden Retriever? Any other ideas? Thank you Irene |
#2
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First off, good for you for researching your breeds So many people
don't do that and end up with a dog that is not compatible with their lifestyle. Secondly, yes it is very important to teach children how to treat dogs. IMO, any breed will do well with a well behaved child. I don't know of any breed whose breed standard says "Absolutely hates children" Terrriers and Schnauzers have similar traits, but I believe Schnauzers may be a bit less "driven" then most of the hardwired Terriers. SCWT's, if you get a well bred one, are very nice dogs. Standard Schnauzers are also very nice dogs, I don't see as many of them as I do the Mini's. Herding breeds are in a whole 'nother relm. They need a job to do, period, are very active and definetly need an owner who can give them proper outlets. They tend to like to herd things, which can be annoying to playing children But if you keep them right, they are also great dogs. Whatever breed you choose, make sure you buy from a reputable breeder, not a petstore or a byb. You might even want to check out breed rescue, although I don't think you will find the Catalan Sheedog Good luck! |
#3
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Irene" wrote in message
om... I would like to get a dog soon, but our youngest son is only 19 mo, so I guess it is better to wait a year or two. On the other hand a dog companion would be nice to have around when my husband is away. Therefore we don't want a small dog. We live on the countryside, no neighbours and no roads nearby, but a lot of deer, hares etc. A hunting dog would not be a good idea?! I do have time for dog walking and training every day, - unless the kids are sick or something like that. The breeds I have considered are the following: 1)Standard Schnauzer, because I had a mini before and I like the personality, the looks and the non-shedding. I understand they require a lot of education time, and are not recommended for young children. But if we manage to get the right female puppy and REALLY teach the children how to behave around the dog ...?! Standard Schnauzers are not larger Miniature Schnauzers. Its a common mistake and one I made which caused me to study them some more. If you like the personality, energy level and trainability of the Miniature then you aren't likely to find the same in a Standard. Besides them not being recommended for homes with young children (due to being very physical and energetic) *or* someone who isn't a very dominant leader (due to being very strong willed with a tendancy to try and rule the house) they tend toward dog and other animal aggression. There's a pretty good website that gives a little more detail on breeds than you'll find at AKC or even some breed club sites. http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/rev...chnauzers.html http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/rev...chnauzers.html -- Tara |
#4
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"Irene" wrote in message om... 1)Standard Schnauzer, because I had a mini before and I like the personality, the looks and the non-shedding. I understand they require a lot of education time, and are not recommended for young children. But if we manage to get the right female puppy and REALLY teach the children how to behave around the dog ...?! The standard Schnauzers that I know are serious working dogs. They can be goofy and playful but they are definitely not a dog for an inexperienced owner. Overall, I like the breed but they may not be right for your situation. Their personalities are vastly different from the minis. Why are you not considering another mini - size? 2) Soft coated wheaten terrier.Supposedly better with children, I have never met one . I don't like the silky coat so much. What are Terriers like compared to Schnauzers? Definitely meet some before considering this breed. Most that I have met are not well bred, as they have become a "yuppie - status symbol - fad" breed and poor examples with bad temperaments are the norm. Terriers in general are independent dogs that are high energy. This in combination with country living is a bad idea, unless you have a fenced yard and are willing to put time into training and exercising. On their own, they will find things to relieve their boredom (as will any dog, actually.) 3) Catalan sheepdog. I like the looks (like berger de pyrenees), and the descriptions sound nice, but what are herding dogs like compared to Schnauzers? Restless? Not familiar with this breed, and I don't think it is found in the US. Herding breeds in general are high energy and need a job. Or is the one and only dog to get a Labrador or Golden Retriever? Any other ideas? Of the five breeds that you mentioned, all will need training and regular exercise, and you will need to teach dog manners to your child no matter what. Labs and Goldens are popular, and they are more resilient and harder to "ruin" than many breeds, but definitely have their pros and cons, as will any breed. Since shedding seems to be one of your concerns, remember that dogs that don't shed will have to have coat care beyond normal brushing, and will probably need regular trips to the groomers. Christy |
#5
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We have both a Soft-coated wheaten and a (miniature) schnauzer. I would
choose the soft-coated in your circumstance - bigger, more protective BARK but a big softie, more likely to let a child have its way. Just a wonderful breed. Terrier Pines On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 04:09:58 -0500, Irene wrote (in article ) : The breeds I have considered are the following: 1)Standard Schnauzer, because I had a mini before and I like the personality, the looks and the non-shedding. I understand they require a lot of education time, and are not recommended for young children. But if we manage to get the right female puppy and REALLY teach the children how to behave around the dog ...?! 2) Soft coated wheaten terrier.Supposedly better with children, I have never met one . I don't like the silky coat so much. What are Terriers like compared to Schnauzers? 3) Catalan sheepdog. I like the looks (like berger de pyrenees), and the descriptions sound nice, but what are herding dogs like compared to Schnauzers? Restless? Or is the one and only dog to get a Labrador or Golden Retriever? Any other ideas? Thank you Irene |
#6
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Thank you for your insights!
Ok, the herding dogs are ruled out. The only job to do around here is jogging, cycling, playing and guarding our house. I plan on attending obedience classes. Who knows, maybe agility is fun, I have never tried that. I am not a dog-sport-fanatic (yet, who knows). A mini Schnauzer is too small, because I also want the dog to be able protect us in the unlikely case of some moron coming all the way to our remote house. At the very least it should *sound* protective. Of course it should be nice to our guests and, most important, to our kids and their friends. And I think a Standard Schnauzer could do this job. Actually, first I thought about a Giant Schnauzer, but then we would have to buy a bigger car first. BUT: The first and only Standard I have met so far was a *very* energetic young male, and I will definitely look at more Standards to find out if they also come in a little more mellow version. Is it true that the black ones are friendlier? Can you tell the puppies' personality in the litter? If the only problem with Schnauzers and children is that the kids get thrown over sometimes while playing, I think, that is something we can live with. We are not allergic to dog-hair, so that is not a must. It is just a nice feature, which my MIL (future dog-sitter) would greatly appreciate. And one question about the SCWT: _Could they be just shaved twice a year? Irene, still looking for alternatives to the Lab |
#8
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Irene wrote: Thank you for your insights! Ok, the herding dogs are ruled out. The only job to do around here is jogging, cycling, playing and guarding our house. I plan on attending obedience classes. Who knows, maybe agility is fun, I have never tried that. I am not a dog-sport-fanatic (yet, who knows). A mini Schnauzer is too small, because I also want the dog to be able protect us in the unlikely case of some moron coming all the way to our remote house. At the very least it should *sound* protective. Of course it should be nice to our guests and, most important, to our kids and their friends. And I think a Standard Schnauzer could do this job. Actually, first I thought about a Giant Schnauzer, but then we would have to buy a bigger car first. BUT: The first and only Standard I have met so far was a *very* energetic young male, and I will definitely look at more Standards to find out if they also come in a little more mellow version. Is it true that the black ones are friendlier? Can you tell the puppies' personality in the litter? If the only problem with Schnauzers and children is that the kids get thrown over sometimes while playing, I think, that is something we can live with. We are not allergic to dog-hair, so that is not a must. It is just a nice feature, which my MIL (future dog-sitter) would greatly appreciate. And one question about the SCWT: _Could they be just shaved twice a year? Irene, still looking for alternatives to the Lab I have never seen a "mellow" standard schnauzer. I have a friend that's had several, and they've all been pretty hyper/playful most of their lives. My friend does have three children, and they get on great with the dog. I, on the other hand, love my mixed breed. He was a "breeder accident" - half black lab, half rottweiler. He was a bit hyper as a pup, but mellowed by his 2nd birthday, he's protective of the yard and the children, and only barks when strangers come on our property. He does "herd" my kids - or he did, when they were younger - which isn't a bad thing, to me. The only bad is that he sheds like there's no tomorrow...even with regular brushing. But he's 10 years old, and the vet doesn't see why he won't live another 7 or 8 years! I think larger dogs are actually better for small kids - they learn not to fear dogs, but also how important it is to train dogs. You have to be committed to training the dog - or going to training with the dog, however. Chickeyd |
#9
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"Orchid" wrote:
snip Yes, I did just have a 'groomed twice a year' SCWT come into my shop yesterday, why do you ask? Doncha love those? Twice a year whether they need it or not. -- -Andrea Stone Saorsa Basenjis http://home1.gte.net/res0s12z/ |
#10
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At the very least it should *sound* protective. Of
course it should be nice to our guests and, most important, to our kids and their friends. And I think a Standard Schnauzer could do this job. Yes, Standard Schnauzer are excellent watchdogs. They not only "sound" protective, they also have the attitude and the will to back it up. Any stranger that put a toe in your house will face a barking, growling dog in his way that will discourage any unwanted visitor. On the other way, they're nice with your guests. You also have to know that, for a Standard Schnauzer, "being nice" actually mean "not barking, growling or jumping at someone". It doesn't mean that they will be playful with stranger or let your guests pet them, unless it's someone that come very often to your house and that the dog knows well.. Also note that many SS will not let even a friend enter your house if you're not there... Many peoples make the mistake of thinking a SS is a funny, friendly and playful terrier, which a SS isn't. Their personnality is much more closer to a rottweiler, dobberman, GSD and, evidently, giant schnauzer than anything else. Simply put, a fierce guarddog in a small package. And, for their size, they're quite strong. Without training, a adult SS can really drag you all around the town on their leash. And, as with the other breeds named above, obedience training is mandatory and not optionnal. The first and only Standard I have met so far was a *very* energetic young male, and I will definitely look at more Standards to find out if they also come in a little more mellow version. Well, even a relatively mellow SS will be quite energetic and active in comparison to other dogs, particularly in their puppyhood. However, with a lot of daily exercise, this can be manageable. By "a lot of daily exercise", I mean at least two 30 min. walk a day and a play session where the dog can run as much as he wants (chasing the ball, frisbee, "catch-me-if-you-can"...). If the only problem with Schnauzers and children is that the kids get thrown over sometimes while playing, I think, that is something we can live with. In part, yes, SS play hard and rough. If they were human, they surely all want to be football players, if you see what I mean... Another concern I have with children is with SS puppies. A SS puppy can quite easily become overexcited in play and hurt a small children by accident. SS puppy not only play for fun, they basically play to win the game. So, play with small children must be under close supervision of an adult. It's true for any dogs but particularly so for SS. |
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