The Search is On

Once I decided a Standard Schnauzer was the breed for me, selecting the right breeder was the logical next step. My search began last March and I soon found out finding a Standard Schnauzer that met everything on my wish list wasn't going to be easy. 

Standard Schnauzers come in two colors - pepper and salt (gray) or black. Some have docked tails and cropped ears. Others have natural tails, but cropped ears. And still others have natural ears and natural tails. The breed standard allows all of those combinations. After looking at lots of photos, I knew I wanted a black Standard Schnauzer with both a natural tail and natural ears. It turned out to be a rather tall order. 

Standard Schnauzers in general are not always easy to find since they are not bred in great numbers. In fact, during my research I found there are only about 500 new Standard Schnauzers registered with the AKC each year. In addition, black is not the most popular of the two colors. 

The SSCA breeders' list currently includes 59 breeders. Only 11 breed black, exclusively. I emailed the breeders closest to me and filled out numerous puppy applications. The best breeders don't breed often and they typically have a waiting list of interested people. It became obvious; I wouldn't be bringing home a puppy anytime soon.

In April, I found a black-only Standard Schnauzer breeder. After checking her website I noticed both her dogs had natural ears and tails. Even though she was located on the other side of the country, I decided to reach out. At her invitation, I called her after submitting a puppy application.

She answered all of my questions and provided lots of good information -- including many things I hadn't thought to ask. I asked her to put me on her list. She planned to breed her female, Gypsy, that spring when she went into season. In the meantime, we continued to talk, as well as exchange text messages and emails. 

The wait was longer than anyone anticipated. As the weeks, and then months, ticked by, I considered a couple of other litters that had recently been born. However, the puppies’ tails had already been docked which generally happens just a couple of days after birth. Even though both of those breeders were also on the breeders' list and considerably closer, I wouldn't be getting a puppy with a natural tail. So, I continued to wait. 

Ultimately, the inevitable happened. Gypsy went into season and was bred in early July. Five black Standard Schnauzer puppies were born on September 4 (only four pictured in the photo below). And one of them would be mine! 

Who's Next?

I will always have a dog. So, after losing Reacher to bone cancer early last year and Vega fast approaching 13, I decided to begin the search for my next four-legged companion. 

I decided I should downsize when choosing my next dog to make any future lifting easier. I was also interested in a breed that would excel in dog sports which I planned to pursue. In additon, little to no shedding was a must-have for me. I've been living with a German "Shedder" for a dozen years and counting. Boxers also shed a good bit even though their coat is shorter, so I was determined to find a breed that would allow me to cut WAY DOWN on vacuuming.  

A dog trainer I had worked with in the past considered my wish list and suggested a Standard Schnauzer, the original of the three sizes of schnauzers. According to the Standard Schnauzer Club of America (SSCA), the Standard Schnauzer is a handsome, robust, squarely built medium size breed known as an excellent family companion. The Standard Schnauzer is also outstanding as a working dog excelling in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and therapy. In addition, the coat is harsh and wiry with minimal shedding and is pepper and salt or solid black.

These guys checked all the boxes. 

I happened to discover a couple in my neighborhood who had recently gotten a Standard Schnauzer after previously owning Giants. They invited me over to meet 5-month-old Riley. He was super friendly and excited to meet me, but after about 10 minutes or so he settled down and allowed the humans to have a conversation without interruption. I was impressed. 

Coincidentally, I was acquainted with another woman who had owned German Shepherds most of her life and who had recently chosen a Standard Schnauzer after losing her last Shepherd. She and I trained our dogs together years ago. So, I called her to get a first hand perspective. 

What she told me fit right in with the description I found on the SSCA website: "Like a mishievous and very bright child, they need consistent rules and a firm, but not rough, hand. They will get away with whatever they can and will rule the roost before you know it, if allowed." 

That sounded like a Boxer to me. So, a Standard Schnauzer? No problem.  

Let the search begin!