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!