[Exhaustedbuthapp...]

I am thinking of getting a miniature schnauzer. I am really allergic to dogs but have done a fair bit of research and they seem to be ok for allergy sufferers.

I'd be walking him twice a day for around 40 mins.

My main concern is my indoor only cats and the very boisterous DS2.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has a Schnauzer.

thanks so much

[Jenflea]

I had one as a teenager and they are GREAT dogs! Not too yappy, not horrible little terriers. I'd get one again in a heartbeat if I had a gate and didn't have an old grumpy cat.

[Oriental lily]

Every dog allergy is different.

It's true that some breeds seem to cause less of a reaction than others BUT if you have severe allergy then it's best to do strict pre testing before buying a pup.

Schnauzers are known for being lovely little companions. They can be a bit stand offish with strangers but love their families.

If socialIzed early and raised with cats a schnauzer should be fine with cats.
Regarding the 2 year old. I don't believe they are to boisterous but you wil need to train them both to respect one another.



Good luck.

[Stellajoy]

My family has always had a pair of mini schnauzers , they are lovely dogs.

I wouldn't worry about the cats, cats tend to teach puppies who is boss pretty quickly.

I don't think you would regret it, but as PP said be aware you could still have an allergic reaction to them.

The only other downside is grooming. I'd highly reccomend investing in some good clippers and learning how to do them yourself to save costly trips to the groomer.

[Exhaustedbuthapp...]

Well, I've definitely decided on a Miniature Schnauzer.

Now my choice is between a puppy or a 4 year old show champion.

I love the idea of raising a puppy, but with the older dog, all the training and hard work is done.

what do others think?

thanks

[indigo~]

My mum has had 3 mini schnauzers and all were/are lovely family dogs. I had a Burmese that would spend time at mum's and they all got along fine once the dogs understood the cat was the boss!

The current schnauzer is a rehomed ex-breeder that she got when it was 7yo. It's become apparent that she's not at all great around small children.

If it were me, I would go with the puppy so that she/he is socialised around kids (with supervision of course).

Agree with PP about learning to clip them yourselves; you'll save a tonne of money if you have the time.

[tenar]

I would only go the 4yo dog if you know he/she has been well socialised to the kinds of things he/she will encounter in your daily life. For example toddlers, cafes, parks with other dogs, whatever.

That said, my mini schnauzer was 10 when I had DD1 and 12 when I had DD2 and I was totally suprised to find that she is great with little kids (in the tolerates them and then moves away, no hint of aggression ever way). She had no exposure to babies or toddlers when young and I had not expected it to be so easy.

Great dogs!

[*CalamityJane*]

I would assess the 4yo's temperament and if he fits in with your family then take him over a puppy. I say that because my mum bought a mini schnauzer pup who has turned out to be the complete opposite of everything mini schnauzers are supposed to be. He's anxious, yappy and a PITA. It's no fault of the breeder, just his obnoxious personality combined with total spoilage on the part of my mother.

[FiveAus]

I have taken on two dogs at age 4 and 5 and the one thing I noticed with both of them is that it took months for them to really show their true nature, whereas the puppies took days. That's not to say its a negative though, it's just something to be aware of.

[Exhaustedbuthapp...]

Hmm, I’m swinging back more towards the puppy. I spent nearly two hours with the breeder last night and got a good feel for the temperament of her dogs. She does a lot of work in the Schnauzer owners community, including bi monthly picnics and lessons on grooming.

My heart is taken with the phrase ‘he’s a dear thing’ with the older dog, but he may well not attach as well to me as to his current owner.

Not a decision to make easily