If you had told me 7 years ago that I would have a miniature Schnauzer and that I would absolutely adore the breed I would have laughed at you. I wouldn’t have believed you. My in laws have had a Schnauzer in their house for as long as I’ve known them. They have had some rotten luck over the years and several of their dogs have had some very serious health issues. This soured my opinion of the breed. My Jack Russell Terrier outlived I believe 5 or 6 of their Schnauzers but the JRT is more or less a breed that is tough as nails.

Enter Reilly. Their most recent Schnauzer Reilly was hands down a fantastic ambassador for the breed. He just wouldn’t accept it if you didn’t like him. I have never seen a dog so in tune with his family. He was fun loving, friendly and a truly sweet dog. He just wanted one thing, to be near and to please his family. I’d rather not talk about the details because it’s heart breaking so I’ll just say last summer Reilly passed away suddenly and completely unexpectedly. What shocked me was how much I missed the bearded little dude. To say my in laws were devastated would be a gross understatement but it also hit me harder than I expected.

Eventually my in laws, being true die hard Schnauzer fans for life began to search for a Schnauzer puppy to begin to help mend the hole in their hearts. An idea popped into my head. At first it seemed crazy, my wife didn’t believe me when I said “what if we got a puppy too?”. The more I thought about it the more it seemed like good timing. The two puppies would get to grow up together and play and my kids would get to finally get that dog they had been wanting for a long time.

We were on somewhere around day 220 of 15 days to flatten the curve when I got into my car and drove the the middle of nowhere Virginia to pick up our new family member. I hadn’t made up my mind quick enough so missed out on the litter my in laws dog came from but as luck would have it a few weeks later a salt and pepper male came available. Even on the drive to the farm I wasn’t sure I had made the right decision.

When the breeder (the same breeder where Reilly came from) handed me a tiny salt and pepper Schnauzer and I got to see him for the first time my reservations and uncertainty about the decision began to dissipate. One of the few benefits of the lock down last year as well as my work situation is that I have an abundance of time to spend with a dog.

It’s been a little over four months so far and I am loving my new shadow. He follows me EVERYWHERE and freaks out if I leave the house without him. Maverick aka Ghost Rider aka NO-NO-BAD DOG! has exceeded my expectations. I’ve never seen a dog that wanted to please it’s owner more than Maverick. He is intelligent like a JRT but he is waaaaaay more obedient. The energy level is manageable especially compared to a Jack Russell.

Here’s a pic of Maverick looking shaggy.



And another pic after we gave him a haircut. It’s neat how his fur changes color in some areas as it grows out.



Do we have any Schnauzer fans here?

Our breed of choice has been Australian Shepherds and like any other, there were some genetic health problems in some. A good breeder would be very careful, but that wasn't a guarantee.
In recent years genetic tests are available for relatively low cost to anyone.
The dog we have now came with extensive records back through great grandparent level that can pick up most of these.
I wouldn't even consider a pure breed without this type of documentation today.
We recently got a pound dog that was mostly two different breeds and I had one of those done on her. Fortunately her DNA looks really good.

Maverick is a very handsome boy.

Your story also sounds similar to mine. My wife wanted to "look at" a rescue dachshund. I knew what "looking at" meant and of course he came home with us.

I also never expected to be a dachshund owner let alone a lover of the breed. Here I am 20 years later and we still have a dachshund. Our "Ollie" says welcome to your "maverick"!

Stick,

Maverick is a great looking dog! Coincidentally, we are picking-up our Schnauzer pup this Saturday.



His name is Ivan. A temporary name by the breeder, but it stuck with us. We are excited!

Todd

My two dogs are sisters from the same litter. I'm glad I got them both as my thought was they would keep each other company. I plan to continue getting two sisters the next time around.

Great dog and glad to hear - family has had Schnauzers and they are a great dog, just a bit smaller. We have had Rhodesian Ridgebacks and love the breed and our dogs, but frankly too many health issues with both. We adopted a black mouth cur - small for us at 55 lbs - but he has turned out to be the best dog. Interesting change too because he is definitely my kids dog but he listens to me better than anyone else in house. Have never had to raise my voice but unlike the ridgebacks, he is not “my” dog.

I couldn't agree more. If you would have told me I would have an 8lb dog a few years ago I would have told you that you have lost your mind.

I have always had big dogs and always believed that all little dogs are yippie and high strung. I know one thing I will never have a shedding dog again.

I realize your current dog is always your favorite but this little girl has just found a way into our hearts like no other.

I'm not sure if it's because smaller dogs get handled a lot more or maybe because she has a huge personality. I don't know and don't care because she's awesome.

I think it really just shows how awesome dogs are in general. Every dog thread shows owners with all different kinds of dogs who love and think their dog is the worlds best. For sure they are all correct.

I'm on the other side of this debate.

When I was 9 years old, my Dad got me a 100 pound labrador retriever to go with me when I walked the woods outside Fairbanks every day. He was supposed to buy me time to get away if a bear or wolf attacked.

Now, many, many years later I still only have labrador Retrievers. I've had quite a few over the years.

Those are cute pups. We like all dogs, but prefer 100+# Rotties.

Congrats on your new family addition. He's a handsome little guy. My girl Bella is a little over eight years old and still has the energy of a puppy. I would have never thought a pup could bring so much joy. She's my shadow and freaks just like your pup when I get out of her sight. She's a quiet girl...only barking when she gets really excited or frightened. I'm looking for another...hopefully from a rescue to keep her company.

You all have gorgeous pups, thanks for sharing.

Great looking dogs everyone!

phxtoad, Ivan looks very similar to my in laws Schnauzer. He’s a good looking little dude!

I forgot to post up a pick of super dog. One of my biggest regrets in life was having my beautiful and unbelievably healthy JRT neutered.

The life jacket was put on him as a joke for a pic, he tolerated it just long enough to take the picture. That JRT just loved being on a boat.

Maverick is a handsome boy!

My neighbor growing up had a couple of Miniature Schnauzers. They were so cool.

I'm an Aussie person, having full blooded or mixed over the years. Love me some Aussies!



My little girl Ahyoka Star.

ARman

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
Those are cute pups. We like all dogs, but prefer 100+# Rotties.

Wish I could be you, I loved my Rotties, my wife isn't an animal person, I love them all, even her!