As we prepare for our next litter of puppies, I’m sharing some of my thoughts about the selection criteria we use when we review applications. There’s so much more to it than simply finding nice people that really want a puppy.

Obviously, we want the best possible fit for each of our puppies such that they live happy, healthy, purposeful lives.  Additionally, we want to ensure we’re helping to grow an ongoing community of dedicated Standard Schnauzer owners that will help the breed thrive well into the future. 

At the most basic level, that means you need to ensure your dog is a well-mannered, well-groomed ambassador of the breed so he or she makes a favorable impression on people.  That’s just responsible dog-ownership.  (And please understand that neither I, nor my dogs, can claim to be perfect examples of good manners – it’s a work in progress.)

Taking it to a higher level, training your dog to perform or compete in sports cultivates wider recognition of the breed’s versatile abilities.  Titles on paper, trophies, and ribbons are great for sustaining a personal sense of satisfaction, but my goal in encouraging you to be involved in dog sports is so that trainers and spectators get to see how smart, agile, and personable this breed is.  That is, I want us all to do our part in growing their fan base.

Make no mistake, competing can be expensive!

Entering a single competition might only cost $20 or $30, but to title in a sport might take 5, 10, 30 entries.  Plus, you will likely have had training before competing, so that’s time and cost.  You will probably travel to events and incur the cost of overnight stays.  When you add it all up, it can be expensive, but it’s an investment that rewards you and your dog with great experiences, a tighter bond, and a network of like-minded friends …plus, there’s ribbons.

Then there’s service and therapy work.  What can be better and more fulfilling than a dog that provides affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement and nursing homes, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with learning difficulties?  Standard Schnauzers can be wary of strangers and a little self-absorbed in their own interests, but they love to train and perform their duties well.  It’s in their nature to excel in this area when given the opportunity.  This, to me, is one of the highest forms of purposeful dog ownership.

Finally, there’s conformation. The big show. The true dog-fanatic’s obsession. This is where we remove our blinders and expose ourselves and our dogs to the judgement of others. Think your dog has perfect structure? Perfect gait? Perfect teeth? Think you can execute every step and every turn perfectly to show-off your dog’s exquisite awesomeness? Does he or she have the genes that should be carried forth in future generations? Well then, come join me in the ring! Let’s make Champions! …plus, you get ribbons!

What about pets, you wonder?  Good, old-fashioned, family-pet dogs?  Yes, Standard Schnauzers are great family pets, but let’s face the fact that family-life has changed in a way that may not make it the best environment for an intelligent, active breed like the Standard Schnauzer.  I loathe the idea that work and school and after-school activities, and overtime, social commitments, and then down-time in front of the TV or computer culminate into robbing the dog of adequate attention and exercise. 

This is a Working Dog breed.  Spending 10 minutes in the yard playing 2 or 3 times a week just isn’t going to be enough.  These dogs need physical and mental stimulation.  A bored Schnauzer can be a real problem. They’re purpose-driven, and if you don’t give them purpose they’re likely to assign themselves some that you may not appreciate.

Would you ever ask a toddler to just sit quietly in a space with no toys for 30 minutes?  How about for 8 or 10 hours?  Now imagine that toyless space has lots of breakable dishes, electric appliances, sharp objects, potted plants, etc.  You may plan to keep your dog “safe” by crating him or containing him in a confined space, but consider what kind of adult would be produced from a child that was raised in solitary confinement. Puppies need crate time, but they don’t need a lot of it because it’s convenient for you.

The point I try to drive with people that tell me they have kids to keep the dog busy is that a house full of kids does not mean that the dog is getting the attention it needs and deserves.  Kid-chaos does not constitute training and exercise for the dog’s mind and body.

Let me just sum-up by suggesting that before you consider applying for one of our Standard Schnauzers, make sure you can convey what you know about the Working Dog mindset; what attracts you to the Standard Schnauzer breed over other breeds; what purpose will it have, and how will you ensure he or she will be successful, happy, and healthy? What do you want to DO with your dog?

…And, of course, will there be ribbons?