Fran M.

Fran, thanks for the nice ping. We can't live without Goldens!

The males get 15" to 17" 40lbs or so, females slightly less.

Not much shedding from the Schnauzer. Hope this helps.

I am getting a Standard Schnauzer. It's nickname is "the dog with a 'human brain'."

The schnauzer is a medium-sized dog, hypoallergenic, and very intelligent. It needs excercise, socialization and quality time spent with it in order to reach it's potential and be happy and content.

I've done quite a bit of research on this breed and I have to say for me, that is the type of person I am, this is the dog for me. I am looking for a companion animal; a pet that will be my pet and not the other way around. This dog got rave reviews from a vet friend of ours who told us that we will really enjoy this animal as a pet.

There are Standard Schnauzers and Minis (who have a lot of health problems because they are inter-bred w/each other). I prefer the standard because there are less health problems and they are not as "hyper" as the Mini. Yet the Standard stays in his "puppy stage" a little longer than most dogs which is a downside with some people.

The best advise I can give you is to select the temperment/energy level, and not the breed per se. Cesar Millan "The Dog Whisperer" tells people this and it is sound advice. Don't pick a dog because it is "cute," etc. Pick it because its energy level, temperment, matches yours. The Standard fits me to a tee.

Fran, I just saw your ping to me on March 7th. That is to weird. It sure is a small world. I sent you a friend request.

thank you for the acceptance of friendship, fran!