[mickeymaus]

Hello everyone. Firstly, I apologize for the misleading title, but it is technically correct. I have been around pups all of my life, well, those owned by my household anyway. However, I feel that I am finally ready to have a dog which I am the momma of, and not one of my sibling's/parents. I don't truly agree that "ownership" is the correct term but for the sake of generality I'm using it.

As of to date, I have been carefully planning on getting a dog. Try four years of planning to be exact. I enjoy lists and keeping note of everything and my research has led me to the dog of my dreams; a miniature Schnauzer. However, black-on-white research in this case isn't always as effective as personal opinions.

So, what do I need to know about this specific breed? What food works best (from South Africa, bear in mind) for their digestion, what is the general structure of their anatomy and what can I do to benefit that (i.e. toys, tricks to avoid teaching, etc.). Also, is he a highly trainable breed? I am aware of his intelligence, but does he has the "knack" to be taught?

Furthermore, any other tips would truly help.

Thanks so much

 

[mathilda]

the schnauzers I met until now were very intelligent and not bad learners, but had their own head, so they perhaps not as easily trained as other breeds. It also dpends on the individual dog of course.
with food it depends... a lot of people say giving raws and cooking yourself is the healthiest, but I think feeding high quality pre-made food is also okay.
I don't know what kind of dog food brands you've got in South Africa though.

did you really just called yourself the mother of a dog?

 

[mickeymaus]

the schnauzers I met until now were very intelligent and not bad learners, but had their own head, so they perhaps not as easily trained as other breeds. It also dpends on the individual dog of course.
with food it depends... a lot of people say giving raws and cooking yourself is the healthiest, but I think feeding high quality pre-made food is also okay.
I don't know what kind of dog food brands you've got in South Africa though.

did you really just called yourself the mother of a dog?

Thanks for your input, although I have considered a raw diet, I simply do not have the skills or know-how required for dogs but I'll do some more research. My cat was on a strict supplemented raw chicken and beef diet,and I do know that from a scrawny 0.7kg stray she stabilized to a healthy 4kg cat within 5 months.

Yes, no illusion, I really just called myself a mother of a dog...but hey, sure beats not being able to have kids

 

[Grabby]

I like them. I'd suggest spending some time with any breed before making a decision. Choosing a breed based on research on the internet and the opinions of others can be risky. Getting to know a breed by going to shows and meeting breeders is much more likely to provide the information to help you make a good choice on your first dog.

They are intelligent dogs. They learn like all dogs learn. All dogs have the "knack" to learn.

They are athletic and best in a home that is willing to do some sort of activity that fulfills their high energy needs. Agility is a sport they excel in.

Any decent breed club site can explain the anatomy. The food isn't dependent on anatomy type. I don't know what kibble is available where you live. If you like doing research get Linda Case's book Dog Food Logic.

ETA if your four years of research included personal experience with this breed, you can ignore my first comment on getting to know the breed in person.