I lost my canine companion of 10 years a few weeks ago and am ready for a new dog in my life. I love big dogs and am more familiar with the larger breeds but am at a point in my life I need to consider a small dog.

The SPCA has a schnauzer ready for adoption. Doubt she is purebred but really do not know. Dottie is between 3 & 6 years of age, & weighs 18 pounds or so as she is very over-weight. If you know this breed, please share your experineces.

Schanuzers are wonderful. They are loving, gentle, and protective. I have had my Foxie, for nearly 3 years... she just had puppies and their about 3 weeks old... they are great inside dogs, and they don't shed which is a good thing. Go for it... you'll be glad you did.

I have a Miniature Schnauzer, Rocky, who is now 14. My best bud - he is very protective, very loving - and really no trouble - also, Schnauzers are really smart.

They do required grooming around every six-weeks, but there are a lot of groomers out there that work on Schnauzers. You would be very happy with one by your side.

By the way, you are a special person for considering adopted one from the SPCA - you will probably be saving her life.

Mine is a mini also.

My bf has a mini schnauzer and he is absolutely adorable. He is 6 years old and better behaved than most children. He is a good traveler (calm and relaxed in the car). Although 'Skip' is rather spoiled, he is still well behaved. I have a cocker spaniel (3 years old) and she gets a bit over excited at times but is also a very good breed for a companion / indoor pet. Hope this helps.

Oops, the previous anonymous post was mine. I forgot to log in.

I have a mini schnuazer names Max who is just wonderful. He is great with my kids, likes to play with them but also protects them from stangers. He is however one of the biggest scaredy cats (dogs) I have ever seen. He is afraid of everything--fireworks, lightning, thunder, lawn mower, vacuum, you name it-he's afraid of it.

I find that male dogs in general, especially if house dogs... and not fixed.. love to mark their areas... it is my only drawback on male dogs... my mom has a male schanzuer... he was an inside dog but when he would not stop markin he quickly found his home outside.

After reading all the positive Schnauzer posts I could not wait to visit Dottie again on my lunch break. She really is a cutie. Now though she has kennel cough, compliments of her stay at the dog pound.

Abandonement, dog pound, kennel cough -- talk about sress and it isn't over yet. She will have her tummy shaved this afternoon to determine if she is spayed. Of course if she hasn't been spayed, that will be added to the to do list.

Apparently no one else has taken an interest in her so I'll just sit tight & hope that soon I too will be a Schnauzer owner!

I also have a mini-schnauzer (and like Okie, his name is Max). He is 4 years old and is my second mini. They are wonderful dogs. Max LOVES to play and is very protective. The no-shedding is a definite plus. Good luck on your adoption!!

I'm also under the understanding that schnauzers are a good pick for people with allergies due to the fact that they don't shed. However, my bf's schnauzer (Skip) has skin allergies and cannot eat anything with wheat flour - so he is on meds and a special diet. Something to consider...

Love Schnauzers!!! We have had two in the past and when my LasaPoo Buddy goes I'll get another one. Great for alergies, nice solid built dogs with good temperments.

Agree X. I'm going to call the SPCA today & find out what they found when they shaved her tummy. Hopefully, she is spayed. Have always had my dogs fixed and always get my pets, products of backyard breeding or irresponsible owners, from the pound. Take Dottie, the guy at the SPCA said if she is a purebred she is a backyard type!

As for house breaking, with a big dog it is a piece of cake. I know that small dogs are more of a challenge and it is not just male dogs marking territory!

Boy, all these posts from owners. Had no idea this breed was so popular!

I have a Mini Schnauzer - Sammy is a 4 year old Male. He is wonderful with everyone, even young children. He loves to play and is very well behaved. Loves to chase bunnies and stays in the yard (no fence). You will love her. Great company, but loves attention all the time.

Good Luck! Hope you have found a great companion.

Susie - go to American Miniature Schnauzer Club - they provide a Q&A on the breed.

I've loved all our dogs, but Rocky is my favorite - never a 'mistake' inside the house - very good personality.

I believe that 'fixed' dogs are a lot easier to deal with, plus it apparently reduces the possibility of medical issues as they get older.