giant schnauzer?

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ZaraD
Posts: 577
Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2017 10:06 am
Location: Staffordshire, UK

giant schnauzer?

Post by ZaraD »

Hi all

this is my first post and am a bit nervous so please excuse any spelling errors :)

i would like you opinions on the Giant schnauzer as a first dog. Iv been reading a few posts on first time dogs but my circumstances are a bit different. I live on my own and own my own dog grooming business. Iv wanted a dog all my life ever since i was a little girl but have waited till now so i can spend enough time on training and socialization of a young pup. IM in my 30's now and have waited patiently for the last 25yrs for a dog. Iv been doing my research for the past 12yrs. And being a groomer i get a little hands on experience but its not the same as owning the breed. IM between the Giant schnauzer and the Italian spinion. I know there tow very different breeds but i have met hundreds of both, both at shows and at my salon but can't decide and when i ask breeders or owners i sence there bias to there breed. So in hoping i can get an honest answer on which would be a better choice for newbie. I plan on doing just as much research on the breeder as i have the breed. I can provide unlimited exercise we can exercise all day if the dog wanted and i am aware of grooming for both. I only slightly prefer the Giant schnauzer because of there aloof nature and there eyebrows and beard but i love both dogs temperment.

i plan on going to training class's and getting one to one if needed.

many thanks
zara
JudyN
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Re: giant schnauzer?

Post by JudyN »

I'm not an expert at all, so this is just a personal impression... The GS can be aloof and protective, but if trained/socialised badly (or if the fall of the genetic dice is unlucky) this can translate in aggression in certain circumstances - and aggression in such a large breed can result in heartbreak. The spinone still needs careful training and socialisation, of course, and is big enough to cause injury by jumping up or bowling someone over, but is more likely to slobber you to death. So I would say spinone all the way.

I am biased - I adore spinones, but sadly can't abide slobber, so have to admire them from a distance :wink:
Jasper, lurcher, born December 2009
ZaraD
Posts: 577
Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2017 10:06 am
Location: Staffordshire, UK

Re: giant schnauzer?

Post by ZaraD »

Thank you for your reply JudyN. Do you think Italians drool about the same as a Newfoundland or do you think the newf drools worser?
JudyN
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Re: giant schnauzer?

Post by JudyN »

I haven't a clue, though I know spinones are renowned for drool. As you've met so many you should be in a good position to judge :wink:
Jasper, lurcher, born December 2009
ZaraD
Posts: 577
Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2017 10:06 am
Location: Staffordshire, UK

Re: giant schnauzer?

Post by ZaraD »

The ones i met i wouldn't say drooled they just always had a wet beard which did not bother me. The newfs i saw had strings of drool just hanging :D
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Nettle
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Re: giant schnauzer?

Post by Nettle »

Newfs are Olympic-grade droolers. Sheets of it.

Spins drool but not as much. However as I can't abide drool, I wouldn't have one, though they have lovely natures. If you can cope with the dribbling then you can cope with any other traits too.

IMO GS is for experienced dog owners - and I mean experienced with guarding breeds.
A dog is never bad or naughty - it is simply being a dog

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ZaraD
Posts: 577
Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2017 10:06 am
Location: Staffordshire, UK

Re: giant schnauzer?

Post by ZaraD »

Hi,

thanks Nettle. Iv been doing further research and am leaning more for the spinone :)

i will be spending the next few years researching breeders in the uk as in in no rush and its very important to me that i not only find a good responsible breeder but that i find the right puppy for me.
Annabellam
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Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2017 9:26 am

Re: giant schnauzer?

Post by Annabellam »

ZaraD wrote:Hi,

thanks Nettle. Iv been doing further research and am leaning more for the spinone :)

i will be spending the next few years researching breeders in the uk as in in no rush and its very important to me that i not only find a good responsible breeder but that i find the right puppy for me.
You are doing well researching breeders. I think it is always that most important step that people forget sometimes. Take your time, you will get the right puppy.
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