 Barked: Thu Jan 10, '08 5:04pm PST |
 | |  | | I just came across your post and hope it's not too late to reply. Lexi is my 3rd mini schnauzer. Most of what you read about them is absolutely true. I am sure you've gotten lots of posts saying how smart, how clever, how loyal, they are. All true, too.
Early and intense socialization can definitely help with their aversion to strangers. I took Lexi with me just about everywhere when she was a pup, even into the grocery, stuffed in my red shoulder bag. True to the breed, she still barks at someone coming into my office if they knock first. No knock, no bark. But, because of the early socialization, she has not only starred as Toto for 24 performances of the Wizard of Oz in the local theater, she is now a therapy dog with adults recovering from illnesses and injuries. Her persistance that they pet her and her loving looks get truly amazing results. She wins over even the skeptics.
As for how she is with other dogs, not much different than my first one (also female). Very dominant and territorial. Once the dominance is established, she is fine. This behavior is almost exclusively shown at home. If she tries it anywhere else, all the dog has to do is say no, you're not the boss of me, and she is fine and they play. This dominant behavior was encouraged by the big German Shepherd she grew up with. He let her do anything at all to him, and never put her in her place.
I have a friend with 3 very social minis who do not feel that need to be dominant (2 males, 1 female). Also, I used to board, and the 3 schnauzers (1 male, 2 females) I kept a lot never showed any signs of dominance or aggression toward other dogs. Of course, if we had shown up at their home court, it may have been different.
In summary, if you are wanting a dog who will always be good working with other dogs, a schnauzer is a crap shoot. Perhaps if they get lots and lots of early socialization with other dogs, they would be like Lexi is with people, and like my friend's dogs. As much as I adore the breed, they definitely have attitude and are not for everyone!
Best luck, whatever breed you choose! |  |  | |  |
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If you have any more questions please let me know, I am more then happy to help you with your Schnauzer..
