[DAGATH]

Hey folks,

introduction: Have always owned a dog, i grew up in the countryside in Ireland and always had a dog of all shapes normally they just wondered in to my house and i took care of them tho never had a pure breed dog. I have had all type even had a 3 legged guy who was simple the most loyal creature i have ever known.

Now i live in spain and finally live in a house big enough to have a dog. so off to the animal rescue centre to get one but as luck would have it a friend told me that because of a failed relationship there is a dog needing a new home... however i have a few questions.

Its a female miniature schnauzer, black, close to 4 years old.
As i said i have never owned a pure breed dog so was looking for some advice. Never got a dog that was more then a year old so will her age be an issue?
grooming? whats the deal with that? can i do it myself?

Any advice would be great.

Cheers.

[cigwyllt]

Hi there - as for the difference between a pure bred dog and a cross breed - there should be very little difference. The age thing is different but not insurmountable. I have a friend who took on a 6yr old rescue and within days he was totally her dog, no second thoughts for his previous home.

I have never had an older dog - like you the oldest rescue I have had has been a year or so. I think each situation is different - if you feel a connection with the dog or if you want to take on a dog who needs you then go for it.

[DAGATH]

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

Hi there - as for the difference between a pure bred dog and a cross breed - there should be very little difference. The age thing is different but not insurmountable. I have a friend who took on a 6yr old rescue and within days he was totally her dog, no second thoughts for his previous home.

I have never had an older dog - like you the oldest rescue I have had has been a year or so. I think each situation is different - if you feel a connection with the dog or if you want to take on a dog who needs you then go for it.

Hi Cig, love your avatar great picture

I agreed to take the dog without hesitation then i found this forum and asked the question
She (the dog) was gona end up a rescue for someone so i thought it would be just easier to take her and save her that experience. What concerns now is her last life. Maybe she was really happy, or the total opposite. Should be an interesting first encounter

Thanks for the reply

cymru am byth!!!

[cigwyllt]

Diolch! The Irish are Welshmen who can swim lol!

I was going to suggest you change her name but can see you have asked the question separately so will comment there. :-)

[DAGATH]

Well folks

This is seriously good info, from all of you. Its experiance that counts for everything and i take all your points on. im not sure how the dog was treated in the past but i have always had a dog and as most of you will know there is a bond or instinct about this kind of stuff.

Im gona go with changing the name, have not decided on a name yet so suggestions would be most welcome, but Polka is perhaps a ridicules name, in my ears anyway.

WOW WOW WOW!!!

Just got her, she was brought to my door as i typed this message. Fantastic dog.! she responds to commands such as sit, give paw etc etc amazing luck!!!

Its taken 2 hours to complete this message, i have not used her original name and still have not decided on a name, Suggestions people!.

I think i have just been a really damn lucky irish man today! proper good dog showing no sign of mistreatment. Amazing! I will upload a picture later. now im just enjoying myself! :lol:

[CorkyMax]

Thought you might be interested in this site: Grooming Your Miniature Schnauzer

There were many more sites listed--just put: grooming miniature schnauzer in your browser

My parents always had this breed (after I was married and not home anymore) I know they had them groomed professionally every so often--cost money of course but if some of these sites show you how to do it yourself--can save some money.;-)

[DAGATH]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

Thought you might be interested in this site:

There were many more sites listed--just put: grooming miniature schnauzer in your browser

My parents always had this breed (after I was married and not home anymore) I know they had them groomed professionally every so often--cost money of course but if some of these sites show you how to do it yourself--can save some money.;-)

So much thanks!!!
not allowed to post exx'es so i will send a kiss.

[CorkyMax]

Another site: 11,000 Dog names, Cat names and more Pet Names at PetNamesWorld.com

Maybe you would like an Irish name, lol, although it is a German breed! I can't remember what my parents called their schnauzers except one was called Fritz.
Was just checking out in my breeds book. Will quote a little:
These dogs are noted for their reliability and affectionate nature and make excellent watchdogs. They are spirited and brave, and while not aggressive they will take on much larger dogs should the need arise.

Grooming: The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, it will become matted. Clip out any knots. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year, in spring and fall, but this is a job best left to a an expert. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt~nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals.

Ideal for apartment living, but needs plenty of exercise. These energetic little dogs enjoy long , brisk, daily walks, and relish play sessions off the leash.

Another link to give you much info on this breed (health issues they are prone to but overall a healthy breed) and pictures too:

Miniature Schnauzer Information and Pictures, Miniature Schnauzers ---Be sure to scroll all the way down as ads get in middle of page and makes you think the page is done!

[DAGATH]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

[B]Another site:
Maybe you would like an Irish name, lol, although it is a German breed! I can't remember what my parents called their schnauzers except one was called Fritz.
Was just checking out in my breeds book. Will quote a little:
These dogs are noted for their reliability and affectionate nature and make excellent watchdogs. They are spirited and brave, and while not aggressive they will take on much larger dogs should the need arise.

Grooming: The wiry coat is reasonably easy to look after, but unless it is combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, it will become matted. Clip out any knots. The animal should be clipped all over to an even length twice a year, in spring and fall, but this is a job best left to a an expert. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt~nosed scissors and clean the whiskers after meals.

Ideal for apartment living, but needs plenty of exercise. These energetic little dogs enjoy long , brisk, daily walks, and relish play sessions off the leash.

Another link to give you much info on this breed (health issues they are prone to but overall a healthy breed) and pictures too:

Hey Corky/Max! Thanks again!
Got her yesterday, and the story just gets better!
For a start
She is trained! Sits on command, gives her paw, waits at the door to go out for a u know what, will not jump on the sofa unless asked. Although i was speaking in English at first she actually seems to speak Spanish and was kinda looking at me like i was an idiot when i was saying "sit" instead of "sientate" hahaha Im sure she must know more commands but im not sure what they are yet. Shes like a bloody rubiks cube

Also got her documents, vaccinations all up to date! And she is the offspring of an award winning father!!

After about an hour she was in guard dog mode, growling at the foot of the door when she heard someone approach.

Incredible Luck! Mind you the doggie snax i have in my shirt pocket certainly helped with the transition*!

[cigwyllt]

If you don't like Polka how about Jig? My cousin's Scottie was called Jig - great name for a little dog that always seemed to dance everywhere.

I'm a great fan of human names for dogs but Niamh and Siobhan aren't really doggy names are they!

What about Shannon or Dublin - both with an Irish connection of course and easy to call.

[DAGATH]

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

If you don't like Polka how about Jig? My cousin's Scottie was called Jig - great name for a little dog that always seemed to dance everywhere.

I'm a great fan of human names for dogs but Niamh and Siobhan aren't really doggy names are they!

What about Shannon or Dublin - both with an Irish connection of course and easy to call.

cigwyllt !!! I like the suggestions!!! Gona try them out and see what perks her ears

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by DAGATH

Hey Corky/Max! Thanks again!
Got her yesterday, and the story just gets better!
For a start
She is trained! Sits on command, gives her paw, waits at the door to go out for a u know what, will not jump on the sofa unless asked. Although i was speaking in English at first she actually seems to speak Spanish and was kinda looking at me like i was an idiot when i was saying "sit" instead of "sientate" hahaha Im sure she must know more commands but im not sure what they are yet. Shes like a bloody rubiks cube.

Also got her documents, vaccinations all up to date! And she is the offspring of an award winning father!!

After about an hour she was in guard dog mode, growling at the foot of the door when she heard someone approach.

Hey! All that is just great! Sounds like you hit the jackpot or won the Irish Sweepstakes, lol, or something like that! So happy for you and the little girl too! I'm sure you are going to be so happy with her---My parents sure loved them and Fritz was always in my dad's lap or at his feet--Fritz followed my dad everywhere. They were very smart dogs too.
I am wondering if you should just wait a little bit to name her--because in a few days after bonding and knowing her so well---a name that will suit her (and you) will probably just 'pop out' and you will know that it is just right for her. Keep us posted and show some pics--Want to hear more on this little girl!

Incredible Luck! Mind you the doggie snax i have in my shirt pocket certainly helped with the transition!

Lol, just realized I should of posted below your last comments--got message my message was too short and had to add at least ten words to get it to go through---so guess this has made it work. Hey enjoy that little girl. Bet you two will be inseparable in no time!!