Dog Question

[superdog]

Debating a second dog. I have a mini schnauzer. Want to get a giant schnauzer too.

Had a recent break in attempt. And hey, I love dogs.

But my mini goes to work with me daily. That’s not going to change. I’d likely have a revolt in my office. And she’d not by pleased either.

The giant would stay home during the day. I could get a walker in no problem.

And I’m home a lot. I’m much more of a homebody now than I’ve ever been.

Do you think it’s unfair to the giant? Would they notice?

Would love to get all thoughts. I realize we are not professionals here. Just curious of thoughts.

[JasoninDenver]

My dog day care owner says the best news he ever hears is that a client is going to get another dog.

That being said, two dogs is a great dynamic. They become fast friends, assuming they are introduced to each other properly.

Sure another dog is more work, but the trade offs can be worth it. We are a one dog family at present simply because we do not have a big enough car for another big dog.

It sounds like you are well aware of what you need to do to meet the new dog’s needs so I say go for it.

[Krash]

I’m not sure I can answer your question, but we have two mini schnauzers, and we love them.




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[sco]

We had a giant Schnoodle. She was an amazing dog, around 85 lbs, but very gentle. Also, incredibly protective of the family and the house. Best of luck!

[HL65]

Brother I am definitely good with 2 dogs and always have had pairs as you know. I think they get used to how you train them and are extremely smart. I think they will adapt and as long as you don’t change her routine she will be good. I say go for it! Have to also post a picture of Finnegan and Grace. Good luck my man! Cheers,




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[TK-710]

I have had two Giants over the span of 20 years, but only one at a time.

That’s an interesting question; and one I cannot answer specifically. I can tell you with my experience with a sample size of two Giants that ours were absolutely fine when they were left home alone. Both were Velcro dogs. They loved my family but each one chose me as their person. Never left my side when I was home.

So the interesting part would be how the Giant would react, not when you are leaving, but when you are leaving with the other dog and they can’t go too. They could become very jealous. It might turn out you have to leave them home together. Other wise you might end up with a 85-120 pound jealous sibling. But either way the Giant will still be happy to see you come home each night like you’ve been gone for weeks. They give the best greetings.

As far as protection goes, we currently have a rescue German shepherd. Both Giants had a much deeper, louder bark. Terrifying to hear at times. If a person walked by the house they were fine. If they stepped one foot on our property they would sound the alarm. It was amazing. Just extremely smart dogs. You would have thought they studied a surveyor map of the property. Neither Giant had any protection training. With our current pup someone could be walking three blocks over and he’s sure to tell us.


Both were extremely loyal, affectionate and easy to train. Outstanding dogs.

Exercise wise I would try to walk ours twice a day. 2-5 miles in the morning and 1.5 -2 again in the evening. Plus multiple trips outside to play in the yard. On the days that was not possible they were never destructive or misbehaved due to excess energy. Conversely on the days they got more than normal exercise they were never noticeably exhausted either. We used to joke that you can’t wear them out, all you do is build their endurance. They were great hiking partners. With one warning: due to their all black coat, on extremely hot sunny days, it’s better to get them out in the early morning and late evening. Our last one spent a few months in Florida and he was not a fan.

Speaking of hotter months some people shave them very close in the summer thinking it will make them cooler but their hair (not fur) is a natural insulation and sun screen, better to keep the groomed but not shaved.

Added bonus they are the largest hypoallergenic non-shedding breed. Pretty much the exact opposite of what we have now.

There is some controversy with American Giants vs Giants from other countries: cropping of their ears and docking of their tails. Most American breeders do both automatically. Some will give you the choice not to do the ears but they’re doing the rest of the litter so if you choose natural ears your puppy will be picked for you at an extremely early age before personality can be determined. If you choose to crop for the pointed effect it takes a few months of tapping the ears to train that look. It’s a time consuming practice. If you want a dog with full tail and ears you can probably discuss that with a breeder in the states or definitely get one like that from a Europe/UK based breeder.

Life span. Our first died from an extremely aggressive lung cancer at six years. Our most recent lived an extremely long (for a big dog) healthy life and passed at 13.

Size: our first male was a large 120 pounds which was big for the breed. Second was 90 which is average.


Wonderful breed. Good luck.

[1st amg]

Going to follow this thread....my wife and kids want to get a second dog for our little guy. I am resisting right now as it seems Dad always has to take the dog for walks etc. I cannot imagine taking two at the same time. Maybe you guys can share your experiences with that part of the equation.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by 1st amg

Going to follow this thread....my wife and kids want to get a second dog for our little guy. I am resisting right now as it seems Dad always has to take the dog for walks etc. I cannot imagine taking two at the same time. Maybe you guys can share your experiences with that part of the equation.

Honestly for us it’s super easy. Our little guys are so well trained. Mini Schnauzer’s are small though being only 14 pounds each. So it also depends on what breed of dog. Dogs are pack animals so watching the two of them so close and always playing is so worth it.

[ihavenosn16]

I think it really depends on the dog's personality and your routine. I've had multiple dogs concurrently and it was tough taking only one out for whatever reason. Of course the ones that stayed behind associated it with going to the dog park hence the fomo. For me a large part of getting a second dog is to keep the other one company while you are gone at work all day.

[East Bay Rider]

A quick Google search suggests that giant schnauzers might not be good with small dogs, small children or cats. It's said they'll give chase to anything running seen as prey. That can be a concern worth investigating.
Otherwise I'm a big fan of multiple dogs in the household. While sometimes they can bond with each other stronger than with their humans, in this situation I imagine that they'll understand their roles once out of the house.

[Easy E]

I’m no dog psychologist, but they are pack oriented animals. For what that’s worth.

[austinp]

2 dogs are great. But I would bet that both would be coming to work with you.


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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by 1st amg

Going to follow this thread....my wife and kids want to get a second dog for our little guy. I am resisting right now as it seems Dad always has to take the dog for walks etc. I cannot imagine taking two at the same time. Maybe you guys can share your experiences with that part of the equation.

It depends on the dogs. Our two have very different personalities - one likes to socialise with other dogs and meet people, the other is more reserved and prefers to go slow, sniffing around. They also love playing and fighting together (they are adopted littermates who were abandoned after 2 yrs by their first owners).

So I take them out walking around the neigbourhood one by one on weekdays (quite long walks), and my wife and I take them both together on long country walks on weekends. They get a better quality walk going solo round the neighbourhood, meeting new friends and going at their own pace, and it's easier for me, too, though more time consuming.

[rmlovett1]

Hey Seth. If the two become really bonded, I’d say it’d be difficult to take one and one stay home. I have experience with having multiple dogs that are close, and typically when one leaves the house for some reason, the other stands by the door, may panic, get anxious, etc….

[Rock]

We have never had a dog (I love dogs) since my Wife's dog was killed in traffic before we got married (1981) but I see a Schnauzer in our life as we get older and don't spend time away from home. They are my pick of breeds based on the two I have known - one a Mini and one a Giant. Both great personalities and a terriffic-looking dog particularly when trimmed-to-type. I look forward to the day when we welcome one into the family.

[mountainjogger]

As others have said, depends on the dog and the dynamics of the pack. But there are other considerations also.

You are a responsible person and a responsible dog owner. That is a big plus in the try it column.

You will be home a lot. Another plus.

Dog walker is a plus.

I would add a dog trainer to the mix. We have become big believers in this investment. We start by taking the trainer with us to evaluate a new canine family member and how they relate to our pack. The trainer also helps with inter-canine socialization. Having a trainer spend extra time with the larger dog may also even out they're not going to work with you.

But the biggest pro trying it argument is that you are a responsible dog owner and will go every mile to try to make it work. And if it doesn't you will do whatever it takes to find the dog a good new home.

Best of luck.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Krash

I’m not sure I can answer your question, but we have two mini schnauzers, and we love them.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

It depends on the dogs. Our two have very different personalities - one likes to socialise with other dogs and meet people, the other is more reserved and prefers to go slow, sniffing around...

Your #2 sounds a lot like me

[brandrea]

We only have one queen of the castle so all I can give you is my gut feeling …

I think I’d be inclined to agree with Richard’s take. One without the other might cause anxiety and stress. Maybe it depends on the breed, but something to ask your breeder of wherever you’re getting your next dog from





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[roadie1]

I take my lab with me all the time. I don’t think it’s fair to leave them alone. Plus they need lots of exercise. A tired dog is a good dog.

[superdog]

Thanks all. Really appreciate the comments.

I think I’m going to continue to hold off.

It’s just not a risk I can take. I mean, worst case, I start to leave my mini home and we have a walker during the day.

But as Adam said, it can be a lot with different personalities. Especially given the size difference. If I had to do multiple walks, it would be tough. Especially as I’m on my own and we do really long walks. It’s the best part of our day.

Unfortunately, I just won’t know if it will work…until it does or doesn’t. And I’m the kind of person that won’t ever get rid of a dog. No matter what. So I’m opening myself up to a real potential risk and hardship that I just don’t need.

Too bad too. My dog is the best part of my life. Might be sad for some, but not for me. Ruining the dynamic I have now isn’t worth the risk.

Again guys, really do appreciate it. Thank you.

[TK-710]

Another option is a Standard. They can be a good sized medium breed. Not to big that it’s a complete mismatch with your mini but large enough to make a bad guy decide to move on. I’ve seen a few males that you could mistake for a small giant.

Best of luck.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by superdog

Thanks all. Really appreciate the comments.

I think I’m going to continue to hold off.

It’s just not a risk I can take. I mean, worst case, I start to leave my mini home and we have a walker during the day.

But as Adam said, it can be a lot with different personalities. Especially given the size difference. If I had to do multiple walks, it would be tough. Especially as I’m on my own and we do really long walks. It’s the best part of our day.

Unfortunately, I just won’t know if it will work…until it does or doesn’t. And I’m the kind of person that won’t ever get rid of a dog. No matter what. So I’m opening myself up to a real potential risk and hardship that I just don’t need.

Too bad too. My dog is the best part of my life. Might be sad for some, but not for me. Ruining the dynamic I have now isn’t worth the risk.

Again guys, really do appreciate it. Thank you.

Yes, when I posted my picture above I didn’t have time to provide a good response.

But it’s unpredictable. Every dog has a different personality. It’s difficult to say how a dog will react. My sister brought a rescue dog home, and he chewed up all their furniture and rugs when they went to work. It was awful. Ultimately, they had to put it in a cage all day.

If you have a good thing going with your mini-schnauzer, I’d leave things alone.


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