Finally, The Good

It is not bad at all to own a standard schnauzer, and I didn't want to give that impression in my last 10 posts (just kidding!). I am, in fact, crazy about mine. Here's why, in order of importance:

1. I am now the fittest I've ever been. My bad cholesterol is way down too. There's no way you will postpone exercise with a SS. Should you choose to skip it, your home will feel the consequences.

2. We feel extremely protected. As Kafka gets older, he gets better and better at his number one job. He guards me when I'm hiking and painting outdoors. He constantly patrols our home's perimeter. He even sits behind me during dinner. And he will not let any stranger or dog touch anyone in our family.

3. They are smart. The potty training was quick and so were all the other daily routines we taught him. Standard schnauzers develop large vocabularies and an insatiable apetite for challenges.

4. Entertaining. They may not retrieve, but this breed does everything with gusto, perhaps with too much enthusiasm. This confidence makes them funny and endearing. Schnauzers will always let you know where you stand, with their voice.

5. They thrive on new experiences. Now that his fear period is over, it has become clear to me that he is not afraid of people, other dogs, much bigger animals, or even fireworks. These nerves of steel make him a great companion on urban walks.

6. Iron-clad stomachs. You can vary their diet and they adjust pretty quickly. And they have prodigious appetites.

7. Beautiful. A day does not pass that I do not hear how handsome he is from total strangers. I am an artist and I would lie if I said I didn't care about looks. I put up with the grooming schedule because I feel it is worth it in term of the beauty factor.