Standard Schnauzer Rescue

ADOPTING AN ADULT HAS MANY ADVANTAGES
Occasionally, the Standard Schnauzer Club of America has an adult Standard Schnauzer who needs a new home. These are excellent dogs who have lost their homes through no fault of their own. Homes can be lost through death, divorce, relocation, illness, or many other reasons. A "ready made dog" can be a wonderful choice for the first-time owner or the family that doesn't have time to train a puppy. Most of these dogs are over 5 years old and are males. There are between 12-15 dogs a year placed thru Rescue across the Nation.

These older dogs are usually housebroken, lead trained, or even obedience trained. They are usually nice about being brushed and combed. Lots of patience is required, however, for the first few weeks. The dog will feel confused and lonesome for his old family, but will quickly love his new family given a little patience.

DOGS CURRENTLY IN SSCA RESCUE:   New Boy

DOGS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION   none at this time.

Please email if you would like more information.

You Want to Adopt A Standard Schnauzer?
Please take a few minutes to read about the characteristics of the Standard Schnauzer. The Standard is known as "the dog with the human brain", while being an exaggeration, it does illustrate the mental abilities of the breed. The Standard is the original of the three sizes, miniature, standard and giant. Listed are areas you need to consider before you decide to share your home with a Standard Schnauzer.

Size:
Although sizes may vary, the correct size for males is 18" - 20" at the shoulder with a weight between 40 - 50 pounds, and females 17" - 19" at the shoulder with a weight between 35 - 45 pounds.

Exercise:
The Standard Schnauzer is a robust, exuberant dog who loves to play and needs daily exercise. A fenced yard is highly recommended. If motivated, Standards can jump a six foot fence.

Grooming:
All dogs require grooming, whether it be nail clipping, ear cleaning, or brushing. Standard Schnauzers require more than the average dog. Beard and leg furnishings must be combed and brushed often to keep from matting. Pets may be machine clippered, which is quicker than stripping; however, dogs that are shown must be stripped to maintain correct coat texture and body outline. A properly groomed Standard should not shed.

Health & Care:
The breed is relatively healthy. Although hip dysplasia is present, severe hip dysplasia is rare. There are cases of flea and food allergies and some skin problems. Most breeds have some of the above and some Standards will never have allergies , skin problems, or hip problems, but we feel it is best for you to know the worst. Feeding one medium sized dog for a year will cost approximately $250-$300. Many expenses are hidden in the grocery bill (food, dishes, leashes, collars, brushes, shampoos and toys). The Standard, if given good care, will usually live 12 to 15 years.

Training:
The combination of intelligence and spirit can make him a handful and he requires training and discipline. The training must be consistent; a Standard Schnauzer will work readily and happily if praised for positive behavior rather than punished for bad behavior. He must be made to understand that you, the owner, are the "pack leader" or he will claim this title for himself. Local kennel clubs in your area offer training classes in obedience and the cost is nominal.

Guardian:
As a home guardian the Standard Schnauzer excels. He readily accepts friends of the family, but warns of strangers with a strong voice. He is alert to his surroundings and aware of change in his environment. His reaction is usually to hold rather than to attack, and unless provoked, has been known to keep an intruder cornered for quite a long time. He is good with children and appoints himself as their guardian and protector.

Time:
Standard Schnauzers are "people" dogs. They need to be with, around, and near humans because they thrive on love and attention. Consider your lifestyle and household schedule - do you travel a lot, do you work long hours, are you busy with your children's activities? In other words, do you have time to give the love and attention a Standard Schnauzer needs?

Addictive:
Few people own only one Standard Schnauzer. They simply are habit forming! Contrary to popular opinion, they are NOT cheaper by the dozen. If you have two Standard Schnauzers, it will cost you twice as much and so on and so on ......

When a dog is adopted, he should become your companion for LIFE. His needs for love and security are no different from our own.

If you are still interested, and we hope you are, welcome to the family of STANDARD SCHNAUZER ADMIRERS!

What is Rescue?
The objective of the Standard Schnauzer Rescue Committee is to place unwanted purebred Standard Schnauzers in appropriate adoptive homes where they will receive a daily ration of love and attention. In all cases, the Standard Schnauzer is the primary concern of this committee.

The rescue program addresses the following issues:

• House homeless Standard Schnauzers in foster homes, kennels or vet clinics.
• Try to locate the breeder and urge that they take responsibility of the Standard Schnauzer they have bred. The rescue program is not a clearing house for our breed.
• Screen potential homes with a written application, personal/residential interview and references before adoption; and provide post-adoption follow-up.
• Request adoption fee to defray cost of spay/neuter and other rescue expenses; shipping costs, if applicable, are extra.
• Require proof of ownership and dog profile from owner (or breeder) giving up Standard Schnauzer plus $50 turn in fee.
• Require spay/neuter.
• Provide Standard Schnauzers with inoculations, check for heartworm and administer heartworm preventative.
• Perform temperament evaluation on each Standard Schnauzer before placing.
• Recommend fenced yard (minimum five feet high), but stress that dog must live indoors as family pet - no tying out.
• Match "want list" with list of adoptable Standard Schnauzers, including those remaining with owner (or breeder) until adoption.
• Demonstrate how to bathe and groom adopted Standard Schnauzer.
• Require notification of change of address and return of Standard Schnauzer if unable to keep.
• Request Standard Schnauzer wear ID at all times; encourage tattoo and/or micro-chip procedures.
• Recommend basic obedience classes; counsel on veterinary requirements and diet.
• Lost and found assistance; periodically advertise rescue and adoption service in newspapers.
• Actively promote spay/neuter of pets.
• Provide individual assistance on behavioral problems and education on Standard Schnauzers.
• Support humane legislation at national, state and local levels.
• Funding comprised of donations and proceeds from Standard Schnauzer rescues plus yearly fund-raiser.

We have successfully placed numerous Standard Schnauzers. Their ages are usually between twelve months and seven years, but we do see some seniors and a few puppies as well. All rescue dogs have a physical examination, all necessary medical treatment, and are neutered or spayed, vaccinated, and heartworm tested. In addition, many are tattooed. Many dogs come from homes where there has been a move, divorce, allergies, or just not enough time. Others come to us from pounds and shelters.

Our rescue organization is comprised of hard-working volunteers whose only reward is seeing these wonderful Standards placed in loving homes and given a second chance for a happy life. If you are patient with our process, we will try to provide you with a devoted, loving companion - a Standard Schnauzer. We will then have another rescue story to read OUTCAST TO A HAPPY ENDING!

Terms Of Adoption

• FEE
  There is a fee for a rescued Standard Schnauzer which will vary, depending on its age, plus shipping, if applicable. This fee will help cover rescue expenses. The rescue dog will be neutered or spayed, given all necessary vaccinations including a rabies shot, heartworm tested, stool tested for parasites, microchipped, and given any other medical treatment needed before adoption.
  
• PLACEMENT
  Standard Schnauzers will only be placed in private homes. The Standard may not be used as a guard dog by any profit-making agency or kept on the premises of any business. Standards are best kept as house dogs in close companionship with their families.
  
• RIGHT TO RECLAIM POLICY
  If, for any reason, the adoption is not satisfactory for the rescue Standard or the adoptive family, SSCA Rescue Committee requires that the dog be returned to this Committee. The rescue dog must not be sold, given away or used in animal research. If the new owner neglects, improperly cares for, or allows the rescue dog to run free, the adoptee will be required to pay liquidated damages in the amount of $500 plus attorney fees and costs. The new owner cannot transfer ownership of the Standard him/herself under any circumstances.
  
• RELEASE
  The adoptive owner must sign a legal Adoption Contract to protect him/herself, SSCA and the rescue dog.
  
• LICENSE
  The rescue dog must be licensed in accordance with existing laws in the adoptive owner's town and the rabies shot must be kept current. All state and local ordinances governing the ownership and possession of dogs will be observed.
  
• BASIC CARE
  The adoptive family agrees to provide proper shelter, food, water and medical care. In addition, the adoptive family will not allow the rescue dog to run free. The rescue dog will always carry identifying tags and/or be tattooed with an identifying name or number. Failure to comply will require that the rescue dog be surrendered to SSCA Rescue Committee.
  
• MEDICAL CARE
  SSCA Rescue Committee recommends that a regular vaccination program be established by your veterinarian. The rescue dog will need yearly boosters for such vaccinations such as distemper, parvo, rabies, etc. The rescue dog must also have an annual heartworm test followed by a preventative heartworm program.
  

THE SSCA RESCUE COMMITTEE CANNOT VOUCH FOR THE TEMPERAMENT, HEALTH, OR LINE OF THE DOG, OTHER THAN AS STATED IN OUR PAPERWORK AS THE DOG MAY HAVE BEEN IN AN UNUSUAL SITUATION AND IN MANY CASES WITHOUT HISTORY AND MAY NOT SHOW ITS TRUE NATURE OR HEALTH UNTIL FINALLY PLACED.

Click here for an online copy of the SSCA adoption application.

Click here for an online copy of the SSCA adoption contract.

New Boy   SSCA has a 12 year old in MO now. He came out of a shelter. His owner must have died. He is a very sweet old guy and his name is Silas.

Outcast to a happy ending !
Jalapeno   was adopted in mid November, 2009. Thank you to all who helped in placing Jalapeno.

Jalapeno   Small   Young   Male   Pet ID: S2009-12J

He is a Standard Schnauzer for sure. 17.5 inches at the shoulder and 30 pounds and on the thin side. He is still teething. They have had him for more than a month he was a stray that came from the shelter. No one looked for him.

Jalepeno, or J-Pepper, is doing great in his foster home. He is house trained, crated trained and current on all his vet work. He has really started to bloom in his foster home and has taught us that he LOVES to play fetch. His favorite toys appear to be plastic bowls, plastic bottles or plush toys that do not sqeak. He gets along great with the mini schnauzer and giant schnauzer in the home he is sharing. He can play or cuddle and is happy with either. He is also very treat motivated and would make a great obedience and/or agility dog. He is listed as needing a home without cats but with a little work, he can be redirected away from them. If not watched, he will pester them like a typical terrier. Since he lives in a foster home without cats, this is not something that is being worked on.

Jalepeno was turned into a local shelter as a stray. He is a standard schnauzer that is guessed to be around a year old. He is completely vetted, on heartworm treatment, on flea treatment and had all his shots. He is ready for his forever home. Is this you? If interested in Jalapeno, please email for an application and information. Home visits, a fenced yard and at least one obedience class is required. Dogs will only be placed in areas where volunteers are available for home visits.

Jalapeno is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered.