When we decided to find a dog to fit into our very active - but childless (by choice) lives - the Standard Schnauzer fit the bill. . .intelligent, not a "sissy looking" dog, athletic (to accompany us on backpacking, rafting and general outdoor activities), and not too big. Shedding was also an issue with Roy's allergies.
Standard Schnauzers DO SHED, to some extent, but they didn't bother Roy like say a Sheltie or Huskie would.

Thus, our love affair with the Standard Schnauzer began over 25 years ago with our first Standard Weizer. Just like potato chips, and not being able to eat just one, Schniken joined our family the following year. It wasn't until Himel came into our lives that we actually got hooked on the dog show game. The first time Himel and I ever set foot into the conformation ring, we won a 5-point major over several specials! Day 2 brought us a 4-point major. . .that is all it took! I do most of the work with the dogs but Roy is always by my side cheering me on, helping with the lifting, and occasionally in the ring, when he doesn't have a choice. Roy likes to say that he is along for the strong back and moral support. You can find me in the conformation, agility, obedience, and rally rings. I have even dabbled in tracking and herding.

We have been owned by many Standard Schnauzers thus far (twelve have gone to the Rainbow Bridge but lived full happy lives). We have earned countless (boat load) tiles on most of these wonderful dogs. Several of our SS have been ranked in the top 10 by the Standard Schnauzer Club of America, Canine Chronicle, IABCA, and Canadian Kennel Club (with multi-group placements and International Best In Shows/Gold Cup Best in Show). We have had several Front & Finish rankings (top 10 SS in agility and obedience). SSCA has acknowledged four of our SS's as Novice Agility Dog and Open Agility Dog of the year for several years running. We have also earned Stud Dog of the Year twice and was runner up for Brood Bitch of the year. So far, we have showed and finished six dogs from the Bred-By Exhibitor Class earning us AKC's special Bred-By Silver Medallion. One of our dogs was the fifth SS to receive AKC's newest Grand Champion title and is the FIRST owner handled in the breed for this distinction. We have bred/trained/handled our dogs to Agility Championships! Several of the puppies we have bred have gone on to be group placers, Regional and National Specialty winners, High In Trial recipients, Agility Champions and have received invites to the Eukanuba Invitational (conformation) and Qualified/participated in the AKC National Agility Championships. We are very involved and dedicated to our dogs. . . we condition, groom, train, and show all our own dogs!

About the Ruth Inman Award:

"The individual(s) qualified to receive this award are SSCA members who volunteer quietly behind the scenes to further the SSCA and who have contributed to the Club in unselfish ways over a long period of time. They are the members who can be counted upon to do the sometimes difficult, often-thankless tasks upon which the club depends.

This award honors those special Standard Schnauzer Club of America members who, like Ruth Inman, give of themselves for the welfare and the future of Standard Schnauzers and in support of the SSCA. The folks honored this year have supported and helped the SSCA for many years to better the lot of the Standard Schnauzer."