The Baby

"Alert, intelligent, and fearless, miniature schnauzers are popular for their serious looks and

likable character. They are strong and quick to learn as well as easy to keep. They have a tendency to bark and should be given work to do with free rein to exercise. The males height averages 12-14 inches with their weight between 11-18 pounds."

Our miniature schnauzer Oskar, has the distinctive look of the German bred dog with his bushy eyebrows and long beard, and his papers says he has the pedigree. It's his personality as a schnauzer I question, because he's not alert, can't really say that he's intelligent and he definitely is not fearless. His height stands taller than the standard miniature and he weighs 22 pounds. I never gave him work to do because, well... he just became my baby. When our boys were growing into teenagers and entering the world of aliens, Oskar filled the void I was missing. He listens when I talk to him, likes to sit on my lap, loves going places with me and when I'm busy doing something, he will just sit and stare at me with his big brown eyes letting me know he is available whenever I'm ready to love him. He even loves my kisses. When he was a puppy I would carry him around and kiss his soft little cheeks while telling him that hes my lil' baby. At four years of age, he still responds if I say, "Hey baby." He'll perk his ears and look my way as if to say, "What's up mom, did you call?" Yes, I would have to say I have spoiled him, turned his brain into mush and somehow, in the process, managed to suppress his natural instinct to bark, run and be the fearless guard dog he was bred to be. The days of guarding the farm and chasing rats are long gone. My miniature schnauzer Oskar, has proven that Nurture trumps Nature.