So we're going on two weeks since we went to pick up our fur baby from Skansen Kennel and we are pleased with our baby boy. He's absolutely gorgeous! There are a lot of rules to follow with this breed from this kennel and information on how best to take care of him and we are adhering to them. Carrie was pretty helpful with us as far as information goes and we met Laina when we picked him up and she seemed pleasant and gave us some more useful information. My only one complaint was the long cuts he had on his back and other places when we picked him up. We were told that his brother had scratched him like that but these didn't look like nail scratches at all, he was cut. They looked like clipper cuts to be honest and it just so happens that he had just gotten a haircut when we picked him up so there's that, I'm not saying what we were told didn't happen but doesn't seem likely from the severity and length of the cuts, not to mention others didn't think they were puppy scratches either. Sooo, yeah wasn't impressed by this. She gave us some vitamin E to put on the cuts. Other than that, we flew him home and he has been the typical happy and hyper puppy with a lot of energy. We initially flew to Oakland and rented a car from there to drive to the kennel to pick up our pup. It is definitely a hike, at least an hour and 15 minute drive. Location: Very rural location but nice country drive if it's not rainy and wet. Kennel: Huge property where they have llamas and all types of schnauzer dogs running around. The driveway is extremely long and very bumpy with lots of potholes so travel slowly. Wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty because the puppies typically have hay/sawdust debris all over them from their play areas and living quarters it's kinda of barn like and to be expected. Take a look at our beautiful boy Skansen's Vanta! read more

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They are knowledgeable about their breeds and are extraordinarily careful in their care They are also careful about who their dogs go to..... read more

I'm unsure after reading all of these reviews and have had hesitation over the years w this breeders brand (and isn't my first giant). They called me today to let me know a giant boy pup was available as the original buyer had to pivot. I let them know that right now I wasn't ready after the 'informational sale'. I then asked for pictures to see the pup since everything on the website is from the 80s. Kerry responded - 'no, that is too much to ask Sylvia and it's too hard for her and as you said, you're not ready but we will reach out to you later'. I'm not an idiot and this is your job and I'd appreciate no gaslighting. Overall, I think it's best to pass given the number of negative experiences with this breeder that others have shared - and like any other customer, I want all of the pup details and pictures : videos up front. read more

Don't support this puppy mill! We brought our black male mini home at 5 months old. It took him a couple weeks to get adjusted, and I think the experience of growing up at Skansen was a traumatic for him. The property itself is pretty rundown, and there are tons of giant schnauzers barking constantly so it seems like a zoo honestly. Very loud and chaotic. The owner is completely MIA after the sale. Never returns calls or emails. Someone else will meet you at the property and get the dog ready to go for you. Also, the owner is very scatterbrained. She wrote a 100 page info/instruction document that is full of contradictions. Do not follow her advice to give your dog a raw diet without doing tons of research on your own. It made our dog very sick. He wasn't healthy in the beginning. We spent thousands of dollars in vet bills for blood tests and scans because he could not stop having diarrhea and vomiting. (again, repeated inquiries to the owner of Skansen went unanswered). Finally, we found a kibble for sensitive stomachs and he improved rapidly. I think he had been sick from the raw food diet that she was feeding him his whole life. Thankfully he has fully recovered, but I cannot recommend this place. I have gotten other mini Schnauzers from other breeders over the years and never had a problem. Skansen is not OK. read more

Skansen is an amazing schnauzer breeder. Our past three pups have been from Sylvia and each one has been perfect in every way. Our first one was a giant who lived to be 15 and a 1/2, just incredible breeding. Our newest photos below was picked up this past November and she has been a little angel from heaven. Thank you Skansen! read more

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We were looking for a Schnauzer after a last one passed away at 14 1/2. We came across Skansen Kennel while searching. After contacting them we found out that you could adopt Retired Females! We were very interested so we made an appointment to visit! We were lucky enough to adopt a 6 year old girl that is just beautiful! Liana the Manager is just wonderful and answered all of our questions! We are thrilled to have our new girl and know she will be a huge part of our family! They are in the country in Sebastopol and was a little hard to find the first time for us. It is Schnauzer Heaven! 3 different sizes of Schnauzers and an enjoyable experience! Would recommend contacting them for an appointment if interested in getting a beautiful well cared for Schnauzer! read more

We got the dog we wanted it was a great experience I've always wanted a big dog that would be a guard dog and this is the place they are very popular and well known in the Giant Schnauzer community read more

Sylvia and staff never let me down. All my miniature schnauzer are TDI from Sylvia. I wouldn't get a dog from anyone else.

Sadly, I cannot in good conscience recommend Skansen Kennel for miniature schnauzers. I have an 8 year old female from Skansen that suffers with liver and pancreatic issues. Apparently mini schnauzers are known for having pancreatic problems and has been linked to genetic disorders. I personally visited Skansen Kennel a few years ago and it is literally a schnauzer dirt farm. The dogs are not socialized in any way nor are the puppies. When I acquired my female as a puppy she was always nervous and high strung. She developed a fear of dogs. Today she is extremely ill as something is wrong with her liver. She has a tumor but is too sick to have a biopsy. I am not blaming Skansen for her issues but if there is a pattern in the comments, there may be a red flag here. My second miniature schnauzer was also purchased from Skansen. I thought a second dog would help the first overcome her fear of dogs. He is a miniature schnauzer and purchased as 'pet quality'. He turned out to have cryptorchism and had to have surgery to remove the lost testicle. This too is directly linked to a genetic disorder in the parents. I notified Skansen Kennel and heard no response. So far, his healthy but he is young. I'm hoping he has a long and healthy life. Read other reviews and take this information how ever you want. I wish you the best in your hunt to find your next companion. Please remember buying a dog is a "for better or worse" commitment. read more

Our giant schnauzer is truly an amazing dog. We have purchased 3 giants over the past 35 years and have never been disappointed. Thanks Skansen Kennels and Sylvia. You are the best read more

We had 2 "puppy mill" mini schnauzers before we chose a standard schnauzer. We heard of Skansen and when we went to get her we saw and fell in love with the giants. We've raised 3 Giant schnauzers from Skansen since 1980's with a 7 year break between. We're now on our 4th, our first male, who's 11 months, a handful, smart and stubborn. Personalities play a part and we've always driven to Skansen to select our pups from among their excellent selections. Sylvia alsways advocated raw, balanced diets which are more work and costly, yet worthwhile. Our vets always commented on their appearance (coat, eyes, structure) and general good health. We now have a phenomenal trainer https://www.rockdogca.com/about for our energetic puppy who is attracting attention from Skansen dog owners in the Los Angeles area. Skansen and Natalie ROCK the dog world. (Mrs. John G.) read more

Sylvia knows her stuff! We just got a giant male from Skansen's and we are over the moon. It was really hard to wait until he was 16 weeks old to pick him up, but I see why they recommend it. WORTH THE WAIT & EVERY PENNY!!!! The staff is amazing and ready to answer any and all questions. They give you handouts, booklets, all the info you'd need. They are a huge resource on how to train properly, feed a raw diet and how to care for your pet. We can't say enough about them! I do wish we had thought to ask to see the parents of our giant, but other than that, 10/10! read more

Skansen Kennel - First day together! - Pet Sitting Near Me - Sebastopol, California

HI , I was just reading the reviews on this site and as a lifetime schnauzer lover and small time breeder ( I only breed my pets as a hobby and not for profit, just love puppies) I have had many various experiences with my mini schnauzers, the breed definitely has a propensity for various genetic problems , I had a black male who had toe cancer ( it was removed ) and 5 years later he developed rectal carcinoma and we euthanized him . Also a has a female who has splenic carcinoma. Both were 14 years old and had great lives. Its not any fault of the breeder , the genetics are passed in the breed. I have a male black now, who will be 13 this year , he is healthy and happy and his father had the cancer. Unfortunately, as in humans, certain conditions cannot point blame at anything , cancer , heart disease and neurological disorder exist in this world. Love them and know you will most likely outlive them , as they pass over the rainbow bridge be grateful for the love you had. read more

I want to post an update on my Mini Schnauzers Oliver and Sophie - who almost 4 years after my initial post are doing great!! Just like people, they have different quirks - Oliver is a cuddlebug and always at my side. Sophie is independent and very Terrior (aka, stubborn!) but greets everyone with the happiest of yelps and what I call the "wiggle worm" dance. I thank Sylvia for such bringing such beautiful and happy dogs to my life. I did my research when I found Skansen. They helped me find the right dog for me - I was looking for a Standard, but once we discussed my lifestyle (at the time, city-living in SF) I took their advice that a mini was better for the space I had. For me, it's about considering the needs of the dog as much as your own. I see some other negative posts of Skansen facilities and I disagree. I witnessed clean facilities and caring people taking care of the dogs at Skansen. I'm not sure why kennels and spaces with grass and dirt are described as a negative - it's not. It's a natural environment for the dogs and you just need to look at them to see they are healthy, happy dogs. Years later, I still believe Sylvia's program is carefully designed, and that she strives to minimize health issues that schnauzers may typically have - but I also believe each dog is a unique, living creature and therefore each dog will have a unique life experience. Unique to him or her and unique compared to those from his or her litters. read more

Skansen Kennel - Pet Sitting Near Me - Sebastopol, California

They lie about their money back for degrees and hip certification and lie about the quality of their shown potential dogs

I am not posting this because I have any personal issues with Sylvia. I admire her dedication to the breed, her concern for her dogs, and the gorgeous animals she had bred. However, there is currently health issues in the breed. In my dog's case SLO and squamous cell cancer of the toe. My Giant is scheduled to have his fifth toe amputated next week. Sylvia told me it is due to his diet; although, she didn't ask me what he was fed. She just immediately blamed me, the owner for the issue. I'm 2013, a mutation was found that causes toe cancer in black dogs. The mutation is next to the gene that determines color. It is not related to diet. For example, you can't change eye color from brown to blue by eating blueberries! A good diet is always essential to any animal or person's health but it won't change a gene mutation. I know Sylvia cares about her dogs, and I am certain she is aware of their health issues. I once heard her say, at a dog show, "Never speak badly about your dogs". She knows and hopefully is trying to eliminate the problem. The article below can be found at the National Human Genome Institute: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Digit Squamous cell carcinoma of the digit (SCCD) is a highly breed specific nail bed skin cancer with increased risk found in black dogs such as Standard Poodles, Giant Schnauzers and Briards. Our ultimate goal is to identify the genetic variants responsible for susceptibility to this disease. The Ostrander Lab has found the likely causal variant near the KIT Ligand (KITLG) locus, which confers increased susceptibility to SCCD. The underlying mutation is a copy number variant, which probably affects levels KITLG protein. Dogs with three copies of the variant on the relevant chromosome from both parents are protected from getting the disease. Dogs with four copies of each are at higher risk, although not every dog with this allele combination will in fact get the disorder, likely because there are modifier genes. Dogs with a 3,4 mixture have a medium risk. Some will get the disease while others will not. read more

Before trusting the negative reviewers - consider this: Sylvia has produced more Giants than anyone in the country. Problems occur and exist in nature at a certain rate. With over 1000 champions bred at her kennel, and countless more pet quality dogs, the math is clear. People will be more inclined to come back and leave a negative review after the death of their beloved pet. Some will even feel the need to cast blame in their emotional state. This is unjust. We've owned 6 giants. 2 from Sylvia, with a third on the way. CH Skansens Schwarza Ritter was a healthy boy to a ripe old doggy age, and our pet Spot is a magnificent animal approaching 5 years old. The other domestic Giants we've owned were also healthy, and had bloodlines straight back to Silvia. However, the dogs we purchased in Germany and Spain didn't fare as well. Quita died at 11, after losing her 7th bout of toe cancer (having 6 toes amputated across a 5 year period. Keeping this tragic killer out of a bloodline isn't easy. Often it doesn't even show up, until 3-5 generations of offspring are sharing the same genes with their own pups. Sylvia has managed this, and several other disasters of nature, with the utmost admirable character. She's a tremendous breeder and a huge contributor to the Giants we all know and love in America to this day. read more

River loves people. She enjoys humans much more than running after a ball or something. We foster for a rescue and she will lay down and let a whole litter of two month old puppies climb all over her. Affection is a powerful enticement to River. read more

Great communication and a lot of great advice for taking care of our pup. Their friendly and knowledgeable and we can't wait to get her in a few weeks. read more

I must give this Skansen Kennel the highest review . My vet fort Giant Schnauzers cane from other breeders Duke, Duchess, Margot, but then we found Skansen and got Prince, Lady, and finally Champ. These are nick names they each had AKC names too. All Black Giant Schnauzer's fed raw and fabulous. Not a one had hip problems or training issues. Next on to the Minis first Black Pepper with the thick rich American coat. Then white Rocky, loyal great pet, all bright white. Then Jack born black from Salt and Pepper parents, he turned a solid gun metal grey. Then my little small Knight. All black and the smallest with such loyalty as never been seen. That's 12 I'm wanting another whit. read more

Skansen Kennel - This is Knight age 2.5 - Pet Sitting Near Me - Sebastopol, California

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I purchased a show quality Giant Schnauzer from Skansen about 10 years ago and seizures started two years in, which required life long medication. I also contacted Sylvia and her recommendation was a raw food diet like others have shared. Unfortunately, my Giant died last year at 10 yrs old from a violent seizure he couldnt recover from. I do mot recommend purchasing a Giant from this kennel. There is clearly a genetic defect with her dogs. read more

I've gotten Mini Schnauzers from different breeders and I can tell you from experience that Skansen's Schnauzers are phenomenal. Our mini boy (Oscar) is beautiful, strong, healthy and has a great disposition. Sylvia and her staff are great and helpful through the adoption process. They're "old school", but responsive on the days they check email. The Kennel is beautiful and it's great to see all three sizes (Mini, Standard and Giant) .. in addition to Llamas :-) Highly recommended. read more

BREEDER OF SHAME!! Do not buy Giant Schnauzers from this breeder. Our first Schnauzer passed away by age 4 from cancer, and now our second Schnauzer has cancer, also age 4, and it is continuing to spread rapidly. After much research, it appears that far too many families have been through this awful experience when buying a Schnauzer from Skansen. It is clear there is a issue with her breed, yet she continues to breed these dogs and sell them to innocent families. PURE GREED. Skansen breeding needs to be shut down. Do yourself a favor and research the complaints from previous and current owners. Purposely breeding these animals, knowing cancer is in their bloodline is just cruel. The heartbreak Skansen puts people through is awful. read more

I've purchased 4 Giant Schnauzer's from Skansen . The people who work their are great to speak with and very knowledgeable. Their puppy's are beautiful and you have many to choose from. Highly recommended men them if you're looking for a Giant. read more

Sadly, we lost our PS Giant, Nixon, today. He was 8 years and 3 months old and we had to put him down due to lymphoma. Prior to the lymphoma diagnosis, he was beginning to go blind. Nixon was the most loving, sensitive and emotionally connected dog that our family has owned, even if the strength of his emotions presented as separation anxiety with him obsessively licking his forelegs. We also have a Golden Doodle whose companionship was not enough to affect this behavior. Overall, Nixon lived a healthy life. He did have mild skin issues that we were unable to resolve through diet (tried everything). read more

I bought a giant from Skansen Kennel and it was the most incredible, most intelligent dog I have ever owned. I am 70 and I have raised and bred many dogs. He diet and commitment to the Schnauzer breed is incredible. read more

A year later after the previous review we bought a male G. Schnauzer. Barry Black is his name and he is such a love bug! My pups are in perfect health. And I have no complaints. Only thing is my first fur child would not let his ears heal correctly so he has one ear up and one down. Lol it's cute. read more

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I wanted to write a positive review because I saw some negativity about Skansen elsewhere. I've had the great privilege of taking home two of Sylvia;s schnauzers in my life. One in 2002, a beautiful Giant named Schnapps, that was always healthy and lived a long happy life. I did not show her but she could have easily finished as a Champion. My current Skansen schnauzer is a Standard named Coco. We've had her for three years now and she is as happy and sweet as she was when I picked her up at the ranch in Sebastopol. My vet bill so far has been $0, that is zero dollars. Other than regular shots at pet clinics, she has had absolutely no health issues. She keep me company on long hikes (10 miles+), chases rabbits, catches rats in the backyard, and loves to cuddle next to us in the evening. If you are considering a Skansen schnauzer I highly recommend it. Sylvia is a legend in dog breeding and has been recognized with the highest honors from AKC. Sylvia's dedicated team of helpers, vets, and staff that has been managing the ranch and making sure all pups are happy and healthy also deserve lots of praise. If you get a Skansen pup you will have a healthy, happy, beautiful schnauzer friend. read more

I grew up with Standards and Giants from Skansen Kennel, and currently have a 2 year old Giant from them....that's over 30 years of experience with Skansen bred Schnauzers. I remember fondly going to her ranch as a young child, and it hasn't changed a bit...it's puppy / dog heaven! The dogs are allowed to live outside to get plenty of exercise and fresh air. ALL the dogs have been wonderful, excellent temperament and health! Sylvia breeds quality dogs that make excellent family pets! Her team is wonderful, and truly are interested in matching the dogs with the right situation. Laina is great and honest! I will continue to return to Skansen as long as I can when I want to add to my family. The dogs are kind, smart, loyal and beautiful. read more

Skansen Kennel - Pet Sitting Near Me - Sebastopol, California

I have two female schnauzers from skansen kennel and they are both amazing. I have a giant and a standard and couldn't be happier. They are both Healthy dogs and you can tell they take care of their puppies/ adult dogs. The breeder sends a packet of information that is specific to schnauzer care that I found helpful. The breeder is responsive when I have questions via email. You can tell that they love their dogs and want the best for them. I highly recommend skansen kennel and I am glad there is a high quality breeder in my area. read more

I bought my beautiful Giant Schnauzer Skansens Luna De La Cruz-Skloot just a couple of months ago. I got her at 13 weeks old, she has turned out to be a tremendously wonderful and no doubt very smart puppy, she came from skansen ch. French Connection and Skansens Jukebox. Luna is 95% house broken. This is because of the time and effort I've dedicated to my puppy, i couldn't afford classes so i had to do it all on my own which she has continued to prove it will all pay off. Pricing and choice was absolutely reasonable. The drive was certainly worth it. She has doubled in size and weight since I got her, THANK YOU SYLVIA HAMMASTROM AND SKANSEN KENNEL!!! read more

Skansen Kennel - Skansen Luna De La Cruz-Skloot at 13 weeks old and now 22 weeks old - Pet Sitting Near Me - Sebastopol, California

2 giants who both had significant back leg/hip/spine problems very young. She won't health test which shows how she doesnt stand behind her breeding imo. read more

I have had 5 Giant Schnauzers from Skansen over the last 25 years. My last one, Sadie had to be put to sleep 1 week ago. She lived to be 14 years and 9 months. That is amazing for the breed. My dogs have been wonderful. We used to have Standard Schnauzers and showed them with a couple of champions. Have had Schnauzers for 56 years. Because of my age I am now downsizing to a Miniature which i'm getting from Skansen in a few days. I highly recommend them. read more

I got my beautiful white miniature schnauzer Sophie from them. They are very experienced with schnauzers and they actually care about the dogs and puppies rather than just pushing them out to make money. They give LOTS of information about any questions you might have about your future puppy and if you don't want to stick to the diet they use then they inform you about easier options.I will definitely get my next Mini from them! Update: Sophie is from Skansens Mokka and Skansens Gentleman's Agreement. She is such a confident and intelligent puppy and I couldn't be more satisfied. read more

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Obtained Otto, our White Mini, almost 5 years ago. Smart, flawless features, my constant companion. Best Dog I ever had. My experience with Skansen was fantastic. Otto gets complimented every day on his walk. Thank you Skansen for Otto. He's a blessing. Jerry Mercurio Folsom read more

Purchased a giant schnauzer from skasen and decided to drive him home from California to Texas. He was beautiful and a gentle giant. After 2 days of being home he suddenly passed away. Had an autopsy completed on him and he had an enlarged heart. Contacted Skansen and they stated that his brother was available and could replace ours with him. Ensured us "that things can happen" and it's just uncommon for the puppy to last to 18 weeks with his condition. After thinking about it we decided to take his brother. She replaced at no cost other than us paying for shipping. After getting him a week later , he was just like his brother and wonderful. Fell in love immediately! After about a week he seemed a little sluggish and had to take him to the vet. He was diagnosed with giardia (which is a type of worm). With us living in Texas the vets had not seen anything this strong before so they put him on antibiotics. Three days later we ended up in the vet with pneumonia which included an overnight stay for our puppy at an emergency room vet. He came home and we followed the vets orders, his spirits seemed better and our hopes where up. The following Friday we went in fora check up because he was coughing and the vet said the pneumonia had gone but it had a natural progression to bronchitis. Issued some more meds and we left. That Sunday our dog was turning for the worse and began having tremors in his leg. Went to the emergency room. Vet because he was extremely lethargic and they stated that the giardia had flared back up. The vet asked us to contact Skansen about his health in hoping they could give some insight on the strain of giardia. We also included a video of our dogs tremors. Sylvia basically informed us that our dog would die and that it was more or less our environment that killed him. I was heartbroken when we had to put him down. The vets finally diagnosed him with distemper. After reaching out to Skansen to inform them of this finding we have gotten no response. With the progression of distemper our dog had it when it arrived at our home. Beware of doing business with them. It does come down to monetary gain from them. I have wanted a giant for so long and after all of the money we spent I could have went to a different breeder and got two top show quality giants for the money we paid her , in transportation, and in vet bills. read more

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We found Skansen Kennels online, purchased our giant from them in 2018, and went there to pick him up. We felt bad taking him because the ranch there is so beautiful and the dogs are so happy! Our giant Pork is the love of our lives. He is the best dog Ive ever had and is truly a member of our family. Not only is he gorgeous, but his temperament is incredible. He's smart, playful, protective, goofy, loving, and just the move fun. He take him everywhere - vacation, work, travel, the beach, RV trips. We get stopped daily asking where we got him, and most commonly, "what is that?! He's such a great looking dog!" I'm so happy with the whole experience, the quality, the care that went into breeding, follow up, just the whole experience. I know they push the raw diet, and that is because it works! This breeder cares deeply about the dogs and take a holistic approach, and it shows. We just visited the kennels again on a trip to go say hi, and the dogs are as well taken care of and happy as ever. We LOVE our giant so much read more

Skansen Kennel - Pork the giant schnauzer, visiting Bodega Bay - Pet Sitting Near Me - Sebastopol, California

I've owned my miniature schnauzer for 2 years now. We feed him organic fruits and veggies as well as grass fed, free range meat and eggs. He also loves Wild Salmon and Sardines. We give him distilled water and sprinkle a tsp. of Solid Gold (Kelp for immune system and coat) on his food. Overall, he has been a healthy, very active and social pup since he arrived at 4 months old. He is very smart and has a schnattitude like most other Schnauzers. He took longer than expected to potty train but learned basic commands in less than two days. It took him about a week to be successfully crate trained. He actually prefers to sleep in his crate then in our bed. I do miss the puppy cuddles. He went to obedience training and did pretty well. He still has his off days as do we all. He loves to stick to a strict schedule. He will let you know exactly when it's time to eat or go to the park. He goes to daycare 2 to 3 times a week to get more socialization and exercise. He loves it and comes home completely tired out. A tired dog is a good dog ; ) My parents also have a black miniature schnauzer from Skansen. He is also an excellent dog. Very athletic and smart! It seems to me that Skansen produces some top quality Schnauzers. We watched a lot of Cesar Millan videos before our pup arrived. I found those along with the material Sylvia sends to be very useful. She sends a lot which can feel overwhelming. I recommend doing your research and reach out to her with questions you may have. You might have to call or email a few times. read more

Skansen Kennel - He travels everywhere with us. - Pet Sitting Near Me - Sebastopol, California

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I've had six dogs from Skansen over the past 30 years. All beautiful, healthy, affectionate dogs.

I've owned two great Giant Schnauzer dogs from this great kennel. They were excellent in the ring, and as loyal and lovable pets! You can trust the Skansen team for the best quality dogs. read more