Purchased my boy from Skansen's 7 months ago. Did my research for several months before committing. Flew up to San Francisco and drove an hour North to the kennel. Amazing place. The dogs are in HEAVEN!!! They are removed from the world we know and have to be socialized on everything. So darn exciting.

I interacted with Sylvia a few times before and after our purchase. She has been breading Schnauzers for 50+ years. She is an older woman, much like and older doctor, who is set in her ways and beliefs and doesn't cater much to our "overknowledged, highly stressed, over priced lives." She doesn't believe in vaccines (except rabies because California requires it); believes in Raw feeding only; and a healthy balance of supplements for our dogs (fish oil, vitamins c, d, e......, etc).

Is Sylvia warm and fuzzy? NO..... But she doesn't have to be. She breeds dogs. She has to separate from those dogs, so I can't imagine attachment being an productive way to manage her business.

I was warned that my boy would be a "devil" the first year. He would be a wild "teenager." There was no promise of him being cost-effective, or an angel. He is a Bull in China shop; a mouthy-blood drawing bandit; a toilet paper, clothes, wood chair eating terror who is the BEST THING that has ever happened to our family. We can not imagine a life without him.

I recommend this breeder.

We purchased 2 giants and 1 standard from Skanson Kennels. All dog were loving and terrific companions. The giants died of old age and our standard in just 1 1/2 years old. We know Sylvia and her staff quite well - our son worked there for several years. I would certainly recommend Skanson to whomever is looking to get a highly intelligent, energetic and faithful companion.

There's often a combination of truth and exaggeration in this type of format. I've had great experiences with Sylvia, and I've also seen another side of her. She didn't believe me that the dog I purchased came to me shy and afraid of her own shadow. She became defensive, agitated and angry. Rather shocking. This is the only negative encounter I've ever had with Skansen. A relatively low percentage of dogs have health issues, and I don't think Sylvia is objective in this regard. I agree that overall Skansen is a great place to find a wonderful dog. The staff and owner are professional and caring. Also, very knowledgable. Perhaps just too many dogs to have everything turn out perfect. I would buy a dog from Sylvia with a small asterisk as described. Grade B+ 8.7/10

After reading the reviews on this page, I had to add my two cents to this story. For starters, I have a Pepper and Salt Giant Schnauzer puppy on hold at Skansens Kennels. After reading Lorrie LHeureux complaint, I started to have second thoughts about purchasing a puppy from Skansens. Those feelings lasted a few minutes then faded, because Lorrie’s story points to her being the problem not Sylvia or the Kennel. I did an internet search and could find no genetic issue that would cause Schnauzers teeth to rot to the point of having to be pulled out. Secondly, Lorrie failed to mention the "other health issues" her dog had. Also, the dry eye condition is rare in Schnauzer dogs and could be caused by a variety of reasons. These appears to be non-genetic issues with the actual fault being poor ownership by Ms. Heureux and her inability to care property for her dogs. Canines teeth just don't fall on their own. Lack of proper dental care and poor food are the primary reasons for canine dental decay. If the dry eye condition was a genetic flaw, then it’s a genetic flaw. No breeder can guarantee their dogs will never get sick or come down with a disease. When you by a dog, you must accept those possibilities and live with them. The fact that Sylvia worked with Lorrie shows just how responsible of a breeder she is. Furthermore, Lorrie's lack of respect by calling her the "old lady" shows just how little respect she has for others; she really appears to be quite the mean-spirited person and one lacking self-control and decency.

The clear majority of people responding to this complaint board supported Skansen Kennels and have had positive experiencing with the Kennels and the dogs they've had. Some of the dogs did die of various diseases known to affect Giant Schnauzers such as squamous cell carcinomas but that is to be expected with Back Giant Schnauzers, Labradors, and Poodles. Health cannot be 100% guaranteed by anyone, but Skansens guarantee is about as good as any breeder out there. Plus, for a person like Sylvia to be in the business of breeding G&S for over 40 years, producing over 900 champions, having her dogs being used as breeding stock for GS lines across the country she must be doing something right. With 40 years’ time invested in breeding; there is a complaint being made by one person whose dogs teeth had to be pulled, and another who had dry eyes. The AKC recommends the following tests for GS Ophthalmologist, Thyroid, and Hip Evaluations. With all the dogs being breed, you'd expect several complaints in these areas. You'd expect a negative score with the BBB...there is none.

Finally, as a disclaimer let me say this; I have never met or spoken to Silvia. I have emailed her twice and she responded to me within a day each time. I have spoken to office personnel twice and they treated me with respect. I get to see my Pepper and Salt little girl on May 1 and take her home on May 5th something I am looking so forward too. I wrote this rather lengthy review because I hate it when people try to ruin another's business because they think society owes them something, and that they can get their way by bullying people.