AKC Breeder Spotlight: Mary Falls of Classic Giant Schnauzers

Mary Falls, an AKC Breeder of Merit, has bred and shown Giant Schnauzers for 28 years under the kennel name Classic Giant Schnauzers of Easentaigh (Gaelic for “Falls House”). She lives on the Bluffs of Baraboo in Wisconsin. She began her work life as a certified veterinary technician and now holds a doctorate in nursing practice. She also bred, raised, trained, and showed Morgan Horses for 20 years. 

AKC: How did you get started in breeding dogs?

Mary: I began showing Miniature Schnauzers as a teenager with the mentorship of Lanny and Penny Hirstein and Alice Gough. In 1991, I purchased my first working Giant Schnauzer, Ch. Classic von der Allenhof AD BH CD V, establishing the Classic von Easentaigh kennel. “Liebchen” came from a well-bred German working line. 

All my bloodlines are from very accomplished European working and show dogs from Holland, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Finland, South Africa, and most recently, Spain. I have imported three stud dogs who have excelled in conformation and working venues. 

AKC: What is the most important thing to know about Giant Schnauzers?

Mary: The important things to know about the Giant Schnauzer are their extreme intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. They thrive when they are well-trained and have a job. They are a natural guard dog and want to be in the home with their family.  

AKC: How has AKC Marketplace helped you find puppy buyers?

Mary: The AKC Marketplace is an excellent tool that helps one connect to people interested in possibly owning a Classic Giant Schnauzer. As an AKC Breeder of Merit, the Marketplace allows me to showcase the Easentaigh kennel through personal citations, photos, and videos. It also provides direct access to my website and email for more information. This is a wonderful tool offered to breeders by the AKC. 

AKC: What is your favorite question to ask of potential puppy buyers?

Mary: My favorite and most important question to ask potential puppy owners is “Have you ever owned a working dog?” Educating the public about the Giant Schnauzer is a very important role for the breeder, ensuring that new owners fully understand the breed and its training and grooming needs.

AKC: What are the main qualities you look for in potential owners?

Mary: I look for prior experience with active dogs, self-assured individuals who are interested in an active lifestyle with their dog, interest in AKC activities and/or competition, and willingness to train the puppy to ensure happy and healthy companionship for its entire life. 

AKC: What is the best advice you would give to novice breeders?

Mary: My best advice to novice breeders is to seek out a breeder/mentor you respect. Be ready to devote your time to gaining knowledge and understanding of the breed, pedigrees, animal husbandry, genetics, and reproduction. Every breeder needs to establish objectives and goals for their breeding program with regular evaluation of their bloodstock to ensure these ideals are being met.   

AKC: Do your dogs participate in AKC sports?

Mary: Classic Giant Schnauzers participate in and excel in AKC Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Herding, Conformation, Coursing, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Rally, Trick Dog, CGC, CGCA, Fast CAT, and Scent Work. They also participate in Search and Rescue, Cadaver Search, Police Apprehension K-9, Narcotic K-9, and Explosive detection K-9. 

AKC: What do you like best about breeding dogs?

Mary: The two things I like the best about breeding dogs are:  

• Having established lifelong Giant Schnauzer friendships from around the world.  
• Producing beautiful dogs of excellent quality with sound structure, solid temperament, good health, and versatility.  

AKC: Do you have a favorite breeding story?

Mary: In 1998 I met with Dorothy Bonow, a long–time Giant owner who had a beautiful imported male named Jago vom Bartenwetzer from breeders Johann and Edith Gallant of Holland. 

I requested to breed to him, and Dorothy just couldn’t do that; she said she “would fret to know where every puppy went and how they were doing throughout their lives.” She did, however, send the Dutch breeders a recommendation that allowed me to import Ch. Van’t Wareheim Hausmann, who proved to be a beautiful boy, an outstanding producer, and an excellent working dog. 

I have been very fortunate with my breeding program due to my lifetime passion for learning, the support of excellent mentors, family, and friends, as well as all the owners of my dogs who train, show, trial and LOVE their Classic Giant Schnauzers! 

I am humbled and happy to hear from my puppy owners when they call me to say “He/she is/was the best dog I’ve ever had, and I’ve had many, many dogs.” 

To learn more about Mary’s amazingly versatile dogs, visit her page on the AKC Marketplace.  

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