It’s easy to admire Abra.  Her formidable size, silky black coat, and feathery eyebrows and beard make her a standout among other dogs at the park. Descended from a line of champion Giant Schnauzers, a breed that originally hails from Europe, Abra seems right at home in New Jersey and visits the park regularly with dad Ennis.

Here’s a little of the breed’s history. According to the American Kennel Club website, the Giant Schnauzer:

 “.. aided the shepherd in driving livestock to market and was used as a guard dog by the butchers and breweries. During World War I the breed was recognized in Germany for its intelligence and trainability, becoming one of the breeds used for police training.”

The website also says that the breed standard for Giant Schnauzers includes appearing “on the whole a bold and valiant figure of a dog.”  Abra is nothing if not that.

But she does have a softer side. According to Ennis, Abra’s name is the feminine form of Abraham and means “earth mother.”  “That’s the reasons she likes to boss other dogs around,” he says.

Abra was a puppy when Ennis got her, an event that marked the end of a long journey. A lengthy interview process between the breeder, the “matchmaker” and owner of the sire, all from different parts of the country, ensued before Abra could be part of Ennis’s family.

Once becoming a part of the family, her training began.  Ennis worked daily with her for three years  “going over with her how I wanted her to be. I wanted her to be gentle.” Now six years old and 107 lbs., Abra has blossomed into the lady we see now. She can be stubborn, Ennis admits, but she has a good vocabulary and  thinks of the dog park as her Facebook page. Hypoallergenic, intelligent, and protective, Ennis recommends the breed for people with kids.

“She’s just a wonderful dog,” he says.