My love affair with Standard Schnauzers began in Germany, in 1970, when a relative introduced me to his dog, Mollie. She was everything I would have ever wanted in a dog: intelligent, protective, fun-loving, clean, a wonderful pet and companion. It took me another 7 years to find a dog of my own. When I did, she was right under my nose in Portland, Oregon.

Ilsa (CH Salzundpfeffer's MS. Ilsa) came into my life in 1977 from a long-time breeder, Lt. Col. Frances Reynolds. Fran sold me Ilsa as a pet, but talked me into letting a friend show her for "at least one show". After holding that first blue ribbon in my hands, I was hooked for life. She was my foundation for what was to become Von Stocker Schnauzers. She was the epitome of the Standard Schnauzer. More importantly, she was our protectoress, our companion, our delight and joy, and our friend.

Ilsa finished her championship at Sir Frances Drake Kennel Club shows in California and began her new career as "mom".

The first Von Stocker names went to Tank (CH Von Stocker’s Kleine Panzer) and Brie (CH Von Stocker’s Kleine Brie), two of Ilsa’s offspring who were sired by CH. Pepper Tree Victor’s Vanity in 1983.

The name "Stocker" was from my grandfather, John Ulrich Stocker, who came to the United States from Switzerland. In German, "Von" is "of" and this was the dawn of Von Stocker Schnauzers.