Welcome to the official website of Ksantia, a professional Pepper and Salt Standard Schnauzer kennel, located in Odesa, Ukraine.
My name is Oksana Melish,
and I am the founder and owner of the Ksantia.
I have been a devoted Schnauzer owner for 31 years and a breeder for 20 years. My life and my kennel are built on this lifelong passion for the breed.
The Standard Schnauzer, aka Medium Schnauzer, Mittelschnauzer, Schnauzer or just short SS is a special breed that either wins your heart forever or causes rejection, but definitely never leaves anyone indifferent.
The Standard Schnauzer is a true companion: it is essential for them to be among people, to be "one of the pack". Yet, they are never intrusive. Working from home? Your dog will rest calmly by your side, intuitively sensing when you need focus.
A Schnauzer craves human contact but never loses its own identity - and won't ask you to lose yours. It is a breed defined by logical thinking, a resilient character, boundless drive, and a true Persona.
Indeed, a Personality with a capital P.
The modern standard schnauzer is a master versatility. Across Europe, they serve in customs and police units; in Germany, they are still used for boar hunting; and in the US, they have also proven themselves as herding dogs.
A Schnauzer is naturally curious and driven - they truly love to learn.
I often hear from puppy owners that after just 7 out of 10 obedience classes, their trainers tell them the pup has already mastered everything. They are quick to grasp new concepts and possess an incredible long-term memory. However, in training, the logic behind a command must be clear to both the owner and the dog. Sitting fifty times in a row? By the fifth repetition, you'll see the question in their eyes: "Why?". If you can explain the purpose, they will do it a hundred times. But you cannot force them - Schnauzer is far too intelligent to be a mindless performer.
Welcoming a new baby? A Standard Schnauzer will instinctively accept the newborn as the newest member of the pack. Leaving your dog with relatives while on vacation? A Schnauzer doesn't waste time: they will immediately start navigating relationships and identifying where their bowl stands. Taking them with you? A change of scenery never intimidates a Schnauzer; they integrate seamlessly into new surroundings and naturally bond with new faces.
The Standard Schnauzer is the true "Golden Mean" of the breed family. Standing 45-50 cm at the withers with a robust, athletic build (16-23 kg), they represent the ideal balance of substance and agility.
Substantial enough to stand by a man; compact enough for any home.
They are manageable enough for a petite woman or a teenager to handle, while remaining powerful enough to run for miles alongside a bicycle or excel as a full-fledged guard dog after protection training.
Their harsh, wiry coat acts as a natural suit of armor, protecting them from the elements. A Schnauzer doesn't rely on air conditioning in the summer, no do they require clothing in the winter.
They truly do not shed, and they have no "doggy odor".
Living with a Standard Schnauzer is a genuine pleasure: they are easy to share a home with, perfect for relaxing onthe sofa, and, above all, wondering to hold.
Despite their wiry coat and trademark beard, the Schnauzer is not a terrier. These breeds fundamentally different in both temperament and in historical purpose.
The Schnauzer originated in Germany as a versatile farm dog. Their role was to guard livestock, protect their owners and property, act as a herder, and keep the farm free of vermin.
In contrast, classic terriers (from the latin "terra", meaning "earth") are a group of breeds developed specifically for hunting burrowing animals and rodents. Most terriers trace their roots back to England.
While a terrier is primarily an earth-hunter, the Schnauzer is a multi-purpose working breed. ASchnauzer is deeply oriented toward working with humans, yet they possess the intelligence to make independent decisions.
A terrier bred to chase and dispatch in a flash — sharp, fearless, incredibly fast, and full of fire.
The kennel is my passion and life’s work.
Ksantia was recognized as the Best Pepper and Salt Schnauzer Kennel in Ukraine in 2016, 2017, and 2020, according to the official rankings of the Schnauzer Club of Ukraine.
Dogs carrying the Ksantia prefix have earned the prestigious title of Top Schnauzer of Ukraine 2021 (Ukranian Kennel Union) and were named Best Schnauzer in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020 by the Schnauzer Club of Ukraine.
My goal is to breed dogs that strictly adhere to the official breed standard, while never losing sight of their primary purpose: being a seamless and intuitive life companion.
The emphasis is placed on a stable temperament, ensuring each Schnauzer is exactly as they were meant to be - sociable, highly trainable, adaptable, and capable of thinking and making independent decisions.
Superior quality harsh coat and vibrant pepper-and-salt color. The coat is wire to the extent that the legs hair is stripped but well grown. The undercoat is structural and short.
Strong bone without coarseness or slackness
A high neck set and prominent withers, leading into a perfectly proportioned topline
An "uphill" (high-forehanded) build, maintained both in a stack and while in motion
Correct rear assembly with a correct tail set
Balanced angulation of the fore- and highquarters, ensuring a powerful, efficient, and productive trot
Today, Ksantia kennel is well-known among professional breeders across Europe, North and South America . This global recognition has been earned through collaborations with esteemed kennels, including Ave Concorde, Metallic, Du Domaine De PierrMarie, Аnkor Kurazh, Nettle Greit, Gagatek, Nichi, Della Settima Musa, Von Link, Velvet Dandy's, Achterplatzchen, Spacy Land, Minnienoom Schnauzers.
Ksantia Schnauzers are cherished companions across the globe, living in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Sweden, the UK, Poland, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, Belgium, Israel, Turkey, and, of course, in Ukraine.
Kennel graduates hold titles of International Champions, Champions of many countries and national schnauzer clubs, junior vice winners of Europe and the World, vice World winner, World and Europe veteran winner and European winner.
The breeding program is meticulously planned to ensure that litters represent breeding value - not only for Ksantia but for the global Schnauzer community.
The impact of our bloodlines is best demonstrated by our graduates' successes. Ksantia Ambassador, sold to a Polish kennel, sired a Junior World Winner 2021 and a World Winner 2023. Furthermore, the Junior World Winner 2025, Volver Gagatek (Poland), carries three generations of Ksantia genetics: he is the son of Ksantia Java, grandson of Ksantia Dea, and great-grandson of Ksantia Afina.
