Oberon is . . .
An adorable charcoal male miniature schnauzer, born November 6, 2005.  He definitely lives up to his namesake, as Oberon means "heart of a bear" in the German language.  Oberon was also a character in William  Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream," and king of the fairies in folklore.
More about Obie:
Interesting  Facts about Miniature Schnauzers:
I live in Cedar Hill, Texas with The Wiz and two Giant Schnauzers, Zora and Zigfried.  Although the Giants outweigh me by more than 100 pounds, I'm the boss of the house, and I'm not afraid to flex my muscles when necessary!  (After all, I was here first!)  The Wiz keeps telling me that I'm Zwerg, but in my mind I'm Riesen through and through.  I  absolutely love to wrestle with Zig, despite the fact that he's a lot bigger than I am -- the rougher the action the more tenacious I became.  Plus, it's real easy for me to go between Zig's or Zora's legs and latch onto their beards.  Teeheehee!  I especially love to torment Zora while she's sleeping:  I like to run in front of her and shake some toy or sock in her face until she chases me, then I fly underneath the cocktail table, behind the sofa or under the bed  where she can't reach me.  It's funny to see her frustration when she can't catch me.  The Wiz says I'm quite the little thief, because I like to steal things (especially undies)  and take them into the back yard! 
It is believed that Miniature Schnauzers were bred by crossing small Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers and poodles.  The Mini is known as the "Zwegschnauzer" in Germany.  While the AKC places Minis in the Terrier Group, elsewhere in the world they are classified as members of the Working Dog Group.  Originally bred to be ratters, Minis tend to have high prey drive, and will definitely give chase if given the opportunity.
Like many small breeds, Minis sometimes forget their small stature and their scrappiness can sometimes make for close calls with bigger dogs (i.e., Napoleon complex).  Having grown up with Giant Schnauzers, Obie tends to believe he's a Giant, too and believes that all big dogs are his loyal subjects to command as he pleases.  (NOT!) 
Minis are very affectionate, intelligent and loyal dogs, and make great watchdogs.  Some people have said the way to tell the difference between a Miniature, Standard and Giant Schnauzer is thus:  the Mini will sound the alarm; the Standard will corner any intruder; and the Giant will bring the intruder down!
Although many people believe Minis are hypoallergenic, they DO shed -- just not in massive quantities like many other dogs.  Regular grooming is essential to prevent mats and other associated health problems.  Learning to do your own grooming will help engender a stronger bond with your Mini, and is very cost-effective.
Obie's Likes:
Obie's Dislikes:
- being lord and master of all I survey

- sticking my  head out of the car window

- Old West BaaBaaQ's (lamb treats)

- roughhousing with Zig

- watching television (especially if dogs are on the screen)

- visiting the dog park at Mockingbird Point

- going to PetSmart (cause I know I'm always gonna get something if I behave myself)		 - going to see Dr. Overstreet

- wearing that stupid Gentle Leader when we go for walks

- getting my ears cleaned, and having anyone put those clipper-thingies near my face

- sirens (what are these things?  I always take a seat and chime in with my own howling when I heard them.  Methinks it sounds like a canine banshee!))

- hot weather (which, in Texas, lasts about half of the year)

- the small two-legged creatures that run and make shrieking noises (I think they're trying to get me, so I have to scare them off!  They move much too much like things which need be chased IMHO.  Hmphf!  Of couse, The Wiz won't let me chase them -- she can be a spoil sport at times.
Zigfried's Page
Zora's Page
Back to the Land of O.Z.Z.
Email Obie!
Hey, this is me at two monts old!  I was black at first, but as you can see in the top pic, I've become a charcoal grey.  Aren't I a cutie?