Frequently Asked Questions?
Try our FAQ search!
- Is a Cairn Terrier for me?
- What are they like?
- What defines a responsible breeder?
- How do I find a responsible breeder?
- Why should I buy from a breeder of
show dogs when I only want a pet?
- Should I get a puppy or adult, male or
female??
Each breed of dog was developed to perform a function or task,
whether it be to serve as a devoted companion, to herd sheep, to
guard possessions, or, in the case of the Cairn, to rid cities of
vermin and aid the hunter. Through selective breeding, humans
"tailored" each breed to enable it to perform that task with
efficiency. Dogs working in rainy or cold weather needed heavy
coats. Gun dogs did better with ears that laid flat on their
heads to protect their ear drums from the sound of guns.
In addition, certain temperament traits were required to perform
these tasks best. Guard dogs had to be fearless.
Herding dogs had to be protective and responsive to their
handlers and look to them for commands. Dogs aiding bird hunters
had to love water.
Consequently, breeds of dogs differ greatly not only in their
appearance but in their level of intelligence, trainability, and
general temperament.
A breed's physical characteristics are important to consider when
choosing a breed as a family pet. How large a puppy will grow
and how active he is will determine how much exercise he will need.
Coat characteristics should be considered in terms of how much
grooming, whether professional and otherwise, is required.
Although the temptation is great, do not choose a breed solely on
its appearance.
Most importantly, you should investigate the temperament
characteristics of several breeds in the size range you desire.
A good match of temperament to family lifestyle and personalities
will ensure a rewarding relationship companionship
Cairns had to be fearless to burrow after game, large and small.
Their handlers didn't give them direction as they pursued their
quarry. They worked independently and they had to be smarter
than their quarry. So, the Cairn evolved independent, fearless
and doesn't give up easily.
Many Cairns still enjoy hunting and some enjoy digging. If
you get one that does, it's best to give him a place where he can
enjoy digging and get used to him bringing you a mouse once in a
while. Others may have no interest digging or even the pursuit
of squirrels.
In addition, most Cairns are
- good with children.
- active and inquisitive.
- good watchdogs without being "yappy."
- need a fenced yard or at the very least a family very
committed to dog-walking. An animal that is tied-up usually
becomes frustrated and aggressive.
Anyone who owns a female at the time of mating
is considered a "breeder" as defined by the American Kennel Club
(AKC). Because a dog has
"AKC papers" doesn't guarantee he is either representative of his
breed in appearance and temperament or that he is healthy, sound and
less likely to develop genetic diseases.
Most dog breeders fit into one of three
categories
-
The pet shop--the worst possible choice:
Their business is making money so they get puppies cheap from
puppy mills that produce them in mass numbers often in filthy
conditions.
-
The back-yard breeder--not advisable: Often
with good intentions, most have little knowledge of the
predisposition for genetic disease in their animals, nor do they
understand how to properly socialize growing puppies..
-
The hobby breeder--the best choice: Loves
his animals and is committed to raising healthy animals that
conform to the standard for the breed--in appearance and
temperament...
The responsible breeder
-
is a long-standing member of a breed or dog
club and exhibits his dogs in AKC events*
-
is a hobby breeder who views dogs as
companion animals--not "breeding stock or farm animals"
-
guarantees against crippling, disabling or
fatal genetic diseases
-
breeds to produce a puppy he will keep and
offers the others for placement.
*Membership in breed clubs encourage
responsible breeding and handling, but clubs cannot enforce
adherence to their codes of ethics.
The American Kennel Club does not guarantee parentage or
health of dogs. AKC
registered merely means the dog has been represented by its breeder
to be a purebred and it's parentage correct as stated on its
registration papers. The
breeder is the person responsible for guaranteeing health and
parentage of your dog.
Choose a breeder carefully.
Important information about AKC
Registered and Quality
There is a widely held belief that "AKC" or
"AKC papers" and quality are one and the same. This is not the case.
AKC is a registry body. A registration certificate identifies the
dog as the offspring of a known sire and dam, born on a known date.
It in no way indicates the quality or state of health of the dog.
Quality in the sense of "show quality" is determined by many factors
including the dog's health, physical condition, ability to move and
appearance. Breeders breeding show stock are trying to produce
animals that closely resemble the description of perfection
described in the breed standard. Many people breed their dogs with
no concern for the qualitative demands of the breed standard. When
this occurs repeatedly over several generations, the animals, while
still pure-bred, can be of extremely low quality.
For list of responsible
breeders in Minnesota who have adults or puppies available,
contact us at cairns@blairhill.net.
For breeders in other states who are members of
the Cairn Terrier Club of America
visit the the club's website at
www.cairnterrier.org.
Hobby breeders as described above have a vested interested in
breeding sound, healthy dogs because they are breeding to keep one
for themselves. They spend hundreds of dollars per litter
testing their dogs and resulting puppies to help prevent genetic
diseases and disorders. Some breeders, Blair Hill included,
charge the same for show dogs as for pets under a certain age.
What better way to help guard against the heartbreak of loosing a
puppy or spending hundreds of dollars nursing a sick puppy back to
health. Some breeders will even let you make payments.
That depends. Carefully consider whether you'll have the
time and patience to housebreak, train and socialize a puppy.
Puppies require a huge commitment of time and energy that some
families can't afford. For more on puppies, see our
Puppies 101
page.
An adult from a responsible breeder is usually well-adjusted,
housebroken and neutered. The right adult can fit in well
without all the hassles of raising a puppy. Cairns are
long-lived and hearty, many living well into their teens. A
healthy five-year-old Cairn can be with you for many years.
Adult or puppy, take the time to find the right temperament match
for your lifestyle.
