Why buy a purebred Cairn?
Beware of the "designer breed" trap.
Shelters are full of lovely mixed breeds at far less the cost.
Breeders of so called "designer" breeds may tell you that they combine
two or more breeds to get the best characteristics of each breed.
Common sense and the law of nature dictate that this is impossible to
predict with a history of a couple of generations and a gene pool of two or
more breeds--often five or six dogs interbred. It takes hundreds of
generations of selective breeding to come close to predicting these things
in purebred dogs, which is the very essence and purpose of the purebred dog.
Consistent selection over hundreds of generations focusing on the previously
established purpose of a breed is what offers some predictability in
resulting litters. Note: It takes decades to for new breeds to become
approved for registration in the American Kennel Club (AKC) by the
suggestion of supports groups, so don't be taken in by the stories of
fly-by-night opportunists raising what in realty is mixed breed dogs.
If a mixed breed appeal to you, please be mindful that many very lovely
mixed breeds are put to death in shelters all across the country.
Bred for hundreds of generations for health, temperament and physical appearance purebreds have
predictable physical characteristics.
Many of their genes are "fixed," For example, all Golden Retrievers have
fixed genes for medium/large size, floppy ears and golden color. It is the
pairing of dogs with such genes that keeps a breed looking like it should
over many generations. If dogs were allowed to mate and nature to take its
course, all dog breeds would evolve to look alike, probably much like the
wolf. When you see a purebred puppy, you have a good idea of what he will
look like as an adult. The breeder matters. Only skilled breeders with some
knowledge of genetics can predict how one dog's genes will combine with
another's. Responsible breeders use their skill and knowledge of genetics,
not only to breed generations of dogs that look like the written standard
for the breed, and more importantly, to pair dogs together that are likely
to produce genetically sound, healthy dogs with temperaments typical of
their breed.
In addition to physical appearance, many dogs come with tendencies or
working behaviors specific to their breed. In purebreds, these tendencies
are predictable -- not so in mixed breeds.
To some extent, temperament is also fixed ("programmed" or "hardwired")
into the genes of purebred dogs. Most breeds were developed for working
purposes -- herding sheep, hunting birds or rabbits, killing rats, guarding
estates, pulling sleds. Working behaviors include:
- chasing things that move (other animals, running children, bikes and
cars)
- nipping at things that move
- barking at things that move
- grabbing smaller animals as though they were prey
- digging holes in the ground
- acting suspiciously or threateningly toward strangers
- baying and howling
- putting their nose to the ground and running away
- making their own decisions and ignoring your commands
Before you decide on a breed, be sure you know its behavior traits and
what it was developed to do. It will help ensure you find the best match
for your family and lifestyle.
"Fixed" behavior can be influenced by environment.
Some of the most undesirable temperament traits can be managed and
changed to a degree but it requires skill, commitment and energy. Training
and socialization, or the lack of it, can work toward changing natural or
"wired" temperament characteristics. If you choose a breed with "good"
characteristics but fall short of providing proper training and
socialization, especially during the dog's most important formative period
(7 to 16 weeks of age), his "good" characteristics can go straight out the
window. That is an excellent argument for choosing an adult dog from a
responsible breeder. If you find an adult that is known to have a good
temperament and good behavior, you don't have to worry making serous
mistakes you and your dog will have to live with for the rest of his life.
His experienced and skilled breeder will have done the difficult task of
nurturing and bringing him along to a happy, well-adjusted pet.
How do I know the dog is purebred?
Cairn Terriers born or sold in the United States should come with
registrations from one or more of the following registries. American
Kennel Club (AKC) - dogs born in the United States Canadian Kennel Club
(CKC) - dogs born in Canada The Kennel Club of England (KC) - dogs born in
the United Kingdom Beware of commercial breeders (puppy mills) and pet
shops that sell dogs with "registration papers" from bogus or fictitious
registries. Cairn Terriers registered with organizations other than those
listed above are NOT certified purebred.
"Registered" does not guarantee or quality or soundness.
The creditable registries mentioned above merely certify that, based on a
signed statement from the breeder, the puppy is from a specific registered
sire and dam and therefore purebred. They do not certify the health,
genetic soundness or appearance of the dog or the integrity of the breeder,
nor do they offer restitution or arbitration between you and the breeder.
Your transaction is with the breeder, so find a responsible one.
