So why should you get a Cairn Terrier? Here’s a few pros and cons to take in consideration, if you thinking to add a Cairn puppy to your household. The Cairn’s compact size, charming but feisty temperament, and alert intelligence make this terrier a popular choice for an ever-growing number of families.

Before you purchase a Cairn Terrier, which can live 15 or more years with proper attention, it’s important to think not only about the benefits but also the obligations involved in owning a dog. To help you decide whether a Cairn, or any breed, is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

Why Do I Want a Dog?

People own Cairns for reasons as diverse as the dogs themselves: the challenge of competing in dog shows, the rewards of obedience training, the excitement of participating in Performance events, the satisfaction of breeding champion-caliber animals, and, most of all, the enjoyment that comes from sharing a home with a loving canine companion.

Unfortunately, some individuals choose dogs for the wrong reasons. Owners concerned with an image, for instance, often acquire certain breeds as status symbols, without regard to their suitability as family pets.

Others fall victim to unscrupulous sellers who demand large sums for traits that, in reality, are considered faults or disqualifications.

People also purchase dogs to teach responsibility to their children. Although the bond between a child and dog is one of the strongest of all youthful relationships, keep in mind that most tasks related to an animal’s care eventually fall on the parents.

Many Cairn breeders are reluctant to sell to homes with children younger than seven or eight, unless assured that adults will supervise the rearing of the puppy.

Owning a dog is not a whim, but a lifelong commitment that should be entered into only if you’re willing to give as much to the relationship as does your Cairn Terrier.

Is My Lifestyle Compatible With Dog Ownership?

Another consideration is whether a dog fits into your lifestyle. As one of the smaller terriers, standing about 10 inches (25,4 cm) at the shoulders, Cairns readily adapt to country estates, suburban dwellings, or downtown apartments.

In fact, one of the most successful kennels of the 1920’s and 1930’s began in an apartment on Park Avenue in New York City. However because Cairns are quite active and need to work off their excess energy, make certain you can take your dog for at least two walks each day.

Also, check your lease agreement before you bring home a puppy to ensure that your landlord allows dogs. If you own a home, a fenced-in backyard provides adequate space for exercise.

Cairns should not be left alone for long periods, though, because they tend to become destructive diggers. The breed’s hunting instinct remain strong, as well. Can you tolerate a dog that goes after small prey—even showing off his “kill” to owners?

Assess your schedule before you adopt a Cairn. Do you work long or irregular hours? Have an active social life or travel frequently? Puppies, in particular, demand a constant routine. You must make a commitment to exercise and interact with the dog, feed at planned intervals, and groom consistently.

Your Cairn should not go without dinner just because you have to work late. If you travel, you’ll need to make arrangements with a reliable pet sitter or boarding kennel.

Do you have other pets? If you already own one or more dogs, discuss with the breeder whether a puppy is likely to get along with adult dogs. Choose a puppy of the opposite sex to your dog and have both animals neutered. Females tend to bicker among themselves as often as do males.

If you have a cat, look for a puppy that has been socialized with cats. Cairns generally are not suitable for homes with exotic pets, such as mice, gerbils, or hamsters, because the terriers might mistake them for prey.

Do I Have Time to Housebreak, Socialize, and Train a Dog?

It’s vital to know whether your routine allows sufficient time for all facets of training before you add a dog to your household. Can you take your Cairn for walks at lunchtime? Is someone available during the day to let out a puppy?

Although grown dogs may be able to wait several hours to relieve themselves, puppies cannot be confined for more than four hours at a time. Puppies need adequate socialization, as well, so they can learn how to behave around strangers, children, and other animals.

This entails exposing your Cairn to a variety of situations (after he’s been fully inoculated against infectious diseases), such as riding in the car, walking in public places, visiting friends, and interacting with other pets.

Attending puppy kindergarten classes, given by a kennel club or community organization, is an ideal way to help a young dog develop self-confidence as well as self-control.

Be sure to allot time to work on the basic commands—come, sit, down, stay, and heel—and, if possible, to participate in formal Obedience classes with your Cairn.

Am I Prepared for the Financial Responsibilities of Owning a Cairn Terrier?

The price of a Cairn, which ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 for a pet-quality puppy from a reputable breeder, is only the beginning of your expenses. Before you bring your puppy home, you’ll need a crate, collar, leash, bedding, bowls, food, toys, and grooming supplies.

You’ll also want to invest in a training manual and veterinary reference. Your puppy will need a checkup by a veterinarian within 48 to 72 hours, a series of inoculations, and neutering by six months of age. Figure in the cost of annual examinations and vaccinations, dental care, medications, tests, and other procedures.

Additional outlays include food, professional grooming, formal Obedience classes, and boarding when you travel.

Do I Understand, and Am I Willing to Obey, My Community’s Dog Laws?

A significant aspect of responsible dog ownership is the willingness to comply with local regulations, such as keeping your dog on a leash and under control at all times, cleaning up after your pet in public places, obtaining rabies inoculations according to your state’s requirements, and purchasing yearly dog licenses.

Most communities also have rules against excessive barking (especially at night), roaming dogs, and neglect or abuse. Some areas have imposed restrictions on the number of dogs permitted in a household, and others regulate, or even prohibit, breeding kennels.

Before you decide to get a Cairn Terrier, make certain you’re familiar with your town’s dog-related ordinances.