SELECTING A BREEDER Once you have decided you want a Cairn Terrier you will need to locate a reliable breeder. A properly reared and socialized puppy from a conscientious breeder will be well worth the effort you will need to find him or her. The Cairn Terrier Club or Kennel Association in your state will provide you with a list of member breeders in your area - check out our links page to get in touch with various clubs in the Canberra region. The breeders on the list will be concerned, caring individuals who want to know as much about you as you want to know about their puppies. If you are having difficulties in finding a reliable breeder in Australia, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at thomas@effect.net.au. You will have the opportunity to see where your puppy was raised, and, in many cases, several generations of its ancestors. Be sure to spend time with these older dogs before you begin to look at the puppies. Their personality and appearance is a good indicator of how the puppies will mature. Adult Cairns should also appear healthy, clean and reasonably well groomed. When you choose a puppy from a responsible breeder, you will have someone to call on for advice and assistance in all aspects of puppy care and rearing. A breeders commitment to their puppies is lifelong, and he or she will welcome your questions, now and for the life of your Cairn. PET OR SHOW One of the questions you will be asked by a reputable breeder is whether you wish to show or breed your puppy. A young puppy can have "show potential" but cannot be guaranteed to develop into a dog of "show quality". If you will be unhappy if the puppy does not turn out to be a successful show dog, you should perhaps consider an older puppy. Between the ages of 6 and 12 months a breeder can usually determine if a puppy will measure up to the show standard. Most people know they want a pet, but may not understand why buying from a puppy farm or pet shop is not a good idea. Many of the qualities which breeders select in their efforts to produce show dogs are also essential for pets. A Cairn bred for the show ring will be healthy, friendly, stable in temperament, alert and intelligent. The pet puppy whose parents are show dogs has an excellent chance of having its parent's qualities. They may fall short in some small way from being competitive in the ring, but chances are you would not even know what the fault was if you did not ask. This pet puppy has the same parents, the same prenatal care, the same environment, and the same socialization as the one the breeder will later take into the ring. This puppy will be a dog others will admire and one that you can take pride in owning. MALE OR FEMALE Fifty years ago, when females were not routinely spayed, males were considered more desirable. Few families wanted females ... "all those male dogs hanging around twice a year", etc. Then spaying became routine, and now most people think a female is the better choice. Actually, both make equally satisfactory pets and the choice comes down to personal preference. A neutered male does not mark inside or out if he is neutered at the appropriate age, nor does he exhibit other undesirable characteristics many associate with male dogs. Many Cairn breeders feel the male is more affectionate, while the females tend to be a bit more independent. Most breeders will expect you to spay or neuter your pet Cairn, both as a preventive procedure and to prevent future breeding. Look at our section on desexing (under Health) or check with your vet for more information. WHICH PUPPY When you find a reliable breeder you respect, spend time discussing your family and your lifestyle, and then trust your breeder to pick a puppy for you. The breeder has spent weeks or months with the puppies and knows their personality and temperament. The reputable breeder wants you to have the puppy that best suits you, and with which you will be happy. If you aren't happy, the breeder knows the pup won't be happy either - all reputable breeders require unwanted puppies be returned to them.