Listed below are many points and suggestions (courtesy of the Cairn Terrier in America web site) that offer sound advice on what to look for when considering purchase of a Cairn Terrier.  A careful and patient approach will minimize potential difficulties in the future. Always keep in mind that you have two options, a puppy or an adult.

First: Read "Meet The Cairn Terrier". Be sure that you understand terrier temperament and characteristics. This is a long term investment, be sure you want a Terrier.

Second: Find a Good Cairn Puppy:

• Contact the  CTCSC breeder referral.

• Buy your Cairn from a member of the Cairn Terrier Club of Southern California and/or Cairn Terrier Club of America that abides by the CTCSC Code of Ethics.

• Ask to see the sire and dam of the litter.

• Ask how long the breeder has been breeding and how long they have been breeding their line. A good breeder who is in the third generation or greater of breeding program, as a rule, will have healthy puppies.

• Any written contract and/or guarantee from the breeder should include statements similar to the following:

....This dog may be returned for a full refund if at this time the dog is found to be in poor health, due to disease, parasites, etc. Problems of this nature after the 30 day guarantee period are the responsibility of the buyer.....

....In the case of congenital defects, regardless of time when diagnosed, buyer may return and expect reimbursement of the original cash purchase price, or replacement of another dog of equal value, at once, or when available. Claims of any sort must be substantiated by veterinary documentation, and seller may demand consultation with his own veterinarian to confirm diagnoses......

......In the event the buyer is unable or unwilling to keep this dog, or a dog of equal value, the seller is to be notified. The dog will be returned to the seller and the seller will place the dog in a home deemed proper. If money is paid for the dog, said money will be paid to the buyer by the seller minus expenses incurred, i.e. board, veterinarian costs etc......

Please!!!

• Do not buy from Pet Stores or brokers

• Do beware of breeder who tell you you can recover the cost of the puppy by breeding the puppy and selling the litter.

• Do remember that "AKC registered" has nothing to do with quality.

• Most reputable breeders sell only on Spay/Neuter Contracts.

Cairn Rescue organizations across the United States occasionally have Cairns waiting for a good home and what better way to get your new companion than to rescue him.

The Next thing you want to do when selecting a puppy is to be sure you get a healthy one. The Cairn is an excellent choice, robust, hardy and a breed that suffers from few of the 350 or so congenital problems identified in dogs.