Before You Buy

Before you purchase your new puppy, there are several things you need to do. The first thing is to do your homework, read as much as you can about the breed. There are several good books and websites that can give you information. The National Breed Club is a good place to start.

When you are ready to shop for your puppy, prepare a list of questions you want to ask about the breed. Before you buy make sure the Cairn is the right breed for you.

Your next step is to start calling breeders in your area (getting a list of Breeders from the National Breed Club is best). Before you make your decision, visit the breeder if possible, if this isn't an option don't hesitate to ask for references. When visiting, you should be able to see the dam of the puppies, possibly the sire and any others they have living with them. This is important as it will give an idea of the temperament of the puppy you may buy. Check where the dogs are kept. Ask the Breeder questions about their specific dogs and kennel. The kennel and dogs should be clean and well kept. Reputable breeders won't hesitate to invite you into their home. The expect you to be screening them as much as they are screening you. Below are few of the basic questions to ask:

Is the breeder a member of the National Club. (A National Club has a code of ethics that breeders agree to abide by.)
How many litters a year does the breeder typically have. (Reputable breeders will typically breed a bitch every other season and not before the bitch is 2 yrs of age) Be cautious if they breed several litters a year, that may indicate a puppy miller.
Do they show their dogs.
How many breeds of dogs do they have. If they breed several breeds, this may also indicate a puppy miller.
Does the Breeder guarantee on their puppies for health issue known for the breed, etc. Do they do any health screening of their stock.
Do they have a sales contract and what are the conditions of this contract. This contract should include the purchase price, return policy, spay/neuter clause for pets, conditions if it is a show/breeding puppy and at what point are the papers transferred into your name. (In Canada it required by law that any dog advertised as purebred must be accompanied by registration papers.)
What type of support do they provide their buyers.

Be prepared to answer as many question as you are asking. Reputable breeders are very particular about where their puppies go. They want to make sure that the puppy is just as right for you as you are for the puppy. Often you will to go on a waiting list and may have to wait for up to a year for your puppy, but the wait is well worth it. Some questions that you will mostly be asked are:

Are you familiar with the terrier temperament
Do you have a fenced yard
Do you have children
Does everyone in your family want a dog or this breed of dog. Who is the dog for.
What is your lifestyle like.
What is your experience with dogs, have you ever had a puppy
Is there any allergies in the family
Who will be the main care giver for the dog
what activities will you be doing with your dog if any (obedience, agility, etc.)

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for your puppy is that is is a BUYER BEWARE world. When talking with a breeder listen to your instincts as they are usually they are right. By doing your homework and being informed about the breed and breeding practices in general of reputable breeders, you should be able to find a happy, healthy puppy that is just right for you.