Children and Cairn Terriers

Cairn Terriers are one small breed that has an affinity for children. They are often forgiving when children unintentionally step on, or hurt them. However it's very important for parents to closely supervise the interaction and teach both the Cairn and the child proper interaction. A Cairn that is mistreated is eventually going to protect itself and may develop negative behaviors such as nipping, snapping, or running from a child that is inappropriate. You can't blame any dog for human mistakes! I have raised Cairns with my children, but I would caution a family from adopting a dog until the youngest child is at least 4-5 yrs old, or older. Rescues often won't adopt to a family with children younger than 7yrs. Small Cairn puppies have sharp teeth, razor sharp nails, and it's twice as much work to monitor all interactions and assure the safety and proper interaction of a young dog and child. Children tend to show body language that to a dog is aggression. For large breeds, the height of a child's eyes and the level of the dog's eyes is similar. So in dog language, a child that runs up to them making direct eye contact at their level, is a sign of aggression. This is a leading cause for children getting bitten. Also related to the height, when a dog does snap, the child is often bitten in the face. Children don't know not to "ride" dogs and my own German Shorthair once snapped when a little boy tried to climb on! My own children have been the worst at running up to our dogs and putting their face in the dog's face as a way to greet them. Of course to the dog, this is aggression and I'm so surprised that we haven't had a nipped face. Our Cairns have been very forgiving and some of them offer a warning growl type vocalization as communication that has never meant aggression, but it alerts me that the kids are doing something they shouldn't. I have taken the opportunity to take my dogs and puppies to PreK and Kindergarten class to talk about dog safety and it's important to talk about this with your children. Never pet a dog you don't know, never run up to a dog, and never put your face in a dog's face.

Mark Your Calendar!

Calling All Cairns “Toto” Casting Call

Adorable, amazing, perky and perfect!

Just some of the things people say whenever they think about us. We are cute little guys, aren’t we - the perfect pooch in every sense of the word!

Well, there’s something coming up in Lexington, Kentucky that’s going to have even more folks talking and clamoring to watch us strut our stuff – it’s the Central Kentucky Riding for Hope “Toto Casing Call” contest taking place on Sunday, May 20th at 11:45 am at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park.

Central Kentucky Riding for Hope is a wonderful non-profit organization that provides horseback riding for therapeutic purposes and social and recreational activities. They’re located right there at the Kentucky Horse Park. They help all sorts of individuals of all ages with a wide range of disabilities to develop self-esteem, confidence, coordination and a sense of achievement while learning horsemanship, tack and riding principles. Their volunteers are very dedicated and the horses in the program are sweet as sugar - so gentle with everyone.
www.ckrh.org

Night of the Stars 2007
Each summer CKRH puts on an elaborate event called The Night of the Stars Benefit Auction to help raise funds to keep the program going. It will take place on Saturday, June 16 at the beautiful Keene Barn at historic Keeneland Race Course in Lexington. This year’s theme is The Wizard of Oz. There will be a marvelous live and silent auction, elegant dinner and lots of fun festivities, including a live auction for annual sponsorship of our costumed horses and riders. Too cute for words!

Well, you can’t have a Wizard of Oz event without “Toto.” Doesn’t matter how adorable those horses look dressed up in costumes, they simply can’t pull off an impersonation of Dorothy’s precious little pooch. They need the real thing!

That’s where we come into the picture. They’re having a casting call the month before, searching for the perfect “Toto” to preside over the festivities in June. Naturally, we Cairns are exactly what they need, but other doggies are invited to participate – we must be fair: Norwich terriers or any other scruffy little canine. The judging criteria will include: looks and personality, the ability to be held in a stranger’s arms without going bananas, and presentation – how we best portray the theme of The Wizard of Oz with our owner (dressing up in costume or being in character – doesn’t have to be fancy or involved – just something to show you know something about the story/movie). There’s no fee to enter. Every pooch will get a blue ribbon and certificate of participation. The winning canine will get all sorts of prizes – huge gift basket full of doggie and Oz goodies, a glorious trophy, and the royal treatment at the big event in June. His/her master will also receive lots of surprises, plus they’ll be VIP guests at the Night of the Stars.

More news to follow, but this should be a good start for all you adorable doggies to start practicing your walk and perfecting your smile to wow the crowds on May 20th. This will take place during the exciting 41st running of the High Hope Steeplechase, an event rich in tradition, with beautiful horses, talented jockeys, five national Steeplechase Association-sanctioned races and two flat races, great food, tailgating, children’s activities, shopping and more. We’ll be on the schedule just before the hysterical and fast-paced Jack Russell terrier races. High Hope Steeplechase is a volunteer-based event benefiting the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, a Thoroughbred retirement facility.

Everyone at CKRH extends a heartfelt thanks to our friends at the High Hope Steeplechase. Their generous spirit in allowing us to hold our “Toto Casting Call” during their festivities is definitely the cat’s meow. (no worry – no kitty cats will be on the premises). A special thank you to their director, Elizabeth Collier, who has made us feel so welcome and right at home.

For more information, contact Cappy Tosetti, “Toto Casting Call” coordinator.
cappy@fastq.com Cell: 623 810-2090.

All the best as you get ready for a walk down the yellow brick road.

Happy Tails!

Why is Grooming Important?

Grooming is important not only because your dog gets smelly and their appearance can be disorderly, but it’s important to inspect your dog’s coat and skin for anything abnormal. It’s easy to miss a scrape, cut, or infection on dogs with a full coat. By inspecting their skin, coat, and ear condition, you can find and treat anything in need of medical attention in a timely and effective manner. Nothing is worse than discovering a cut after its infected and causing pain to your best friend. If your dog’s ears appear dirty it could be sign of ear mites, or painful ears could be an infection in need of immediate treatment.

Another important aspect of grooming is the bond that you form. Grooming time is relaxing and enjoyable, with your dog receiving your undivided attention. After treating your dog to a “Spa Experience”, you feel closer to them and can enjoy them better when they smell fresh, clean, and aren’t scratching. You’ll find the same quality Spa products at Designer Dog Avenue.com that you’ll find in the upper scale doggie spas.

Household Hazards to Dogs and Puppies

Puppies and dogs are like children, in that they can find things to get hurt on. "Puppy Proof" your home, and keep an eye out on an ongoing basis for potential hazards. Here's a partial list of things which are potentially dangerous to your pet:
Aluminum Foil
When ingested, aluminum foil can cut a dog's intestines, causing internal bleeding, and in some cases, even death.
Plastic Food Wrap
Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there are food remnants left coating its surface.
Anti-Freeze
If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal -- even in very small quantities. Because many dogs and cats like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Poisonous Plants
Dogs (and cats) can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet, and/or spray with Bitter Apple (for plants).
Christmas Tree Ornaments
When ingested by a dog (or cat), tinsel may cause obstruction of the intestines, and the tinsel's sharp edges can even cut the intestines. Symptoms may include: decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and weight loss. Treatment usually requires surgery.
Bones
Bones from steak, veal, pork, turkey or chicken, as well as ribs, can be hazardous to your dog and are not recommended.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains Theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Even an ounce or two of chocolate can be lethal to a small dog (10 lbs. or less). Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. During the holidays chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unknowingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat.
Corn Cobs
Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, when the corn cob caused partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.
Bloat
Bloat (gastric torsion & stomach distension) is a serious life-threatening emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Bloat is relatively common among large and deep-chested breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Great Danes. Many experts believe that a feeding a large meal within 2 hours of exercise or severe stress may trigger this emergency. Eating quickly, changes in diet, and gas-producing foods may also contribute to this serious condition. Symptoms of Bloat include: unsuccessful retching, pacing, panting, drooling, an enlarged stomach/torso, and/or signs of distress.
Electrocution
Electrical cords can be fatal if chewed on by a dog (or cat). Whenever possible, keep electrical cords out of reach.
Candles
Nothing makes a room nicer than a great scented candle. But beware of wagging tails, or pets which may knock a burning candle over. Not only can they be burned and injured, but could cause a devastating fire.
Hypothermia
When a dog's internal temperature drops below 96 degrees F (by being exposed to cold weather for long periods, or getting both wet and cold), there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters or coats when taken for walks during cold winter weather. Any sign that a dog is very cold -- such as shivering -- should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.
Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt
Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home. There are also products available such as Bow Wow Butter Balm on www.designerdogavenue.com which can be applied to your dog's footpads to moisturize and protect them.

Should I give my puppy Vitamin Supplements?

There is lots of conflicting information about diet and supplements. I tend to believe the information when they aren't trying to sell me something! It is very important to feed a quality dog food. Commercial premium dog foods are balanced and provide all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and appropriate calorie intake for the specified formula (formulations are catered to age and now even to breed size). There are lots of brand names and 'natural' commercial dog foods that do not contain preservatives and artifical dyes. They contain vital antioxidants, and other health promoting ingredients. Therefore it is not necessary and actually can be harmful to give vitamin supplements. High levels of some vitamins and minerals can cause a malabsorption of others. (I read the specific toxic effects of high levels of vitamins and the effects of malabsorption and can't find the source...I'll post it when I find it again). So if you want to place your dog or puppy on supplements, consult your veterinarian first. But in general, a high quality dog food is adequate complete nutrition.

Feeding Your Puppy

Because of rapid growth and development, puppies require twice as many nutrients as an adult dog. Therefore, it is necessary to feed puppies a formulation developed for puppies. All puppies should be fed a puppy formulated dog food until 1 year of age. Since Cairn Terriers have most of their growth by 7-9 mo of age, I have had individuals gain too much weight and I switched them to an adult formula at 9 mo of age. As a breeder, we feed free choice, leaving dry food out and available at all times. Puppies will eat when they are hungry and this reduces over eating. However, it is helpful upon bringing your puppy home to feed scheduled meals since it aids in potty training. Eating stimulates the puppy's bowels and it's a prime opportunity to take them potty and have a successful trip. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day. How much food should you feed? This will vary with brand names, but check the side of the dog food bag. It will give a chart of puppy's weight and how many cups are to be fed per day. For example, for Diamond Brand Dog Food a 3-5lb puppy at 6-11wks of age needs 3/4 -1 1/4 Cup per day. Divide this total daily amount by the number of feedings, and that is how much they should be fed each meal. If your puppy doesn't eat, allow them 20-30min to eat and take what is left away. By the next meal they should be hungry. It is not necessary or even recommended to add peanut butter or other things to "make them eat". My friend once had a customer that complained that their puppy wouldn't eat unless she put peanut butter on the food. Guess what!? The puppy "Trained" her owner to put peanut butter on her food!! These tiny puppies eat less than you think and as long as they are gaining weight, voiding, stooling, and have normal activity, they are fine! If they are lethargic, not gaining weight, drinking, voiding or stooling, take them to the vet immediately. The adult Cairn Terrier may tend to gain weight easily. Watch the amount of treats you're giving, don't feed table scraps (don't start this bad habit and you won't have to fix it later), and alter the daily intake to manage their ideal weight. I feed my adults free choice and they maintain their weight within a normal range. I have only had overweight issues with 2 of my adults out of a total of 15 over the last 4 1/2 years.

Giving Your Dog Up

Everyone that purchases a puppy from Crooked Creek Cairn Terriers, intends to offer the puppy a forever home. However, sometimes uncontrollable circumstances arise, and it isn't possible to keep the dog for the remainder of it's life. What do you do? Always contact your breeder first. An ethical breeder requires that you contact them first, and never surrender your dog to a shelter, rescue, or an environment that is not appropriate or best for the dog's well-being. Your breeder may be able to give advice to correct a problem, refer you to a trainer if the issue can be resolved, or assist you in placing the dog in a new home. Breeders get inquiries from people who don't necessarily want a puppy. So they have the necessary connections to find an appropriate home. It is also necessary for an ethical breeder to stay in contact with their puppies for their lifetime, to track any hereditary issues that may arrise. Shelters and Rescues adopt out animals and don't allow you to know where they go. So by giving up a dog, you are cutting the connection of the puppy back to it's breeder. To an ethical breeder this is heartbreaking. It happened to me when my customer breeched my contract and sent my puppy to a rescue that refused to let me have the dog back. It's horrible to know I'll never know the outcome of the puppy that I cared for and loved for the first 8 weeks of his life. Never advertise your dog or "give it away". People will pose as a loving pet home and later sell the animal to a laboratory. You'll also come across those that can't afford to purchase a dog and look for a "free dog", because that's all they can afford. The problem is, the purchase price is not the total cost of a dog and when they are unable to afford food and medical bills for the animal, they in turn give it up to a shelter, or abuse the animal by not providing adequate and appropriate care. If all breeders and pet owners were ethical, and ensured that their animals had adequate homes for their lifetime, we wouldn't have the issues of pet overpopulation. Just last week 1000 animals were killed in a shelter due to outbreak of communicable disease, and lack of supplies to care for the animals. We can do something about it! Lets spread the word, educate, and support responsible pet ownership! We can do it one breeder at a time, and one pet owner at a time. If buyers only buy from reputable, ethical breeders, the puppy mill market and bad breeder market will drop off, eventually forcing them out of business. We can make a difference by educating ourselves, our friends, our neighbors and the news will spread. The pampered pet trend is in our favor! Let's allow our love for animals to spread like a virus, infecting all those that come into contact with us! Have a great day and hug your pet! :)

Cairn Terrier Photos Today

Here's Maggie & Maisie's close up shots...I thought they turned out cute. Just more shots of them ignoring me! LOL

Cairn Terrier Photo Shoot

I did a photo shoot today for an upcoming event at the Kentucky Horse Park. I'll post the details of the event soon...benefiting a therapy program for the handicapped. Maggie and Maisie were the models and although it was sunny and a beautiful almost Spring day, the wind was difficult to contend with. I was trying for a "yellow brick road" look, but it was more than challenging without a handler! Maisie knows sit and stay well, so she did very well. Maggie on the other hand, thought my noises to get her attention meant "come here". With the wind, leaves flew by and she thought it was more interesting to chase them, than to sit still and look at me. I completely bored them! We went to a brick building to get relief from the wind, the wind-blown look wasn't particularly appealing. I got several good shots, but since I was still boring them with details it took over 200 shots to get them both looking AT the camera at the SAME time! Here's what most of the photos looked like..... Maggie is half asleep in the warm sun and Maisie says "Yawn.." LOL

Quality Collars and Leads

It is important to purchase a quality collar for your dog or puppy for a couple purposes. The obvious reason is to attach a lead in order to train, or control your dog or puppy and keep them safe. A collar should be made of a strong material such as leather, nylon, or backed fabrics which provide durability and strength. Poor quality plastic buckles have been known to break. I’ve also experienced narrow cheaply made collars, breaking where the D ring is attached with very little tugging by my Cairn Terriers.

Another important reason to purchase a quality collar is for ID tag attachment. In case your dog were ever lost, an ID tag with your name, address, and phone number would assist in quickly returning your dog to you.

It is not always easy to recognize quality made collars, harnesses, and leads. Price is not always an indicator. Leather and Nylon are the most durable, and some better made vinyl or backed ribbon collars are fashionable and durable. In general, the fabric collars are more for fashion, and aren't as appropriate for large breeds that pull. Although, we do carry a nice quality line of fabric collars on www.designerdogavenue.com. The hardware and stitching can be the difference in quality versus non-quality. For plastic quick release buckles, if the buckle bends, it will break with a dog tugging on it. Other better made collars have hardware such as brass or nickel plated. Collars that are stitched rather than glued increases durability. For crystals or embellishments, if they are riveted through the collar, they are more durable. When in doubt, skip a seeming bargain and go to your favorite store for name brand collars. You will usually get what you pay for.

How should a collar fit my dog or puppy?
You should easily be able to slip two fingers under a properly fit collar. Any looser and it may slip off, and any tighter may cause discomfort or injury. Some leathers will stretch, and puppies grow quickly. So be sure to check the fit of your dog’s collar frequently. With any collar around a dog or puppy’s neck, there is risk of strangulation if a lead was left on them and they jumped from a high surface, or if their collar was caught. Always be aware of this risk, and take preventative care when leaving collars on. Harnesses are ideal for small or toy dog breeds that have fragile tracheas. Cats are most safe wearing collars with safety bands. As cats jump on and around things, they are more likely to get their collar hung up.

The best part about collars is the wide variety of colors, styles, and fashion! What fun it is to choose coordinating ensembles, and to dress up your best friend in irresistibly fashionable designer collars, leads, and harnesses!

Zoe's Puppies 5 weeks

Zoe's puppies are 5 weeks old now. They're learning how to go through the doggie door and will start going potty outside. Thankfully the warm weather has moved in. I always worry about them at this age, in case they would get outside and not figure out how to get back in. I check on them frequently, but with the sunny days for the next 2 days, they'll enjoy a little fresh air and sunshine!

Quality Grooming/Spa Products

What is the difference in quality of grooming products?
The quality of product reflects the quality of ingredients that go into that product. The ingredients in our line of spa products on Designer Dog Avenue.com contain better than human quality ingredients, and are tested on humans. Many oatmeal shampoos use oat extract. A superior ingredient is colloidal oatmeal, a much more effective type of oatmeal. In fact, colloidal oatmeal is one of the few natural ingredients regulated by the U.S. food and Drug Administration. The FDA has stated that colloidal oatmeal protects skin and provides temporary relief of itching and irritation caused by insect bites, reactions to poison plants, and various other skin rashes and allergies. The oatmeal containing spa products, such as Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo carried by Designer Dog Avenue contain colloidal oatmeal rather than oat extract.

Many bath replacement sprays and perfumes simply mask odor. Ordenone is an ingredient which removes odors by binding with, and neutralizing the proteins that cause them. Our product Dry Dog, and other sprays by the same company, contain Ordenone which keeps your dog fresh and smelling clean longer. I recommend Dry dog to my Cairn Terrier customers, since Cairns should be bathed infrequently due to dry itchy skin. It’s a timesaving healthy alternative to bathing, and smells really great! For more information on product ingredients, visit our spa product lines on Designer Dog Avenue.com.

Dry Skin Products

Cairns should be bathed infrequently to avoid drying out the skin. Particularly in the winter months, they get dry itchy skin just like we do! Ingredients such as: Aloe Vera, honey, silk amino acid, organic silicone, panthenol, and tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) are all natural and herbal ingredients found in our products on www.designerdogavenue.com that help retain moisture, condition, sooth, and relieve dry itchy skin. Start with Comfy Dog conditioning shampoo (doesn't over-lather and is easier to rinse) and rinse thoroughly. The most important part of bathing is thorough rinsing! BowWow Butter Balm is great for spot treatment of itches and insect bites. It also conditions and assists in removing matts. The longer you leave it on, the more it conditions, and it leaves the coat easier to brush through. Before going on walks or outings spray your dog with Flea the Scene, which will repel biting insects and soothe irritated skin. Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer contains lavender essential oil which relieves tension but is also healing for cuts, wounds, sores, insect bites, and burns. It also contains Aloe Vera Extract and Organic Silicone which help slow moisture loss, and Panthenol which improves moisture retention in the coat and has an anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effect. A great between bath treatment is Dry dog which not only smells wonderful, but contains Panthenol, Aloe Vera, and Ordenone to capture and eliminate odors, and Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) which is an anti-oxidant, UV Protector and skin moisturizer.

Breed Standard and Type

The Cairn Terrier breed standard is a guide for breeders and judges. It is an agreed upon description of what the breed is supposed to look like. It has changed over time to fit the direction the breed has gone. It is a description, but is also open to interpretation. Different breeders and judges may like a slight variance within the breed, but should still fit within the published guildelines set forth in the standard. Also within the breed are Types, describing the overall look of the dog, not just a different shape of head or size of ears. The breed was originally bred for it's hunting instinct and not the physical characteristics. As a result, breeders developed Types that they preferred. You will hear of the European type which is a longer bodied, shorter legged, heavier boned dog. The American type is a smaller, shorter backed, smaller ear set, and generally shorter muzzle. One type is not right or wrong, but different breeders have a preference for one type or another. Therefore it's important when shopping for a breeder, to find one that breeds for the type that you like. Read more about breed standard on the official AKC website. The conclusion is that regardless of Type, a Cairn Terrier should still look like a Cairn Terrier and not a Jack Russell or a Collie.

Cairn Breed Health

The Cairn Terrier is relatively healthy as a breed, in comparison to other dog breeds. With a life span of about 12- 18yrs, they can offer many years of companionship. The associated health problems in the breed include: Allergies, Cataracts, Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO or Lion Jaw), Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL), Heart Defects, Hypothyroidism, Legg-Perthes, Luxated Patellae, Ocular Melanosis, Portal Shunt, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Seizures and Epilepsy, and Von Willebrands. To read more about these disorders click here. Don't be too alarmed when reading this list. ALL breeds have inherent health disorders. In fact you won't find a living being that doesn't have some type of hereditary disorder. Ethical responsible breeders make educated decisions in their breeding program to reduce or rid the breed of these health problems. The goals are to screen breeding dogs and bitches, so that affected animals are not used in breeding programs which would propetuate the characteristics in their offspring. This is another reason that it is so important to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder and never from a pet store, puppy mill, or irresponsible breeder. The biggest control of the market is demand. If buyers are only buying from responsible ethical breeders, the market will be gone for those that are not responsible and ethical, putting them out of business and improving the life and conditions of Cairn Terriers as a whole.

Personalities in the Breed

Personalities in the Cairn Terrier breed range from somewhat reserved, to extremely outgoing and energetic. The reserved Cairn is not shy but is quiet, not vocal, enjoys laying with you on the couch, and may stay at your side watching everything you do. The extremely outgoing Cairn has lots of energy, is driven to explore, hunt, and approaches everything with fearless energy. They're looking to play a game, and enjoy companionship with their human but may want a good petting and then go about their business. You may read about a range of "personality tests" used to choose the perfect family pet from a litter of puppies. At Crooked Creek Cairn Terriers, we see a consistency among our puppies that isn't always predicting on their adult personality. For example, I had a 7 week old puppy that seemed reserved. She was quiet, and would sit on your lap while the other puppies ran and played. She enjoyed attention, and although active and playful, was not the energetic extreme. By 6 months of age, she was the energetic extreme and she still is at 2yrs of age! So I tell families that although we look for indicators of personality, at 5 to 6 weeks of age more of what you see in the puppies is based on development rather than personality. Personality and behavior tests are used for puppies after 8 weeks of age and are particularly important in testing an adult from an unknown history (rescue dogs to test their compatability with being a good family pet). MOST of our 8 week puppies are the same outgoing, energetic, fearless little characters that are looking for mischief. Some calm down upon maturity, others don't. We still choose puppies at 5-6 weeks of age because we do see such consistency in the puppies and no one wants to wait until 3-6 months of age to choose their puppy! The Cairn is very true to the breed characteristics, so be sure to choose the breed first. Then any puppy you choose will develop to be the perfect family pet with appropriate socialization and training. Of course, as the breeder, I do offer my observations about the puppies and their temperment and personality. I am just pointing out that they could change depending on their enviornment, training, and inherent personality development. The most important point I will make is that you get back what you put into it. So it's very important to do early obedience training and put lots of time into the development of your Cairn Terrier puppy. Set limits, establish and maintain your dominance in the relationship, and practice obedience in your daily life with your Cairn. You'll reep the benefits with a well behaved, appropriately socializaed, and valuable addition to your family.

Puppy Development

Puppies double their birth weight by 1 week of age. They are like infants for the first 3 weeks of life. They nurse and sleep, cuddling together for warmth and comfort. Their eyes open between 2 1/2- 3 weeks of age, and they begin to look around and explore their environment. Their bodies are heavy and big in proportion to their legs, so it's difficult to hold their body's weight up. The attempts at crawling and walking are strengthening their legs and by 3 wks they can sit up for a few seconds at a time. By 4 weeks, they are able to walk but are still clumsy in coordination. They begin to play and make growl and chatter vocalizations. At 5 weeks, they clumsily run, play, and fall over a lot! They interact with each other, with humans, and begin their intake of solid foods while still nursing. Some breeders may start solids earlier, but we don't start solids until 5 weeks of age. Their baby teeth are starting to come in, with the incisors breaking through first. They like to try their sharp teeth on things, and begin teething and chewing. Personality differences in the Cairn breed are not apparent at 5 weeks of age. Some puppies may display a more outgoing or a more reserved personality, but this may change by 8 weeks or adulthood. All of our 5 week old puppies wag their tails, lick you, crawl on your lap, chase a toy, chew, and are happy sweet puppies. At 4-5 weeks of age they start exploring the doggy door as they watch Mom go in and out. They soon figure out how to potty outside, keeping the interior "den" clean according to their instincts. They continue to gain coordination and experiment with rough play at 6 weeks. Adult and peer socialization is important at 6-8 weeks of age, so they learn what is socially appropriate. Puppies who bite too hard, get bitten back. They learn dominance, submission, and appropriate dog interaction. For this reason we do not separate or wean puppies from their mother. Mom weans the puppies at 6-7 weeks of age on her own. They transition slowly from their mother's milk to solid foods, and have enough sharp teeth to easily eat dry food at 7 weeks of age. Puppies are then ready to go home at 8 weeks of age, with their mother's instinct naturally reduced by that time, so that they aren't upset about the puppies being taken away. The puppies approach new situations and their new home with intrigue and vigor. But expect the first few nights alone to be difficult for the puppy. They're used to sleeping with their warm siblings and to be alone is scary and uncomfortable. We recommend taking home plush toys with Mom and sibling's scent on it. The warm puppy cuddle pal is an excellent sibling substitute, particularly with their scent rubbed on it. It's also helpful to place something you've worn in the crate with them, to give them the comfort of your smell after bonding the first day.

The Cairn Terrier Breed

Over 200 years ago, on the ancient Isle of Skye and in the Scottish Highlands, the ancestors of today's Cairn Terrier earned their keep routing vermin from the rock piles (called cairns) commonly found on Scottish farmland. These early terriers were highly prized and bred for their working ability, not appearance. Such characteristics as courage, tenacity and intelligence, housed in a sturdy body clad in a weather-proof coat, armed with big teeth in strong jaws, were sought generation after generation. Gradually the breeds known as the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland White evolved and were named.

The Cairn (the last to be formally named) remained the closest to the original small working terrier, bolting the fox, otter and weasel, sharing the meager fare of the crofter's household.
Today the Cairn Terrier in America is a sensible, confident little dog, independent but friendly with everyone he meets. He may be found in an apartment, suburban home, or on a farm. Alert, intelligent and long-lived, the Cairn tends to remain active and playful well into his teen years, endearing him to children. True to his heritage, the breed still has very large teeth, large feet with thick pads and strong nails (the better to dig with!), strong, muscular shoulders and rears, and a fearless tenacity that will lead him into trouble if his owners are irresponsible.
-The Cairn Terrier Club of America