Male or Female?

Male or Female Cairn Terrier? What sex should we get? The negatives associated with males vs females are usually associated with intact animals. Intact females bleed with cycles, they mark their territory (some even hike their leg on things), and they can have 'attitudes' (they are called a bitch for a reason! LOL). With hormonal changes, they will blow their coat which is like shedding, and sometimes is so severe they will have balding. Intact males mark their territory by hiking their leg on anything and everything. Although they can be housetrained, if a bitch is in season they will mark in the house. I can't bring my males in the house without my cabinets being marked. Their urine smell is pungent and they just don't make good house pets.

So we will spay/neuter to avoid all the negatives associated with intact Cairn Terriers. But is there a difference in altered males & females? You will read that spayed females are more independent and neutered males are more loving. I have both males and females with independent natures and loving natures. I attribute this to personality and not the sex. Altered males and females can make equally good pets. Their tendency towards being more calm and loving, or more energetic and independent will depend on their personality.

We have a Terrier in our home. Should we get the same sex or opposite sex? In general, it is recommended that you get the opposite sex for the best compatability. But it depends on the personality of the Terrier that you already have. Since we can't always see true personality in a puppy at 6-9 weeks of age, consider the personality of your adult Terrier. Are they dominating or alpha personality? Are they grouchy with other dogs? For dogs with this dominating type personality, it would be best to adopt a puppy of the opposite sex for the best compatability. If your Terrier easily accepts other dogs, shows submission, and is loving and really good natured, you will probably be ok with another dog of the same sex as long as they are altered before maturity.