How to Choose a Cairn Terrier: Looks and Traits
📝 Summary
Cairn Terriers appear more often now; cute-looking, loyal, lively, cold- and heat-tolerant, though sometimes noisy and occasionally jealous, they are a happy dog. Small but a good watchdog, they are uncommon in China, so first learn the selection tips before buying.
1 Cairn Terrier Selection Tips
Things to Note When Choosing a Cairn Terrier
(1) First read up on the breed to learn its appearance and basic traits, so you can be targeted and avoid being sold inferior stock at a loss.
(2) Most people buy a Cairn Terrier for display, so pay more attention to coat color — black, gray or tawny is best.
(3) The coat on each body part also has requirements: ear hair best dark, muzzle hair best dark. The harsh coat should be coarse, hard and dense; the undercoat short and soft.
(4) Ears should be high-set and erect, triangular. The muzzle bridge should be straight and black.
(5) The tail should also be set high and stand upright — never choose a docked tail.
(6) Traits that do NOT match the breed:
1. overly long narrow skull; 2. large protruding eyes; 3. light eye color; 4. large pointed ears;
5. too thick muzzle, upper/lower jaw protruding; 6. too much ear hair; 7. legs too long or thick, toes too wide;
8. too little head hair, soft curly coat; 9. white spots on body; 10. short, unlevel back.
(7) Choose one that is sturdy, energetic, not nervous, doesn’t bark randomly, and isn’t afraid of people.
(8) Also avoid dogs with digestive disease or other illnesses.
(9) At purchase, the kennel must show the breed’s pedigree certificate and the dog’s vaccination certificate; you need a signed transfer document and a health check report.
Tip: To learn beginner dog-raising mistakes, read our guide on the top ten taboos for new dog owners.
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