The decision to adopt or purchase a Cairn Terrier as a pet is not one to be taken lightly. Cairn Terriers are misunderstood by a large population; many people see them as charming little pups that would make good lapdogs or a nice companion to relax around the home with. This couldn't be further from the truth, however.

Cairn Terriers are often assumed to be a part of the Toy Group, like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. Because of this, it is mistakenly assumed that they have a personality and temperament that is similar to these dogs. In reality, the Cairn Terrier is actually the smallest breed in the Working Group. Dogs in the Working Group have been bred for just that - work - and are thus notoriously high-energy. Their intelligence demands constant stimulation and they must lead a very athletic lifestyle or they will become bored and depressed, which will inevitably lead to undesirable behavior. The Cairn Terrier is no exception!

This is not to say that Cairn Terriers make poor pets, in fact, just the opposite is true. For those that are prepared for the commitments required to raise a Cairn Terrier, owning one can be an extremely rewarding experience. If you have the patience to train one of the most stubborn and easily distracted breeds out there, you will find that the Cairn Terrier will make a wonderful and loving pet, so long as he or she is exercised frequently.

Because of many of these misconceptions, and the Cairn Terrier's frequent appearance in popular culture, the breed's popularity has risen dramatically. Unfortunately, breeds that become increasingly popular over time often fall victim to irresponsible breeding by people who are trying to turn a quick profit. Irresponsible breeding can lead to numerous health and temperament defects, and can cause severe damage to a breed's bloodlines.

Because of this, it is very important to take into consideration whether you have the financial and time resources to carefully breed Cairn Terriers and care for the litters. It is important to never breed a dog with persistent health issues, any dog that displays aggression, or dogs that, in adult life, are outside the breed standard for size and color. The Cairn Terrier, as specified by the American Kennel Club, should be no less than nine inches and no more than thirteen inches tall at the shoulders, and weigh between thirteen and eighteen pounds. Of course, female Cairns are expected to be on the smaller side of this range and males are expected to be on the larger side. Coat colors accepted by the American Kennel Club as show standard are cream, sand, grey, red, and brindle. Though there are a number of black and white Cairns in existence, these are not considered acceptable coat colors for show.

Responsible breeding includes constant communication with your veterinarian, doing extensive research on the bloodlines of the sire and dam you plan to use for your future litters, and being prepared to deal with the time and financial investments that are bound to occur. If you are inexperienced with breeding or with owning a Cairn Terrier, it is best to do extensive research before embarking upon such a huge undertaking!