Cairn Terrier advice?

[karne]

We have been off and on looking for a second dog for about a year now. we currently have a 2 y/o golden retriever, female. We've thought about a second golden, and this remains a strong possibility. However, from time to time I stop in to the local animal rescue league. Usually the dogs there aren't reccomended for my family-two kids, another dog, chickens. We played with an adorable black lab/newfie mix puppy today, but the whole time this little cairn terrier kept watching us. I really liked him. He's nine, and lost his home due to owners divorcing-they actually wanted him euthanized. He's in good health, friendly, inquisitive and seems independent. The staff says he is not intimidated by larger dogs.

Anyway-I left, but he's on my mind. Would this be crazy? I've never had a smaller dog. Would he mix with kids and my golden? he's listed as being good with kids and dogs, but obviously there would have to be a meeting of everyone. We're a pretty dog centered home, and I'm home all day. Any thoughts?

[sugareemoma]

Originally Posted by karne

We have been off and on looking for a second dog for about a year now. we currently have a 2 y/o golden retriever, female. We've thought about a second golden, and this remains a strong possibility. However, from time to time I stop in to the local animal rescue league. Usually the dogs there aren't reccomended for my family-two kids, another dog, chickens. We played with an adorable black lab/newfie mix puppy today, but the whole time this little cairn terrier kept watching us. I really liked him. He's nine, and lost his home due to owners divorcing-they actually wanted him euthanized. He's in good health, friendly, inquisitive and seems independent. The staff says he is not intimidated by larger dogs.

Anyway-I left, but he's on my mind. Would this be crazy? I've never had a smaller dog. Would he mix with kids and my golden? he's listed as being good with kids and dogs, but obviously there would have to be a meeting of everyone. We're a pretty dog centered home, and I'm home all day. Any thoughts?

I have lived with Newfs and and Cairns. The Cairns definatly thought they were the bigger dog and had no problem playing with the Newfs. I last had a Cairn when I was 11 so yeah, there good with kids, or at least the 3 my parents had were

[DogMomforNow]

That would *really* tug at my heartstrings! And 9 is young for a Cairn! If the rescue would allow it could you foster him? That way you could see how he fits into your family on a trial basis. Terriers have big personalities, so I wouldn't be worried about him around a bigger dog (in my experience I would be worried about the bigger dog! lol) Good luck and please let us know what you decide

[karne]

Originally Posted by DogMomforNow

That would *really* tug at my heartstrings! And 9 is young for a Cairn! If the rescue would allow it could you foster him? That way you could see how he fits into your family on a trial basis. Terriers have big personalities, so I wouldn't be worried about him around a bigger dog (in my experience I would be worried about the bigger dog! lol) Good luck and please let us know what you decide

Is 9 young for a cairn? He certainly seemed like a sprightly little guy. I can't tell you how surprised I am to be thinking of this, but I can't get him off of my mind. He was so clearly intelligent, his eyes were bright and shining. When I sat on the couch he hopped up right next to me, not on me, clearly in his space, but with me-does that make sense? He allowed me to pet him, was affectionate, yet I could also see the alertness to everything that was going on around.

He is designated to only be allowed to go to a family with another dog. The shelter worker says that he craves company, whether human or animal. He's a sort of wheat mixed with some gray. I think he's adorable.

I'm going to call the shelter to ask a few more questions today. I don't know about fostering-I've not heard of that before. I can ask. Maybe it's crazy to pass by the beautiful puppies we saw, but boy this little guy made an impression.

[mom0810]

9 is young for a small dog like a Cairn.

They are AWESOME little dogs and I adore the breed. I would definitely consider it.