My
Cairn Terrier is 24 lbs. Is that Normal?
If your Cairn is from Swedish
stock, that might be considered normal. Faith
talks about size @ half way down the page and be sure
to check out the photo of Douglas.
In the US from what I've seen, there does appear to be two generally
different sizes / body styles that Cairns come in:
12-16 pounds, give or take.
16-20 pounds, give or take.
The
difference is in the stockiness in that some Cairns are quite wiry -
feel like they are constructed of skin, hair, bone and not much else.
Others (ours would be in this category) have considerably more meat
attached to their ribs.
If
you talk to enough breeders and ask them about the expected size of
their pups when grown, most fall in that 12-16 pound category
which just happens to be the breed standard (imagine that). If you have a look
at
the AKC size limits:
"....Weight for bitches, 13 pounds; for
dogs, 14 pounds.....Weight and measurements are for matured dogs at two
years of age. Older dogs may weigh slightly in excess and growing dogs
may be under these weights and measurements."
Regarding Size: If
you are going for show quality, I would hold the breeders
feet to
the fire. If not, reasonably close to the standard
is good enough for me.
Cairn
Terrier Longevity
Meet Meggie
or
A
Strange Day
or
14
- 18 years is not unheard of.
A
Question of Maturity
You've heard about the terrible two's?
That is about right for a Cairn Terrier and it can be a long haul.
What
generally happens in my experience is that after one year of age the
newbie Cairn Terrier owner either makes his bones or finally decides
that the joys of Cairn Terrier ownership is not for him and opts for
something a bit simpler like a golden retriever or a bowl of goldfish.
Cairn
Terriers as I have said before, are not the brightest bulbs in the lot
and that can be trying to say the least. However, if you are
looking for a dog with spunk and attitude, and you have the
patience of a saint............. it just might be worth the effort.
Two stories kind of
make the point:
This story has
some of
the
most well written, poignant writing I have ever received and
it deals with Cairn personality
and maturity.
This story
serves as a reminder that some traits no
matter the age, don't change.....
How do I tell the
Sex of my
Cairn Terrier?
Ummm,
I
would guess you have led a life way too sheltered.
If
you have kids in school, I would ask one of them.
They could probably also educate you on global warming,
Obama,
alternate lifestyles; not to mention who the hottest American
Idol star
is and who has the nicest crib on MTV - you know.......all the
important stuff.
Barring that, why not lift your dog up and have
a look. If you still can't figure it out then this world was
not
meant for you.
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