How do I Know ?

[Tori'sMom]

How would I know if I have a Cairn that has show potential ? I am just new to this forum I have not looked for any photos of show champions. I am interested in showing my female , is there an amateur owner entry level for showing Cairns ?

[Posey]

Show potential-did you ask the breeder if your puppy was for show dog material or pet material. A good breeder will tell the difference. Also if you go to the pet shop and buy, or have them order a book on Cairns for you; they will tell you in the book what points they go for if you plan on showing your pet. I know they cannot be neutered. Nicky my Cairn, is not show material-but we adore him anyway. Good luck.

[toomanypaws]

Usually the breeder isn't going to sell a cairn w/ show quality for the same price as pet quality. Even if there is a pup in a litter that shows show quality, I would imagine the breeder would hold that one back. I know there's alot of material to read to see if your cairn meets show standards. I have a breeder friend and have known others who had their dogs in show and it usually takes a few years to get recognized. There's a little more to it than just having a dog w/ show potential.

I have 3 pet quality cairns. My oldest has too big of ears, weight is above requirements, body is too long, tail is too long BUT she is pricelss to us! Our 2nd one is the proper weight but has more of an Australian Terrier look than a Cairn and she is a full bred cairn. She too has too long of ears and a narrow face BUT she is the most lovable dog I've ever had. Now, my almost 4 mth old has excellent features and probably some show standards. Her size, head shape, muzzle, eyes spaced all look perfect yet she will be a pet only. The person I got her from has a litter right now, some w/ perfect little triangle ears already erect at 3 wks!!! Some are so perfect looking I just stare at them, but I would never trade my 3 for 1 perfect show dog.

Sorry I got rambling here, must be the coke I just drank. If there's any dog shows in your area, that might be a place to start or see if there's some Cairn Club in your area. I'm sure someone else w/ show experience might have something more positive to say. I personally don't think it's that easy to get involved in.

[MikeC]

Hi,

Just to add my two cents....When I bought Duffy I specified the breeder told me that even though he had two champions in his lineage, the little he came from was pet quality. Even though he is a purebred Cairn, his facial features strongly resemble a Norwich and his body is a little longer than normal. I feel strongly that a reputable breeder should tell you whether or not your pup is show quality and I agree with toomanypaws that you will pay much more for a show quality dog than a pet quality. In my area we have a dog park that once a year has a dog show for those of us who do not own show quality dogs. We get everything from mixed breeds to purebreds that don't meet their breed standards and it is a very fun, wonderful event. Prizes are awarded in various fun categories and we have a great time. This will be the first year that I take Duffy to it. Years ago I owned two show quality female springer spaniels that I paid a forture for and never showed them. They became my household companions instead. I guess I'm rambling too, but the point I guess I'm trying to make is that in my mind's eye, first and foremost, the dog should be a loved pet and part of the family, and a show dog second.

MikeC

[kayharley]

My girls are also pet quality....Winnie is older, beautiful but a little on the obese side (our fault) Madison's tail is too long and she's a little on the long side too but I agree with everyone else here....our pets are priceless! I wouldn't trade either of my girls for a Westminster winner.

What I'd like to get into in the future is the agility circle. Not only does it seem fun for the owners, the dogs must simply adore running the course.

[Guest Tori's Mom]

Thanks for all your replys. I did speak with Tori's breeder and in our discussion, we decided she has on fault - her tail (which I adore !) - it curls too much !

I am not disappointed at all, I just wanted to know and as a Cairn owner it is nice to be able to discuss this breed with other dog owners. I am a Cairn lover and think there should be one in every dog lovers home !

[toomanypaws]

Years ago I had a choc. lab whose only fault was too long of a tail. He was always a champion in my eyes just like my 3 cairns are now. I'd love to see a picture of Tori (cute name). Sometimes I do find myself just staring at my youngest cairn thinking was a piece of art she is but I'm sure she has plenty of faults for show. I agree, there should be a cairn in every home, maybe even 2 or 3

[hallswel]

I bought Rebel as a pet. The breeder said I could have shown him but he does have skin allergies and I would never breed him because of the skin problems. There was really no reason to show him if I didn't want to breed him later on in his life. I want to some day get a female to show. I spoke with the breeder I got Rebel from and she said she would help me when I decide that is what I want to do.

I considered looking at some of the dogs overseas. My brother travels a good bit and would be willing to bring a puppy for me, I just need to read all the rules about AKC, UK and CKC. WHo knows what I will do I guess it will wait until I can retire in 2012 so I have plently of time to research.

The pug we got had a fault (which he outgrew) so he was sold as pet quality, when he was 6 months old just before I had him fixed the breeder asked me to trade him with one of his siblings who was her pick. Can you imagine, I said no Hambones stays with me. Then she wanted me to show him and she would change his AKC paperwork and she would be co-owner and get pick of his litters. Hambones was the dog my husband picked out and although I love him very much, Rebel is my favorite and if I breed and show it will be cairns and only after much research will I ever try it.