What's easier-one Cairn or two (or more)?

[Abby and McDuffy]

I've always wanted to have two dogs-and now that I have Duffy, I've been thinking, why not two Cairns? It makes sense (to me, at least) to rescue a second, older Cairn to teach him his manners. Judging by the amount that do I'd sure think that two is more fun...but you tell me. What's better, one or more?

[Tracy A.]

Two, they can entertain themselves that way! But the downside is that they team up on trouble...

[bradl]

What Tracy said!

On average, I do think one or two is ideal - for most families and for most dogs. Two is less than twice the work of one, but some things do double up: expenses being one.

Three can be an unstable number, pack-wise, depending on the dogs. Once you hit four or more it's fine as long as you are OK with your dogs *being* your life, not just being part of your life. (Mileage various by person, temperament, and availability of support, of course.)

We're considering getting back to four

[kittdog]

a 2nd cairn isn't really anymore work than 1, and then they can play with each other. I wouldn't count on always two getting along and being buddy buddy though, there could be fights, usuaully one will be more dominate than the other and fights end and they do become good friends, but I know from personal experience of 2 girls that hate each other and the fight never ends and they can never be together unless on leashes. If you have a boy I would get a girl. I agree with the more than 4 and dogs do become your life.

[Hawkeye]

Two is very manageable. I had a westie and cairn that were 3 months apart in age, that was a little crazy at first trying to house break them at the same time, but after that it was great. They were the best of friends for years, and yes, they would team up against the uprights at times.

Like Brad stated then there is the expenses...I had two senior dogs at the same time and it can be costly.

[Tracy A.]

We're considering getting back to four

Oh sounds like someone has puppy lust... Stella is what 5 or 6 now?

[Idaho Cairns]

We have always had two terriers in the house except for those times when we were searching for a replacement of a lost dog. It is much less entertaining for us with only one Cairn around. Since I believe that Cairn puppies model the behavior of the older dog we always want to start a puppy with an older Cairn--let the little one learn the ropes from it's older companion. Works for us--makes chores like potty training, bark control, play habits much easier to instill in the puppy.

[Abby and McDuffy]

You all have convinced me...now I just have to find a way to convince my dear mother that we need a second Cairn. Maybe I should try going with the 'since we're moving to AZ and there won't be that much room to run Duff will need a companion to help get rid of his energy' tack.

[kjwarnold]

Two isn't double the work usually, but you do double some costs. They entertain each other (and you!) and if you have an older Cairn, it's easier bringing in a new puppy. The older one usually helps entertain and train the younger one.

Since you're going about this kind of the opposite way, (you already have a young Cairn and are thinking of bringing in an older rescue) I'm not sure the same theory would apply. A rescue would need time to get used to you and really shouldn't be expected to be a model to the young one right away. I guess it depends on the dog.

[Abby and McDuffy]

Truthfully (for a Cairn at least), Duffy is pretty well-mannered-I wouldn't be bringing another dog into the house to really teach him manners. I thought about a puppy for a bit, but I really prefer older animals, both with dogs and cats. I think they're adorable and fun to have around, but I do better with dogs that have matured. Even if they require more time (like with many older rescues), I just enjoy them more.

I was also seriously thinking about fostering a Cairn. I've always wanted to, but never have had a good area to do so...but the house that we're moving into I believe will have a better space for it, so I might go with that for a while before bringing a second dog permanently into our home.

[bradl]

Fostering is a great idea. Not only "try before you buy" but also will give you experience to draw on when the time comes. Plus, it's a nice thing in its own right.

Wow - good memory Tracy. Stella will be 6 in about three weeks.

[Nikki]

Shazza just added a third Cairn...maybe she can tell you what having 3 is like

I love having 2 cairns. They usually keep each other busy but do team up sometimes.

If one cairn has issues it can be ALOT of work but I think they are worth it! My two are inseparable.

Cairns must be addictive b/c most people that I know that have cairns usually have more than one.

[cairnrescueleague]

I've had as many as 11, but my current eight is more than enough! Five of them do interact peaceably (four neutered males and a spayed female), but I have to keep the other three (neutered males) separate, although one of them could possibly be integrated. Definitely never a dull moment, and not much spare time!

[Puddlesmama]

They are like potato chips..you cant just have one

[Nikki]

OMG you have 11 terriers? are they all yours or some of them fosters?

[tlwtheq]

We have three, and they do each demand their share of attention.

Those that mentioned cost are right. It is 3 times more expensive,

3 times more worry about health issues, 3 times the grooming efforts.

And they do tend to plot their next move!

I wouldn't do it any other way. They're our pack and we are their

(sometimes) alphas!

Tara, Alpha at least today

[Brianne_Kathrine]

I have two, a Cairn and a Westie. Having two is great and I would not do it any other way.

Benny and Sally are best friends.

[cairnrescueleague]

Cubby (13) and Sammy (12) are mine, and Joey, Larry, Lena, Lenni, Scamp, and Scruffy are fosters. "Only" eight right now, 11 was a bit much, but at the time, nine of them were fosters.

Scamp (11 in April) is not placeable. He was mistreated and has what seem to me to be PTSD-like reactions. He also has demodectic mange and is dog aggressive. I'm considering trying medication (such as Prozac) with him.

Lena (2-3) is not placeable at the moment unless someone wants to adopt a dog that is currently terrified of people (although she did eat while I was in the same room with her tonight).

Joey (6) and Larry (7) can only be placed as only dogs with women who never have anyone over or who would crate them when they do. Larry tends to have compulsive behaviors and will ingest things.

Lenni (12) is placeable, but he's starting to have kidney problems. It's hard to keep up with, even with belly bands and Poise pads.

Scruffy (13) is also placeable, probably as an only dog, but he has a serious heart murmur. And horrible teeth, but my vets won't touch them with a 10-foot pole because of the heart murmur.

[Abby and McDuffy]

Oh my word, that's a lot...but kudos to you for taking on all those unwanted/unplaceable dogs when chances are no one else would have. I'm definitely going to see if I can get into fostering once the move is completed and everything is settled down though-it sounds like it's right up my alley.

[Tracy A.]

Cubby (13) and Sammy (12) are mine, and Joey, Larry, Lena, Lenni, Scamp, and Scruffy are fosters. "Only" eight right now, 11 was a bit much, but at the time, nine of them were fosters.

Scamp (11 in April) is not placeable. He was mistreated and has what seem to me to be PTSD-like reactions. He also has demodectic mange and is dog aggressive. I'm considering trying medication (such as Prozac) with him.

Lena (2-3) is not placeable at the moment unless someone wants to adopt a dog that is currently terrified of people (although she did eat while I was in the same room with her tonight).

Joey (6) and Larry (7) can only be placed as only dogs with women who never have anyone over or who would crate them when they do. Larry tends to have compulsive behaviors and will ingest things.

Lenni (12) is placeable, but he's starting to have kidney problems. It's hard to keep up with, even with belly bands and Poise pads.

Scruffy (13) is also placeable, probably as an only dog, but he has a serious heart murmur. And horrible teeth, but my vets won't touch them with a 10-foot pole because of the heart murmur.

Wow your pack sounds like it keeps you on your toes.... The compulsive object ingester would be enough to keep any cairn owner on their toes... but really yhou do have your hands full! and bless you for that. Do you work from home or part-time? I don't think I could handle 8 dogs...

[cairnrescueleague]

Up until December, I was working full time (but able to come home at lunch). Right now, I'm working PT while I look for another full time job. I'm the oldest of six though, so I'm good at establishing a routine and sticking to it. I'd be sunk if I didn't. The fact that most of them are older makes it a lot easier. They're really not that demanding, mostly content to just hang out. I don't think I could handle eight young ones!

[Brianne_Kathrine]

How can people mistreat animals!?!?!?! Thank God for people like you who have the heart and paitence to help give these wonderful dogs a second chance.

I look at my dogs and I could not imagine possibly doing anything to hurt them. Heck, my dogs sleep on my bed, have literally dozens of toys, and go for walks every day.

Mistreating animals in unexcusable!!! I have a cat, who I happen to hate, but I still would never mistreat her. In fact, I had a friend who wanted her last fall, but after meeting with her I did not think she would take proper care of the cat. So I kept the horrible cat.

I think that someone who mistreats an animal should have the same thing done to them!

Okay, I'll stop ranting and get back to work!

[Angieh]

I LOVE having two Cairns. Like everyone else said, less than twice the work (eventually) but twice the expense. It's really worth it though. Getting Kimmy really perked my Benny up. They are quite the pair now.

[Shazza]

I have to agree, 2 or more are great!

Miya and Max are only 3 months apart and we've had each of them since they were 8 weeks old and they are 3 now. They are inseperable!

Then I had a hankering to have a wheaton colored Cairn. I was VERY fortunate that they all get along great together. Wrigley, our newest pack member is 7 yrs old. They all play together, no aggression towards food or toys. It is a little more work to feed, groom and spend time with 3 rather than 2 but I enjoy every minute with them! Wrigley was a farm dog, so she learned from our other 2 how the routine worked on a daily basis. She is now housebroken and is very settled in after only being with us for 8 weeks.

They are a contagious breed, but I have to stop at 3..lol

I work full time and so does my hubby.

[Abby and McDuffy]

After reading all of these replies I really hope it works out for me to foster another Cairn so I can (hopefully) experience having more than one! You guys have convinced me that it's a good idea.