I'm very interested in a Cairn Terrier from a reputable breeder. What is the general range of prices for both pet-quality and show-quality puppies?

Also, what are the recommended health tests that should be done?

I can't speak for what others do or look for, but for a puppy we generally want some sort of documentation of the sire and dam's GCL status (clear or carrier), when the sire and dam were last CERF'd and screened for Ocular Melanosis, and the puppy's bile acid results at eight or preferably twelve weeks or older. We would expect that a vet has seen and examined the puppy, particularly for heart sounds. You might also wish to review the breeder's awareness and knowledge of the incidence in the pedigree of any of the conditions on the Health Related Concerns page.

Couple of previous questions on the cost topic.

What's a normal price to pay for a Cairn

How much did you pay for your Cairn?

I paid $800 for each of my Cairns from a great breeder!

Not sure on the health checked first though. Others will have more information on that than me.

I checked both of the links listed above and there is a lot of good information there.

When I got Renny in Sept 2005 I paid $ 600 ( Females were $ 700) which is about the going rate in my area ( Montana). The other breeders I contacted were asking $ 800+ for "Pet Quality" with champion bloodlines going as high as $ 1500+.

I have had no health problems with Renny other than an intestinal parasite that took one visit to the vet to clear up. I understand that is pretty common in young puppies.

I'm sure you will find a lot of variation depending on your area and other variables. Somebody who has one litter to sell will be a lot less expensive than a breeder who raises show quality dogs as a business.

Hope this helps.

My guess would be if depends where you live. Here is PA they do range from $500 to 800 and bloodlines in the thousands. We got ours from a good breeder for $500. She was in perfect health up to date on shots. The breeder even gave us a crate for her and dish, collar & leash and small back of food she was feeding her dogs. We didn't expect that but we still use that crate for traveling today.

Visit the different breeders and talk to them on the phone until you find one that you like.

I'm happy to hear you are planning to purchase from a reputable breeder. I have a tremendous amount of respect for these folks who take the dog's health and well-being seriously and only breed responsibly. You might want to click the link at the top of the page for the Cairn Terrier of America Homepage, then "Find a Breeder". I'd suggest calling everyone within your geographic area, or shoot out an email inquiring about their dogs.

For comparison purposes:

We paid $850.00 Canadian here in Edmonton, Alberta for our Broc, a "pet quality" brindle male. We got him at just over 8 weeks old. This particular breeder apparently concentrates more on temperment and health, and not so much on show conformation. That was not an issue for us. In fact, I would say Broc is a bit long in the body compared to the breed standard.

For that price, we got a certification of no genetic defects with a one-year guarantee, 60-days of pet health insurance, registration in the Canadian Kennel Club, 2 vet examinations, first shots, and a 20 lb. bag of the same premium dry dog food that had been fed to him.

We found the breeder on the internet. We visited her kennel and interacted with both parents and the litter for a couple of hours when they were 7 weeks (49 days) old. I did an individual "puppy apptitude test" on each puppy. Information about these types of tests can be found in various books. The one I used was the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. Apparently, the absolute best time to do this test is on a puppy's 49th day. This test was the main basis for me picking out Broc from the litter of 5. The breeder was very interested in how I rated each puppy and apparently used my comments to help her in suggesting the right puppy for buyers who came after us. We used this same test to pick out our mini Schnauzer, Fritz, five years ago. In both cases, we are extemely pleased at how well the test predicted the temperments and character of our dogs.

Hope this long dissertation helps you in picking out your pup.

Kurt in Edmonton, Alberta, Canda

Misty was$ 600 the males were $550 she was breeding specifically for color markings and temperment...not so much for show at that time now she is working with size as well I will have a smaller pup this next time- came with papers I met Mistys parents up to date shots wormed patially potty trained (but Im not in show so as long as the temperment is good Im happy.) I did quite a bit of research at one time and I saw some strict true to breed bloodline pups running as much as $1800 - I 'bout lost my jaw on that one. dogs poo would have to be gold nuggets before Id go there. But I guess for one whos serious about show-I can see that.