Hello everyone. this is my first post! I stumbled upon this forum whilst trying to research particular dog breeds. So I'm living in Australia and have been reading every bit of info I can over the last month online. I have been researching partiularly the West Highland Terrier and Cairn Terriers. I figure, who better to ask than actual owners of these breeds. I am not looking to purchase until closer to the end of the year, though the sooner we can decide on a breed, the sooner we can research breeders and be prepared for our arrival. I have some renovating to do and figure best to get this out of the way first. I live in an apartment with my partner and we absolutely adore these two breeds, and we will get one or the other! We are aware of the time and care we will need to put in, especially living in a unit. We have access to wonderful dog parks and beaches in our area. We are ready for this responsibilty. The thing is, we can't decide which breed to pick! They both have lovely and exciting characteristics and are equally as gorgeous and probably naughty Another point to make is children will probably be on our agenda (maybe!) in about 3-4 years so our beloved pet will need to eventually be ok with a small child. I'm not sure if I have given you enough details, let me know! I will appreciate all positive and negative feedback. Thank you
I've always had Cairns so naturally biased toward them. I have two at the moment who are beautiful dogs. I think both Cairns and Westies have similar charactaristics...being terriers you will have to train them well, as they can be headstrong, but once they realise that you are 'top dog' they should be a joy to own....they only need a moderate amount of exercise. I take mine out for a 40 minute walk twice a day, plus they have the freedom of my large garden.....Westies do moult, so be prepared for white hairs all over your furniture and carpets if you choose to go for that breed...I've never owned a Cairn that's moulted, which can be a bonus....A Cairns coat should be stripped rather than clipped for the best results, but a Westies need only be clipped. I would suggest, as with any breed, that you try and get as much information about the family history of the puppy before buying...you want a puppy that's not too bold but definitely not one that's too timid. Both breeds should be okay with children as long as the dogs are taught that children are higher up the pecking order in the family than they are. Good luck .
I've got a cairn to so im biased towards them also. Westies and Cairns are obviously related so very alike with thier terrier characteristics, i know that westies can suffer from skin allergies and i would be careful especially if you live in australia with the warm sun. I agree with ticketyboo about getting information about the puppy and family before buying and research reputable breeders. I wouldn't worry about cairns and children as one of my books say they have a built in kid gene and love them but obviously dont let the dog get too over boisterous or the children annoy the dog, if they are socialised well when they are young with other dogs and kids it shouldn't be a problem. Whatever you choose good luck! if you need anymore info about cairns from my experience i will try my best to help.
Hi Kozziosko I think temperament wise Westies and Cairns are quite similar so if you don't have a personal preference maybe look at the possible health problems of both breeds before deciding . I know Westies can have skin problems, I think Cairns are pretty hardy .
This is my eldest cairn Bridie who's six years old ...and this is my little girl Misha who's eighteen months old
Hello Kozziosko, As others have said already, I think Westies and Cairns share a lot of similar characteristics. They can both be very strong-willed so clear, consistent training from the onset is neccessary to acheive a steady adult dog who can cope with anything life throws at them. Good socialistion with other dogs and people, especially young children as you say you plan to start a family in a few years, is a must, along with introducing the puppy to different environmental factors such as car, busses, supermarkets, town centres etc if you want a well-balanced, content dog. Neither breed will tolerate tormenting children, I know my Westie wouldn't, so it's important that the dogs learn how to behave around children and vice-versa from a very young age, preferrably the very beginning. They are terriers, afterall, and this should always be remembered. Westies don't shed a lot if hair. However, you will find a few hairs about but not that much. They should ideally be handstripped and look better for it, however, they can be clipped, same goes with Cairns. Westies are prone to skin allergies so a hypoallergenic diet is probably best at the start. Research your breeders carefully, and attend breed shows or shows where there will be Westies/Cairns there and ask the owners/breeders/handlers any questions you may have. Both breeds are clever and do well at both agility and obedience if given the chance. I have trained my Westie to do agility, she can be very stubborn and willful at times but is a joy to own! She has no health problems or skin complaints. I'm very careful with regards to what she eats and her grooming, so this helps, but she is a hardy wee soul. Here are a selection of photos of Molly:
thanks again for your pics, they are so sweet! You guys aren't making this easy for me! hahaha. Just kidding, it's all very helpful. I am going to start locating breeders and breed shows, thank you!
Howdy peeps! Just an update, we have decided to go with the Westie. It's what's in our hearts and I'm glad we finally made a decision! It was a very difficult one though. Thank you all for your advice and showing me your pics I have heard from a fantastic breeder in my state, I am likely to put my name on their waiting list. ~Koren
Excellent! It will be nice to have a new Westie pup on Dogsey! Keep us posted as to how you are getting on.
