I'm debating between the 2 breeds... I have no children(though I do have a 7 month niece that I want to be nice to!), and live in a home with about a 1/2 acre yard. I found a breeder near that just had puppies last week & only charges $125 for male Cairn's, is that crazy cheap?!? Can anyone tell me which breed is better all around? I've done a lot of research on the net about them, but nothing to compare the 2... THANKS!!!
2006-12-11 07:00:54 · 7 answers · asked by Amy 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yorkies! Definately, my friend had one, she also has 2 toddlers.
2006-12-11 07:03:27 · answer #1 · answered by hailey718 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I was a vet tech for many years and I found Cairns to be smarter and less "anxious". I also think they are cuter and less prone to dental problems as well as other medical problems in the long run. Personally, I think Cairns like to please their owners where as Yorkies like to please themselves.
I do have a problem with breeders tho, they must be thoroughly checked out. There are too many "puppy mills" out there whereby breeders are just cranking out puppies in order to pay their bills. So buying from a reputable breeder is just as important as what type of breed to get. Be sure you are allowed to see the parents of the puppies (or at least a picture of the one parent they don't own) and that the area where the pups are kept is indoors, warm, clean and neat. Make sure the breeders are feeding the puppies a good, brand, puppy food (Eukanuba, Iams, Science Diet, etc) and if you get one of the puppies continue feeding it the same food, otherwise the puppy can get diarrhea if the food is changed too fast. Ask about what kind of socializing the breeders have been implementing (how much time are the puppies around people and talked to and handled, etc). Be sure the puppies don't have discharges around their eyes, noses or rear end, look to see if there seems to be any stains on the fur around the rectum, this could mean the puppy has been having diarrhea and has been cleaned just before your arrival in order to keep you from thinking there is a problem. Smell the puppies ears to be sure there is no infection. Look for fleas, or signs of fleas like "flea dirt" which is the excrement of fleas and is hard little dark bits just like dirt, that lays on the skin. Be sure the breeders have papers proving the puppies have been examined, vaccinated and are up to date on vaccinations along with any de-worming. Also, get the names and phone numbers of people who have purchased puppies from them before and call them, ask these people if they would recommend the breeders, was the puppy they got healthy and remained healthy or what kind of problems if any were there. If the breeders won't allow you access to anyone one of these, then I say move on. Also, if everything checks out okay and you decide to take one of the puppies, check it's belly and be sure it's smooth, especially around where the belly button would be, if there's a lump it could be a sign of a hernia which must be repaired and can be a bit costly.
In any event, once you purchase a puppy, take it to your vet. If the vet says there's a problem, then in most States, you have what is called a "three day Lemon Law" in which you can return your purchase for a full refund. If the breeders want you to sign your rights away, that's another reason not to purchase from them.
As for, "crazy cheap," don't forget, for the most part, you get what you pay for...
... and owning an animal is not cheap. They need at least a yearly exam, vaccinations and neutering, and depending on where you live, a dog needs monthly medication to prevent heart worms, and you must test for heart worms before giving the preventive medication. If you don't have the money, or are not planning on putting money away to pay for these things and God forbid an emergency, like a broken leg, a disease, or some unexpected illness etc, comes up, then you should not own an animal.
See, and you thought all you needed to know was which breed to buy, you silly thing!
2006-12-11 15:55:14 · answer #2 · answered by candeekissez 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
cairns are beautifull around children and they are really fierce against strangers no one will get in your yard with those dogs but I bought my cairn for 600.00 and she was show dog. she died last year at 11 yrs old and she was my dear companion and friend. I have so many fond memories of her and will continue to have untill the day that i die . Please be carefull with these dogs as to the price i would be very weary and find out if she has a close relationship with a vet ? ask these ?s please . do your researches on the breed. I just love cairns.Please please do yourself a favor and take someone with you and look around when getting this pup does she have them in the house or does she have them outside . outside not a good sign as they have not been raised as a member of the family. Please also consider adopting that way you will save a life of a animal that is in need of a home and donate the rest of the money to help the shelter.
2006-12-11 15:31:14 · answer #3 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neither breed is better "all around.." It's based upon preference. You should weigh the traits that each breed has against eachother and decide which would best fit your lifestyle. They're both terriers so they have the typical terrier tenacity. You should also look at the source I've cited to find a responsible breeder. Also do not neglect to look at websites such as petfinder.org to find a pet - they have both purebreeds and mutts who will be forever thankful that you rescued them.
2006-12-11 15:08:58 · answer #4 · answered by toni1336 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I vote for the Yorkie. Only cause I don't think Cairn's are as cute. I don't think Cairn's are cute at all. But $125 is quite a bargain, I doubt you'll find a Yorkie even close to that price.
2006-12-11 15:06:51 · answer #5 · answered by wamadeus1971 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
both have good and bad points but the end decision is yours as long as it comes from parents with good proven backgrounds and sound temperaments you will be ok if your a dog lover go on have one of each
2006-12-11 15:10:00 · answer #6 · answered by smudgerok 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
yorkie, alot better of a dog easer to train
2006-12-11 15:06:07 · answer #7 · answered by Mike 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋