Cairn Terrier or Mini Schnauzer ?

[mrsmick]

Hi everyone,
DH and I are considering getting a puppy for our kids, DS almost 5 yrs., DD 15 yrs., for Christmas.
We have other critters- older- like a 20 year old Siamese, 13 year old Collie. The cat is indoors and the collie is outside in a very large pen.
I have researched both breeds, and have found many good, even great, points about each one. Also a few not so great points, but nothing negative enough to cross the breed off the list.
So now I turn to the largest group of people I can find with this question:

Does anyone out there have ANY advice or suggestions about either of these breeds? I want the good and the bad....please.

 

[dreaming]

Cairn Terriers are great! My dh's Aunt and Uncle have two of them and they are wonderful with my 6 yr old dd. They are loving, intelligent, and very gentle - even as puppies. When our current elderly dog passes on we plan on getting a Cairn - beware though, they aren't cheap - roughly $500.

 

[dianeschlicht]

As a breeder of another terrier breed, I can say these breeds would have some of the same attributes as well as some of the same detractors. Both of these breeds can be a little on the noisy side, but make great pets. I personally prefer the cairn, but either would be great. Just be sure you buy from a reputible breeder, and not a pet store or "puppy mill". Be sure you see where the puppies are kept and how they are cared for and socialized. Also, be sure to get a written guarantee about health concerns. Both of these breeds have hereditary health concerns, so make sure the breeder gives you some sort of guarantee against them. For Cairns, I believe liver shunt is the worst.

 

[JasonLyons]

I use to have a Carin and she was a real good dog

 

[airhead]

...Will your pup live outside also?

 

[doxdogy]

Go to htpp://www.infodog.com and do a dog show search. Look for any dog shows in your area. When DH and were trying to decide what breed we wanted we went to shows and met and talked to some breeders/entrants. Look for conformation shows and what is called an all-breed show. If I am not mistaken go to the AKC website and you can find breed clubs in your area. I have a terrier mix and I just love the terrier personality.

 

[Brisully]

I vote schnauzer - no shedding.

 

[Dream]

My in laws have had both a carin and a mini shnauzer in the past. My vote goes to the carin! Don't know if it's breed specific but their shnauzer was very yappy and hgh strung. The carin was on a much more even keel. Both were VERY smart dogs...eerie at times ...and fairly easy to care for. Little shedding, they did clip them frequently, and no big health issues....both had skin irritations from time to time. I can't really talk much on the "good with kids" issue. Both dogs were raised in a quiet, elderly household and were very disinterested in the grandchildren when they visited. The only one that nipped was the shnauzer. I am sure they are fine with kids...these dogs just were not used to them. Enjoy your puppy whatever you decide!

 

[LindaR]

This will sound harsh. I don't think you should get another dog. If your collie (who needs to be with his people) has to live outside, why get another dog?

"Outside" dogs tend to be emotionally neglected. Most breeds need to be with their people.

Christmas is also one of the worst times to buy a pet. Most end up in a shelter by April.

 

[yoopermom]

Just being nosy, but what breed do you have Diane?

If you have not already, I would locate reputable breeders in your area and plan home visits. Until you meet a breed "in person", it's hard to get a true picture of what they're like. I happen to prefer the larger terriers (Kerry Blue, Wheaten, even Airdale), because they tend to be a slight bit calmer and less "yippy", but, out of the two you mentioned, I would lean toward the Cairn. Reputable breeder with health guarantees a must! Terriers tend to be quite long lived, so make sure you're going to want one fifteen years down the line!
Good luck!
Terri the Yoopermom

 

[Serena]

I had a cairn/poodle mix when I was a teenager and she really was a great dog.
Her name was Crickett because every time she barked her back legs would jump. lol But she barked all the time, she'd argue with the squirrels, she'd bark at the leaves, everything.

 

[CookieGVB]

I'm being nosey, too...

Diane breeds airedales - I remember that from another thread!

I have the same question - why is the elderly collie outdoors?

 

[mrsmick]

Thanks everyone for the responses and advice. I will only buy from a breeder that doesn't mind if we visit the pups and the pups parents.
The lady I'm talking to right now has three litters of Cairns- each litter two weeks apart.
Now about our Collie. Her name is Macy and she prefers the outside. She likes to make sure the neighbors all know she's out there. She barks when the meter reader pulls up in THEIR driveways. She does come in when the weather is bad. She's terrified of storms- even when they're a county over.
As far as getting a pet for the kids for Christmas, it really wouldn't matter when we got a pet, we are committed to them for their entire lives, as evidenced by the 20 year old cat, another one that is 18yrs, an outside stray that adopted us 16 years ago, and Macy is 13 years old.
Again, thanks to everyone that responded. Perhaps when/if we get a new family member, I'll put his/her picture on here.

 

[DocRafiki]

You all know what I'm going to say... go to a rescue or shelter and get whichever one you can find that needs to be rescued.

It sounds like you've got the commitment thing down, but I am still generally against "giving" pets as gifts. Getting other gifts at the same time sends the message that it's just another toy that is there for your enjoyment until you get tired of it. They're living beings, and it's no more appropriate than getting pregnant in March just so you can stick a Christmas bow on your infant's head.

I think contacting a breed rescue a few months after Christmas is a wonderful idea.

 

[LunarLady]

Originally posted by DocRafiki
They're living beings, and it's no more appropriate than getting pregnant in March just so you can stick a Christmas bow on your infant's head.

I never thought of doing this! What a great idea! If/when I get pregnant, the only stipulation I would want would be to not deliver at the end of the summer. I'd HATE to have to go through the final months in the heat.

But that Xmas bow on the head...priceless!

Oh, BTW, my mother has had three Schnauzers in the past 22 years and I wouldn't recommend them for households with children. They can be tempermental little sh*ts.

 

[Serena]

Doc, I'm sure you didn't exactly mean it that way. That isn't why I got pregnant in march, frankly I wasn't that talented to tell mother nature when to let it happen. But I do have a picture of her under the tree with a bow on her head.

 

[Barb]

Well, we've had three miniature Schnauzer's and love the breed. Our Minnie (the current Schnauzer) is the most lovable, cuddly dog you could imagine. Even our vet is impressed with her. The one assistant tells me every time that if I ever need to let her go, to call her and she'll take her. Brian's right, they don't shed. That was one of the main reasons we picked that breed in the beginning. We were also told that Schnauzer's do make great family dogs and we agree. She absolutely loves to run around outside with my son. She loves playing ball and will chase that ball forever if you let her. Our biggest problem with Minnie is that the more attention you give her, the more she wants. I know I can live with that. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. I'd be glad to help.

 

[Bob O]

If you want a REAL TERRIER, then get a West Highland White Terrier!!!!!! They are great family dogs!!!!!! I wouldnt trade mine for another in the world!!!