Hi

My husband and I are hopefully going to see a Cairn Terrier this week, after a very long wait until our circumstances were right (we now run our own business so the dog will be with us all the time).  The bitch is from a very reputable breeder.   We have decided that a slightly older dog, rather than a puppy, may be better for us (one of the reason being my husband is a first time dog owner although we accept that there will still be lots of work involved).  The breeder has a 10 month old bitch who she originally kept to show but has since proved that she will not make it in the show ring so she is looking to find her a suitable home. 

I have asked the breeder about how well socialised the dog is and about her general temperament; her parentage (the breeder has both her mother and father at the kennels); if she has had any illnesses; if she has been vaccinated (should we ask for a vet's card?); if she is housetrained (she is and is crate trained); if she has been kept in kennels or inside (she has been kept in the house).  Will also ask about her diet (what food) and feeding times etc.  My only point of concern (though hold my hand up and say I'm no expert) is that she has been with quite a few other dogs.  Is this likely to cause her stress to be parted from her 'pack' - or is it usual that she will bond to us as her new 'pack'?

So, I was wondering if there is anything else I should ask?  Obviously, we need to meet the dog first and also pass the breeder's vetting of us!  But, any advice greatly appreciated.

Any reputable person would only be to happy to supply you with the details of their vet and the details of whatever treatment(s) she has had in her life.  She is still a young dog ( still a puppy ) so i have no doubts that if you pass all the breeders checks, questions, vetting..ect and that you do decide to home her, she will settle without worrying too much about the other dogs she has been kept with. Good Luck.

I wouldn't worry about her missing the pack.  I reckon she will think she has died and gone to heaven, all that spoiling just for her ;)

You sound like you are going to give her a great home and the breeder sounds like she will give you all the back up you need.  Might be worth asking her that question though.

Good luck and enjoy her
Sandra

Thanks for all your replies.  We had the chance to see the dog today at what will probably be her last show and we all got on wonderfully.  The breeder is very happy with us and we are more than happy with the bitch.  We are going to see her at home in the next couple of days, then taking a few days to make sure we are making the right choice (100% but just being cautious) - so may have a new addition very soon. 

Thanks again for all your help and I'm sure I will be around here asking for advice.