HELP....cairn/jack mix?

[ACooper]

I need thoughts like, do you think I could handle one? LOL

You guys know I've been considering a much smaller breed than Orson since Phoebe has left a big vacancy. One that will travel easier among other things. But we all know luck/fate/whatever can also work on our decisions as well and that is where I am at the moment.

Sooooo...I have the opportunity to adopt the CUTEST little scruffy guy who is believed to be a cairn/jack mix (could be other things in there too...who knows) If they are correct, he wouldn't be expected to go over the 20lb range....if not, well, that's a chance you take when adopting unknown origins right? He is only about 2 months old at the moment, exact birthday unknown.

I honestly know NOTHING about Cairn Terriers and not much about Jacks but chaz is a resource I can tap

Thoughts? Oppinions? Do it? Don't do it?

Don't be afraid to speak your mind...I'm listening to all sides! I need a decision like YESTERDAY folks!
GO!

(PS....picture will follow soon!)

 

[*blackrose]

Do it!

Honestly, if the terrier type mentality won't drive you crazy (potential for DA/scrappiness, prey drive, intelligent, active, potential for barking and digging) then I don't know why it would be an issue. I've met some awesome Cairns (a good friend of mine has two and they are super playful, loving, scary smart, and she's done a lot of training with them) and some awesome JRTs. I've also met some rotten ones, but I think that has a lot to do with the work put in to them and their breeding.

With a mutt puppy from unknown lineage you're taking a gamble regardless of supposed breed...and if that isn't something you're worried about, then I say go for it!

 

[Grab]

Cairns are one of only two terrier breeds I'd even consider (Border Terriers are the other) The ones I've met have all been fun, fun dogs. (and I do love a scruffy dog)

My grandparents had one for many, many years who just wandered to their sprinklers on a hot day and never left. (no one answered their widely placed ads) He was a great little dog.

 

[-bogart-]

Please name it Toto.

 

[ACooper]

Also, Orson doesn't care for other dogs...but I really feel he would accept another dog into the family if we took it slow and he knew it was FAMILY not a visitor/stranger.

Excuse the awful blurry pics....he does not stand still for a minute and I took them with my phone! LOL

 

[Laurelin]

To me that looks like a lab mix. Definitely not cairn x jack solely based on coat color and the large drop ears. I would expect that to be a mediumish dog too.

 

[ACooper]

You could be right laurelin...I'm just going by what they told me. His wisps of hair are definitely wirey while the under coat is soft.

He is jist so cute...he has an adorable little under bite that makes him appear to be pouting

 

[Zoom]

^^ that

 

[Laurelin]

Oh yeah just throwing that out there in case staying small is a huge deal. He is very very cute.

Does look to me based on head type and such that there's a smaller breed in there too. But I definitely think he has something other than cairn and JRT in him.

I think if you like him and are ok with a dog that may grow bigger than 20 lbs you should go for it! He's definitely adorable.

 

[ACooper]

I would really like a dog that will stay 20lbs or less just for the ease of traveling (hotels, room in the RV, etc..) but I don't have a specific 'need' for a specific 'breed' I'm not into any dog sports or showing and such...so a breed/size preference is just that, a preference.

*sigh* IDK...this is usually how I end up with my dogs. They kind of find their way to me instead of me actually planning/picking. I SWEAR I normally start out with a plan, then a dog in need with a pretty face comes along and I'm a SUCKA, haha

I'm going to sleep on it I guess....if it won't wait one more night then that's my answer huh?

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

I thought lab mix too--but dear god, how could you turn down that face?

 

[crazedACD]

He is really cute! I agree he is going to be bigger than a cairn/jack .

I hate to be the downer here, really I do, and I want to tell you to go for it so much . But I know that male Dobes do tend towards same-sex aggression, and if Orson is already not 100% towards other dogs, I myself would be a bit concerned about bringing another male into the house that might grow to be a competitive size. And especially one that might be terrier mix. Just some food for thought..

 

[ACooper]

I definitely agree crazed...the male/male is something I've thought very hard about even before now. (notice it's after 1 am and I'm here instead of sleeping)

I'm not trying to be naive when I say I really do think Orson would accept a family member. I don't think they'd skip happily through wildflowers holding hands....but it would be manageable. Question is...do I want to manage?

And baxter....I KNOW RIGHT?

 

[NeNe]

Cute little guy. Personally I love Terriers. We have had Westies in the past and we now have a Schnauzer. I love their "spit n vinegar ". That being said they are highly intelligent and can be trained easily as soon as they learn you are more stubborn than they are.

 

[ACooper]

I am officially going to try it.

I have self restraint, I don't rush out and get every dog I see or have opportunity to bring home...(what a hoard that would be!)....but for whatever reason, I am drawn to this little guy and I feel he can be integrated into our family.

After doing much reading, I feel his size/weight at this moment are on track to be in the 15-20lb range when full grown for the breeds I was led to believe he is mixed with. I think those terrible phone pictures are misleading and hopefully I can snap a couple pics with my regular camera that can do him justice

I hope I am doing the right thing. Time will tell I suppose.

 

[maxfox426]

Best of luck! He sure is cute.

 

[sassafras]

I have self restraint, I don't rush out and get every dog I see or have opportunity to bring home...(what a hoard that would be!)....but for whatever reason, I am drawn to this little guy and I feel he can be integrated into our family.

Not to be an enabler, but... that little "hey, that's actually my dog" drawn-to feeling, when it's serious and not just goofing around WANTING ALL THE DOGS, is something to pay attention to. It's never steered me wrong.

 

[Dizzy]