People give Cairns up for the same reasons people give up any dog. Some of the reasons we hear most often are: death, illness, divorce, moving, allergies and financial problems. It is not unusual to have even the most loving household experience health or personal problems that necessitate the placement of their pets. The most common reason is that the owner doesn't have time for the dog. As a result, the Cairn could develop behavior problems from lack of attention and training. Some Cairns are abandoned on the streets, some are turned in to shelters that are only able to hold dogs a day or two, while others are obtained through auctions or kennel closures. It is very important for people to do research before getting any breed as a family member, terriers of course, require extra effort because they are headstrong and usually really smart. People that don't do research, don't know what to expect from the breed and turn the dog over for its natural behavior. Fortunately, Cairns are a very adaptable breed and rescue Cairns adapt well to new situations with the proper care and training.