Thistledown Kennels (Cairn Terriers)

Thistledown Kennels (Cairn Terriers) I show and raise cairn terriers for myself first then for pet. Health guarantee, AKC papers, 5 way I raise and show cairn terriers from my home.

Most of my puppies go to pet homes that have had cairn terriers most of their lives and are replacing their long loved Cairn that have passed away. Some go to show homes. I do not sell to anyone and everyone that calls, I do screen and care where my puppies go. Cairn terriers are long lived and hearty, that does not mean they do not have some issues at times, but it is very rare. With corky person

alities and a variety of colors, this little dog, that acts like they are a big dog, will truly be a delight to almost any home. Considered non-shedding (they do shed some, but so little I can't tell) and hypoallergenic. I feed holistic dog food and feel they do the best on a more natural diet. I spoil my dogs and have been known to buy $100 (or more) in toys at a time... love my dogs. If you are interested in knowing more about me and my cairns please call me. Expect about an hour call. I'm old school and find texting and emails are time consuming and not a way to get to know me or for myself, to get to know you. Remember these are babies, not something to be tossed aside or ordered by mail, they are family members. If you enjoy talking cairns, I sure do! The way I look at it if you are to shy to call, then you’re to shy for a terrier. Heads up though, if you’re looking for just a pet and not a family member, than please find one elsewhere. I’m only looking to place pups for those that view their cairns as part of their family. I feel these guys are special, that’s why I only raise cairns. I hope you are as fanatic about them as I am. So fanatic I spend $6,000 or more to go get most of what I have from the best show homes in Europe. They have been carefully bred with health, confirmation, and personality as key elements. All my puppies go and to fantastic, wonderful homes and I will continue to produce amazing puppies that are healthy, smart and looking like a cairn. If you are interested in one of these amazing puppies feel free to call me. If I don't answer, leave a message, I will return it as soon as I can. Make sure you talked to all involved first. For general information read the very first post on this page. Hope to hear from you soon! Best regards
Lorrie Thies

03/05/2026

I want to say thank you to all those sharing my post about the available pups. I’ve gotten 4 calls none of which panned out unfortunately. The last one I had to chuckle that they knew nothing about Chicago and didn’t want to travel by themselves. Me going to Europe by myself on more than one occasion to pick up a pup that seems completely like wow. 😮 But I realize I’m not the norm. Most are afraid to travel. I’m not in Chicago by the way nor is the airport. It is located a half hour west of Chicago off 90. I’m only 3 miles off 90. I’m exactly an hour from the airport. They have hotels here as well as at the airport so no need to go into Chicago. But a quick phone call to me would suffice. But alas no call to me nor answering a call. So still have four males available for pickup on April 25th! Love ya all, . Thanks for your ongoing support!

All girls spoken for and one male. So that leaves four males not spoken for. You can call me for an interview at 815-494...
03/02/2026

All girls spoken for and one male. So that leaves four males not spoken for. You can call me for an interview at 815-494-5964.

Not even a week old, here is Molly and Peaches babies under red lights to keep them warm. Sorry they are not better pict...
03/02/2026

Not even a week old, here is Molly and Peaches babies under red lights to keep them warm. Sorry they are not better pictures but at this stage we don’t interfere as much as possible and give mom space.

03/01/2026

I’m going to vent a little this morning. I had three show homes contact me wanting me to repeat my breedings so they could get a pup from me. All in different states, people I know but they don’t know each other. Another from overseas, and another pet home. All backed out of wanting a pup for one reason or another, I specifically bred these litters for them! I was going to retire them! So yep I’m frustrated. What do you think I will do in answer to these people in the future? Take a guess? Anyways I have pups ready on April 25th. Obviously very nice pups. You choose in order in which I receive deposits. Scroll down to see pictures and more information. My number is 815-494-5964.

Keep in mind here. You don’t get to choose until 8 weeks of age. You choose in the order in which I recieve deposits. Show homes come first. But right now they all backed out. If another comes forward and wsnts a show pup, (they pay more and go into contract and I co own). Then you either get first pick out if show prospects (and I have a say in which ones I think are show quality since I will co own), or you get pick in for pet. Right now except the ones I hold back they will all be going for pet. But I do not let you pick from a photo.

Peaches had her litter today of three boys and one girl. Female is spoken for but that could change if she doesn’t turn ...
02/27/2026

Peaches had her litter today of three boys and one girl. Female is spoken for but that could change if she doesn’t turn out for show quality. So if you would like to be considered as a backup for her please call me. One light brindle boy, and two cream wheaton boys. So three boys. All are available. They come with akc papers, one year cognitive guarantee, first shots, and dewormings. Raised in my home. Father and mother both passed all eye, heart and patella test. Had dna health screening for 268 markers. Dad Bon Bon is completely clear and mom is all clear except is a carrier for a blood disorder, but doesn’t have it. Kids will either be clear or just carriers but never get it. Dad is from France with all champion background, I’m presently showing him, mom father is a champion and many other champions in her background. Her great grandfather has 24 titles in Europe. So these babies will be very nice indeed! You put down $500 to hold your place. You choose in order in which I receive deposits. The rest is due upon pickup $2500. Pickup is on the last Saturday of April. If you are interested please call me at 815-494-5964. Thus us peaches last litter.

Both girls spoken for. Both males are available. Both people backed out. Molly and Xanders babies were born last night. ...
02/27/2026

Both girls spoken for. Both males are available. Both people backed out.

Molly and Xanders babies were born last night. All doing well. Mom is doing well. They are out of Akc champion Xander. Both parents have been health checked for eye, heart, patellas. All clear. Both parents have zero markers in a 268 dna panel. All are black brindle. They are $3000. $500 non refundable deposit then rest due upon pickup in cash. Call if interested. 815-494-5964.

Molly and Xanders daughter. Table practice today. Getting ready for future shows.
02/22/2026

Molly and Xanders daughter. Table practice today. Getting ready for future shows.

Peaches and Happy’s daughter Millie. Did grooming and table practice for future shows.
02/22/2026

Peaches and Happy’s daughter Millie. Did grooming and table practice for future shows.

02/21/2026

Update: happy to say I found someone I know to come. So relieved I will be leaving my babies in good hands while me and my husband get away. If you would like to be considered for the just in case scenario please give me a call.

I’m looking for kennel help for 14 days while me and my husband go on vacation to pickup a new pup in Europe. Must stay the night at my home. This would be from end the last week of May to first week of June. Call if interested. Prefer someone with experience. 815-494-5964

02/21/2026

If you are looking for a pup as pet or show I’m having a small litter next week. They will be ready end of April. Please call if interested at 815-494-5964.

Just so I don’t get messages. How I work you out down $500 non refundable once born. You get to choose in the order in which I receive deposits for pet quality. Show quality for show has first choice. The rest is due on the day of pickup. Which is in cash $2500 for pet.

02/01/2026

Once again people are contacting me through messages on here and I reply and they are not reading my reply. Hence why I ask people to call me instead of messaging me. My number is 815-494-5964. Also before calling me I invite you to scroll through my post first. Many of the questions people are asking are in my post already. Thank you all! Have a blessed day

Merry Christmas to one and all. May your new year be of blessings and full of happiness. To my house to yours. The cairn...
12/24/2025

Merry Christmas to one and all. May your new year be of blessings and full of happiness. To my house to yours. The cairns are all in excitement for the new year to come in hopes new adventures as we anticipate showing once again. Also we anticipate moving to a bigger place with more room to run and explore!

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Rockford, IL
61109

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