CAIRN TERRIER

Temperament: Alert, Cheerful, Busy
Height: 10 inches (male), 9.5 inches (female)
Weight: 14 pounds (male), 13 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Group: Terrier Group 

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Cairn Terrier dog breed is a small working terrier developed on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Farmers used them to rid their property of vermin, and they needed a dog with courage, tenacity, and intelligence characteristics still found in today’s Cairn.

The Cairn Terrier is a family dog, and he needs to live in the house (or apartment or condo) with his family. He thrives on attention from his loved ones, and he’s unhappy if left alone too much. He can become bored at such times, which leads to destructive or annoying behaviors like barking, digging, or chewing.

A Cairn Terrier is a wonderful family companion. He’s fun and entertaining, loves to play with kids, and sounds the alarm when visitors approach. He is able to compete in obedience, agility, or Earthdog trials. A Cairn is a great pet for anyone who wants an independent, alert companion with a take-charge attitude toward life.

PERSONALITY

Cairn terriers are considered intelligent, loyal family pets that adapt to most environments. They are true terriers, however, and consequently extremely active dogs. Some may be prone to excessive barking and others can be diggers. This is not a dog for someone who wants a quiet lap dog. They can be feisty with other dogs, and deadly with small pets and errant rodents.

On the other hand, cairn terriers are an excellent choice for families who want a playful, cheerful pet always up for a game of fetch or a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. 

HEALTH

Cairn Terriers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders test their stock for health disorders and communicate with other dedicated breeders regularly, working together for breed health and preservation of the breed’s unique qualities.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Cardiac Exam
• Patella Evaluation
• GCL DNA Test
• PSVA
• MVD
• Kidney Aplasia/Dysplasia

CARE

Caring for a Cairn Terrier isn’t difficult. Because of his small size, he’s a good dog for apartment dwellers, but he’s also hardy enough to enjoy ranch life. He must have sufficient exercise and activity, however. A long daily walk or vigorous play for 20 to 30 minutes will help keep him healthy and alert.

Despite the fact that he’s a quick study, remember that the Cairn also has a stubborn streak. Regular obedience training (beginning with puppy classes) is essential to teach him good manners and respect for your authority. Don’t be surprised if he challenges you just keep training. Be positive, kind, and consistent.

A “quiet” command should be one of your Cairn’s basics. Don’t let him off-leash in public places; he’s likely to give in to any temptation to chase. And don’t give him unsupervised free time in the yard. He’ll dig, and he doesn’t care whether he excavates a secluded area by the fence or your lovely new flower garden.

GROOMING

Cairn Terriers are generally easy keepers, although weekly brushing and combing are recommended, as well as periodic hand-stripping to maintain the coat’s texture. Having a comb and soft slicker brush handy will help with the grooming tasks. With a new puppy, spending time together in grooming sessions helps to accustom him or her to being worked with and is an opportunity to develop the bond between you. The nails should be trimmed regularly, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: dogtime, hillspet, akc.