CAIRN TERRIER
APPEARANCE
The Cairn Terrier has a small but sturdy build, and an alert and intelligent expression. Their muzzle is small and pointed while their jaws are remarkably strong. This little dog has short legs but are muscular which helps them chase their prey down easily. The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors. The Cairn Terrier weighs around 10-12 inches, and is about 13-16 pounds in weight.
PERSONALITY
The Cairn Terrier is a sensible, confident little dog, independent but friendly. The Cairn Terrier is a curious breed that loves to explore new territory. They are courageous little dogs and have a great adoration and love for their owners. The Cairn Terrier is an energetic, happy-go-lucky character that will entertain their owners daily. The Cairn Terrier is energetic and playful and loves to get involved in activity and fun.
TRAINING
The Cairn Terrier can have a very assertive and stubborn nature, and may be best suited to a dog owner with some level of experience in dog ownership. Training of the Cairn Terrier has the best results when training as a puppy, as they become stubborn. They are sensitive, so they require firm, not harsh, training and discipline. They like to learn tricks, and thrive in obedience training. Without training and attention, the Cairn Terrier will become bored and destructive.
EXERCISE
Cairn Terriers should be kept active and trim. They require quite a bit of exercise; these are working dogs and are still used as such in parts of Scotland. They love to fetch a ball, but are content with two or three walks a day, of about 1/2 hr each. Cairns must be leashed when not fenced, as it is impossible to train away their instinct to give chase to cats, rodents and other dogs.
SOCIALIZATION
The Cairn Terrier gets along well with children, especially those that are older and considerate, and will enjoy playing and joining in with family activities. He will usually get along well with other pets too, although they can be a little bossy. With other males of the same breed they can tend to be a little aggressive. With strangers the reaction can depend upon the personality of the individual Cairn Terrier.
LIVING CONDITIONS
This breed is not suited for apartment or condo living. They require supervision when they are outside as their natural instinct to hunt and dig can lead them into danger. The Cairn Terrier is not suited for living outdoors and much prefers to be inside with their family.
GROOMING
Cairn Terriers should always be hand stripped. Using scissors or shears can ruin the dog’s rugged outer coat after one grooming. Hand stripping involves pulling the old dead hair out by the roots. This does not harm the dog in any way. Removing the dead hair in this manner allows new growth to come in. This new growth helps protect the dog from water and dirt. The hair around the eyes and ears must be kept trimmed.
HEALTH ISSUES
These dogs are generally healthy and live on average about 15 years. These dogs are prone to a few eye diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, corneal dystrophy, and cataracts. Hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, luxating patella’s and Legg Perthes syndrome may also be genetically inherited diseases the Cairn might develop.
HISTORY
The Cairn Terrier originated in Scotland and was bred to hunt small animals and chase them into stone structures called cairns. These dogs became very popular in the 1940’s because the Wizard of Oz was released the previous year and the main furry co-star was the famous “Toto”. The breed was registered with the AKA in 1913.
