Cairn Terrier

Easy to Train

3 stars review

Good with kids

4 stars review

Energy

4 stars review

Heat tolerance

4 stars review

Cold tolerance

4 stars review

Watchdog

5 stars review

Shedding

3 stars review

Cairn Terrier Personality traits and Temperament

They are very energetic, spirited, playful and mischievous dogs. They are always on the lookout for an adventure. They are extremely loyal to their owners and love the company of the family. But they can spend time on their own and can keep themselves occupied. Due to his small size he makes a good apartment dog, but he is also well suited for a farmhouse or a ranch. Due to their high energy levels they require their daily exercises and intensive play sessions. When taken for walks he should always be kept on a leash.

They love children and are very tolerant of the noise and commotion that they can create. They can even match the noise level of the children and therefore make excellent playmates, much to the chagrin of the parents. They tolerate other pets if they have been socialised early.

These are a really gutsy breed and they do not back down when confronted. They are unaware of their size and have a habit of challenging bigger and stronger dogs. They have good prey drive and make excellent ratters.

They are good watchdogs and will announce visitors with great gusto. They are wary of strangers and takes time warming up to new acquaintances. Like all terriers they can be noisy and their idea of fun is digging up holes and chasing the neighbour’s cats.

They can be very sensitive to the moods of the owners and can get very upset when scolded. They love exploring and always stimulated by new activities and toys.

Grooming, Haircuts and Shedding

They have a double coat with a coarse outer coat and soft, short furry undercoat. Maintenance of the coat is easy and a weekly brushing is enough. They are moderate shedders and the brushing will help get rid of loose hairs. They should not be bathed frequently. A bath once in every 3 months will be enough. Show dogs can be stripped but this is not essential.

Proper brushing of the teeth need to be done to prevent tartar build up. Brushing can be done 2-3 times a week. Nails have to be trimmed monthly. During grooming eyes and ears must be checked for discharges. Outer ear can be cleaned using a cotton ball.

Size and Characteristics

Price Range: this dog for sale may cost between $500 – $1000

Life expectancy: the life span is generally of about 12-15 YEARS

Weight: 13-14 pounds

Height: 9-10 inches

Colors: Brindle, Black, Cream, Red, Wheaten, Grey

How to Train this dog

The most important factor in training is to establish that you are in charge. Be firm but gentle. They are eager to please and learn quickly. Obedience training is a must for these dogs. Playful training is recommended for this breed, and they generally do well with positive reinforcement methods. Provide him with ample toys, if possible a new one regularly. Their interest is stimulated with these new toys. Without training and attention, they will become bored and destructive.

Health Issues and Food

Diet: High quality dry food or raw food can be given. Avoid giving too many treats

Allergies: Hypoallergenic

Health problems: they suffer from a lot of skeletal problems like patellar luxation , Legg-Perthes disease, craniomandibular osteopathy. They may also suffer from hypothyroidism and cryptorchidism.

Mixed breeds

Pekarin is a cross between the Cairn Terrier and the Pekingese. They are very friendly, curious and loving yet sometimes they could be stubborn. They require a lot of grooming and maintenance.

Pugairn is a cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Pug. The Pugairn has a great personality. They are very playful and sweet dog.

Cairnoodle is across between a Cairn Terrier and a Poodle. They have a compact body and curly or wavy coat. Their face is either round or long with round eyes. Their ears are long and triangular.

Best female and male dog names

You can name your Cairn Terrier as Jasper or Alex if he is a male and Jade or Annie if she is a female.

How to adopt this dog

You can also browse a specific site to adopt a Cairn Terrier

Pictures and Videos

Cairn Terrier puppy


Photo Credits: Aurora,ToB