Cairn Terrier

Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Recommended for: Families
Maintenance Level: Low – medium
Life Span: 13-14 years
Height: 25 to 33 cm
Weight: 6 to 8 kg

Adaptability

Friendliness

General Health

Trainability

Exercise Needs

Cairn Terrier Breed overview

The Cairn terrier is the oldest Terrier breed. It originally comes from Scottish Islands where it was considered as a working dog. Most of them have a huge bundle of energy and great personality.

The Cairn terrier has a scruffy double coat with that wiry outside.

They come in a variety of colours such as:

Brindle
Grey
Red
Sand
Black

The Cairn terrier is great for indoors because it doesn’t shed much. You just have to brush it frequently and loose hair will fall out. This particular dog enjoys being part of a family, and mostly prefers to live inside.

Its height can vary and it could reach up to 33 cm for male and 30 cm for female dogs.
The average weight is between 6 – 8 kg for both females and males.
The lifespan is approximately 14 years.

Suitability for Children – High
Tendency to Bark – Low
Energy –Medium
Suitability as a Guard Dog – High
Grooming Requirements – More than Once a Week
Trimming Required – Occassional
Amount of hair shed – Moderate
Food Cost – $5 to $10
Average Monthly Pet insurance Premium – $44

Origin of Cairn terrier

The Cairn terrier was first found in Scottish Islands and Highlands. They were mostly used as working dogs for controlling pests such as rabbits, rats, and foxes. During the 19th century, they were used for badger hunting.

Cairn terrier Temperament

The Cairn terrier is very intelligent and family dog. However, you should keep an eye on children, because it could get easily annoyed. In the same time, it looks like it thrives on energy, but it could fit into family life without any problem. However, it could be wary of strangers which can include barking.
When it comes to training, they are very stubborn and you have to be patient and consistent in order to have successful training. You keep it busy with daily exercise and walk because it can become destructive and bored if you don’t pay attention to it.

Common Cairn Terrier Conditions and Diseases

Cataract – This is a disease that could occur to Cairn Terriers, and it causes a cloudy appearance in eyes and poor vision. It usually happens to older dogs, and it could be removed surgically in case that it is necessary.

Interesting Facts

This particular dog breed appeared next to Dorothy in Wizard From Oz
It is intelligent and has a mind of its own. When it sees a chance, it will challenge the authority, so you have to establish a role as a dominant leader.