What makes the Cairn Terrier Unique?
Small and lively, Cairn Terriers are perfect pets for apartment dwellers. When given regular exercise, these shaggy dogs do not require a yard. Cairn Terriers are also reasonably intelligent and many of them may delight their owners by learning how to perform tricks. Perhaps the most famous member of this breed is Terry, the black terrier who played Toto in the movie “The Wizard of Oz”.
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Is the Cairn Terrier Right For You?
Despite its small size, the cairn needs outdoor exercise every day, either a moderate walk on leash, a fun game in the yard or an excursion in a safe area. It can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it does better sleeping indoors. The cairn is the essence of terrier; plucky, spirited, bold, inquisitive, hardy, clever, stubborn and scrappy. It is responsive to its owner’s wishes, however, and tries to please; in fact, it is surprisingly sensitive. This breed can be a good house pet as long as it is given daily physical and mental exercise in a safe area. It enjoys playing with children and is tough enough to withstand some roughhousing.
In 5 Words
- Gay
- Fearless
- Hardy
- Active
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Cairn Terrier
Description
General description
These sturdy little creatures have short legs, a shaggy coat, pointed ears, and a fox-like expression. Cairn Terriers should be athletic and proportionate in build. However, this breed is somewhat longer than they are tall. Their skulls are typically broad and come to a well-defined stop. They have black noses at the end of their strong muzzles. Cairn Terriers also have dark, medium sized hazel eyes. The dog’s tail is not to be docked nor should it be carried over the back. Tails on these dogs should be furry but not feathered. Due to their origins as a working breed, Cairn Terriers should be able to move about freely.
Size
The ideal weight on animals over the age of two is 13 pounds for female dogs and 14 pounds for males. However, weights ranging between 10 and 15 pounds (4.5 and 6.8 kilograms) are about average. Male showdogs should ideally stand 10 inches high at their withers, or shoulder blades. Females that are to be shown in competitions should measure exactly a half inch shorter than their male counterparts. Cairn Terriers are most commonly between 9 and 13 inches (23 and 33 centimeters).
Coat
This breed has a double coat which helps makes them impervious to various weather conditions. Their lengthy outer coats are coarse and shaggy, while their short undercoats are soft and furry. Any coat coloration except for white is permitted according to the breed standards. Cairn Terriers generally have red, cream, brindle, grey, or black fur. However, owners should note that coat colors can darken with age. Slightly wavy fur is allowed in the show ring, but silkiness or curliness is considered a fault as are white patches on the feet, chest, and body.
Short History of the Cairn Terrier
Widely thought to be one of the oldest terrier breeds, the Cairn Terrier originated in the Scottish Highlands where it was used to catch various types of rodents. Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Cairn Terriers were initially one breed. Around the 1900s, the types began to individualize.
Although the Cairn Terriers were originally introduced to the public as the Short-haired Skye Terriers, the name did not take and the Skye Terrier breeders complained. As a compromise, the Cairn Terriers were named after their trapping methods. These dogs would chase their prey into rock piles called cairns, which were prevalent in Scotland, and keep it there until their owners arrived to deal their catch.
Temperament
Like all terriers, this breed is known to be active, sturdy, and prone to digging holes in the yard Cairns Terriers also have a reputation for being friendly and loving towards their human families. This breed is even good with children and these terriers don’t mind roughhousing. However, playtime should always be supervised by an adult member of the family because Cairn Terriers tend to nip if they are harassed or teased. They also will chase any moving object. Be it a bouncy ball, a squirrel, or a youngster, the Cairn is likely to give pursuit. While older kids will know the dog is only playing, this tendency may frighten small children. Cat friendliness varies in this breed, but Cairn Terriers are generally accepting of other dogs, even those of the same gender.
Caring for Your Cairn Terrier
General Health
The average lifespan for this breed is between 12 and 17 years. Cairn Terriers are typically healthy, but occasional problems have been known to arise. While a number of the diseases that afflict this breed are hereditary, others may occur due to environmental factors or injuries. Skin allergies are a major concern but they are generally treatable. Kneecap dislocation, or luxating patella, is another ailment that is common in small dogs such as the Cairn Terriers.
Other health problems may include cataracts, ocular melanosis, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal dystrophy, Krabbe disease, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes syndrome, craniomandibular osteopathy, Von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism, entropion, portosystemic shunt, and soft tissue sarcoma.
Care
Daily
Cairn Terriers require daily walks. Due to their short legs, this energetic breed is not suitable as a jogging partner. Owners should also be careful not let a Cairn off its leash in areas that are not fenced in, because these dogs have high prey drives and could potentially be injured or lost while going after various wild animals. Electric fences are not recommended for this breed because such mechanisms will not keep a Cairn Terrier from chasing what it wishes.
Weekly
These dogs need regular grooming. Their coats should be brushed several times weekly to prevent matting. Cleaning their teeth frequently is also a good idea.
Monthly
As with any breed, prevention medication for heartworms, fleas and ticks should be administered on a monthly basis.
Grooming & Bathing
Cairn Terriers need a bath at least once a month and should be brushed when their hair is still wet. They additionally require a grooming process called hand-stripping in which some of the additional fur is removed either with one’s fingers or by using a stripping knife. Cairn Terriers should never have their hair cut, because this will cause damage to their coats.
Exercise & Training
Stubborn behavior is characteristic of most terrier breeds, including the Cairns. Terriers also have an uncanny knack for determining which humans can be made to take their orders rather than the other way around. Do not allow the dog to believe it is in charge under any circumstances, as this will result in a variety of undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking or destruction of property. Maintaining a firm set of rules and starting their training early is beneficial with most terrier breeds. By making training fun and mentally stimulating, owners are more likely to be rewarded with their dog’s interest for longer periods of time. Although Cairns can be taught to do tricks, they often will only obey if it suits them or if they are bribed with treats.
Cairn Terrier Picture Gallery
