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Cairn Terriers are lively, alert, and intelligent dogs. They are known for their courageous nature, often forgetting their small size when confronted with a challenge.
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Cairn Terriers are lively, alert, and intelligent dogs. They are known for their courageous nature, often forgetting their small size when confronted with a challenge.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Cairn Terrier Guide
About Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier, a small but hardy working breed, is renowned for its distinctive appearance, spirited personality, and rich history. Known for taking on the role of “Toto” in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” these charming dogs possess characteristics that make them both excellent companions and tenacious workers.
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Weight
6 to 7.5 kg
Height
25 to 33 cm
Grooming
While Cairn Terriers are low-shedding, their coat requires specific care to maintain its distinctive texture and weather-resistant properties.
Origins
The Cairn Terrier hails from the rugged highlands of Scotland, where it served as a proficient vermin hunter. The breed’s name originates from the Scottish word “cairn,” which refers to a pile of stones often marking a grave or boundary.
Cairn Terriers specialised in digging into these stone piles to hunt for rodents that threatened grain stores or were a nuisance around the farm. This historical role has profoundly influenced the breed’s characteristics, resulting in a small, agile dog with an independent spirit and a keen prey drive.
Key Characteristics Of Cairn Terriers
Are Cairn Terriers Family-Friendly?
Yes, Cairn Terriers are generally considered family-friendly dogs. They are known for their friendly and affectionate demeanour.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Cairn Terriers may suffer from:
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
A rare developmental disorder where excessive bone growth in the skull and jaw region causes pain, difficulty in chewing, and swelling, usually resolving with age.
Hypothyroidism
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
A degenerative condition where the femoral head, the ball of the hip joint, undergoes necrosis, leading to pain, lameness, and potential joint deformity.
Nature / Temperament
Brave, Friendly, Smart, Sociable, Determined
Suitable Environment
Despite their active nature, Cairn Terriers are quite adaptable. They can thrive in various living situations, from country homes to city apartments, as long as they receive adequate mental and physical stimulation.
They are typically good with children and can get along well with other dogs, especially when socialised from a young age.
Other Considerations
– Despite their independent streak, Cairn Terriers are quite trainable.
– It’s worth noting that while Cairn Terriers typically get along with other dogs, they do have a strong prey drive, a trait inherited from their history as vermin hunters.
– Smaller children should always be supervised when interacting with Cairn Terriers to ensure the safety of both the child and the dog.
How can I take good care of my Cairn Terrier?
Nutrition
Cairn Terriers, like all dogs, thrive on a balanced diet that provides a wide range of nutrients. High-quality commercial dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level usually meets their needs. However, due to their propensity for weight gain, portion control and regular monitoring of their weight are essential.
Treats should be given sparingly and human food should be limited, as certain foods can be harmful to dogs.
Grooming
Cairn Terriers have a harsh, wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. Regular brushing – ideally once a week – can help to prevent matting, remove loose hair, and distribute natural skin oils, which keeps their coat healthy and shiny.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping are key to keeping your Cairn Terrier’s coat in top condition.
Cairn Terriers do not require frequent baths – every three months or so is usually sufficient unless they get particularly dirty.
Regular teeth brushing can help prevent dental disease. Use a dog-specific toothpaste (human toothpaste can be harmful to dogs) and try to brush your dog’s teeth several times a week, if not daily.
Exercise
Daily walks, coupled with playtime and access to a secure area where they can run, are usually sufficient for the exercise needs of the Cairn Terrier.
Cairn Terriers also excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and terrier trials, providing both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Training
Cairn Terriers tend to be clever and eager to please, which can make training a rewarding experience. However, their independent nature means they may not always follow commands, requiring a patient and consistent approach to training.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Cairn Terrier Questions
While Cairn Terriers are indeed hardy dogs with a weather-resistant coat, they are not suited to live outdoors full-time, especially as puppies.
Cairn Terriers, like many small breeds, can sometimes present a challenge when it comes to housetraining.
Finding a reputable Cairn Terrier breeder is the key to getting a healthy, well-behaved Cairn Terrier puppy. A puppy from an ethical breeder has a much better chance of growing into a calm, gentle adult dog.
The average cost of a Cairn Terrier for sale is usually around AUD $2500 to $3000.
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