Description

The vivacious little Cairn Terrier is an active, hardy, small working terrier. The Cairn Terrier is able to prove his worth as a dispeller of vermin. Cairn Terrier are free in movement, strong, but not heavily built. His head is shorter and wider than any other terriers and well furnished with hair giving a general foxy expression. He is a wonderful family dog, but will always remember his ancestry as a “sporting terrier”. He makes a very active, inquisitive and “ready to go” dog. He is a great dog for the house and is very good with children. Energetic and always on the watch, he will alert you to the presence of strangers by growling.

Size of Male: Height: about 10 inches Weight: about 14 pounds

Size of Female: Height: about 9.5 inches Weight: about 13 pounds

Temperament

The Cairn Terrier is a spirited, hardy, restless little busybody – a big dog in a small dog’s body. Cairn Terriers are alert, loyal, merry, lovable and mischievous. Cairn Terriers are also somewhat independent, but friendly. Females tend to be more independent than males and some breeders feel that males are more affectionate. They are very curious, fearless and bold. They are easily trained and like to do tricks. The Cairn Terriers are naturally patient with children and very playful. Cairn terriers adapt well to their new homes. They are sensitive, and need firm, but not harsh, training and discipline. Without attention and training, the Cairn terriers can become destructive and/or bark excessively. The Cairn Terrier like to dig in search for vermin, so it is not wise to leave them unsupervised in a landscaped yard! This breed can be a chaser and should not be let off its lead in an unsecured area. Never leave a Cairn terrier tied out of your house, as he may fight larger dogs to protect his turf, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Living Conditions

The Cairn Terrier will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Cairn Terriers are very active indoors and will do ok without a yard. Do bring your cairn terrier out sometimes to let it socialize and also train it to do new tricks to improve its mental health.

Upkeep

Despite its small size, the Cairn Terrier needs outdoor exercise every day, either a moderate walk on leash, a fun game in the yard or an excursion in a safe area. Cairn Terriers can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it does better sleeping indoors. The wire coat of Cairn Terrier needs combing once weekly, plus stripping of dead hair at least twice yearly.

Health

Major concerns: Cataracts

Minor concerns: Lens Luxation, Progressive retinal atrophy

Life expectancy: 12 – 17 years