Cairn Terrier – Breed profile, characteristics and facts
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What is a Cairn Terrier?
Do you remember the dog from the Wizard of Oz that Dorothy carried in her bicycle basket? That dog, Toto, was a Cairn Terrier! This dog breed has been dubbed by some dog clubs as “the best little dog in the world.” Topping out at around 10 inches high and 15 inches long, with a wiry coat, they are small and shaggy. The name of the breed, “Cairn” comes from the Scottish word that describes a small rock formation used to designate property boundaries or mark graves. The dog was actually bred to detect and flush out vermin and rodents hiding in these rock piles. They are perfect for a good night snuggle, but robust enough for sustained outdoor physical activity. These dogs are great for families who want small-but-sturdy, playful, and loyal dog.
Pros and Cons
- It is small and sturdy – definitely not a prim or prissy lap dog
- Doesn’t shed too much
- Only needs moderate amount of exercise which makes it adaptable to many different living environments
- Makes an excellent watch dog
- Can co-exist with other pets, including cats
- Has a dynamic temperament that might not be compatible with some personalities
- Likes to dig
- Has a strong instinct to chase, so when walking, s/he must be leashed
- This breed barks! A Lot!
- Stubbornness – If you own a Carin, you will need to establish yourself as THE leader. The earlier that your dog understands who is boss, the better.
Appearance and Size
Group: Terrier (AKC)
Height: 9 – 13 inches
Weight: 13-18 pounds
The Cairn Terrier is well-muscled, strong, and active with a shaggy, double-layered coat. It has a sturdy hind-quarters and a solid, ‘squared’ body giving it an athletic appearance without bulk. The breed comes in colors such as red, sandy, grey, brindle and dark to almost black, though coat colors may morph as the dog matures. Its shaggy coat gives the dog a tousled and disheveled appearance. Some have described the dog as having a ‘masked’ appearance due to darker hairs around the face and ear tips.

Temperament
Cairn Terriers are happy, smart, and loving, but fiercely independent. They have a tendency towards both playfulness and mischief. This breed of dog is super loyal and can show great affection toward their master, but at the same time they can demonstrate a weariness toward strangers and a tendency to bark, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They are assertive dogs, but not aggressive. Also, their terrier instincts predispose them toward digging and chasing small animals. This boldness and playfulness is endearing, but also makes early socialization and obedience training a must! The Cairn Terrier, always curious and alert, loves being with the family and is good with children.
Grooming
Grooming the Cairn Terrier is low-maintenance and is easily accomplished. Weekly brushing with a stiff bristled or short wire brush will keep the coat tidy. This dog is a low shedding breed, but because of its waterproof, double coat, owners will have to strip the coat a few times a year to remove excess hair. Bathing should be done only when needed because over bathing can damage the water-resistant coat. As with all dogs, toenails should be trimmed regularly as excessively long nails can interfere with the dog’s posture and can cause discomfort. Spending time with your dog during grooming sessions can help him/her grow used to the grooming process, prevent anxiety during grooming, and can act as a bonding experience between you and your dog.
Health
Cairn Terriers are generally fit dogs that encounter few health problems. Older dogs may experience night blindness due to the degeneration of the retina over time. This breed also has a tendency to indulge if overfed, so there can be a disposition to become fat. Owners should keep their dog on a feeding schedule and provide regular exercise to prevent obesity. However, outside of these things, Cairn Terriers generally live long, happy, and healthy lives.

Life Expectancy
The Cairn Terrier has a lifespan of around 12-14 Years
5 Fun Facts About Cairn Terriers
- They typically live long lives. The breed has been known to live as long as 15 years, though that’s pretty average. Some live longer and some live less, but it’s still a long time for a small dog.
- They are okay with cats! Many small dogs are not fond of cats. However, this is a breed that doesn’t really care one way or the other. Since cats are not too much smaller than this dog, the Cairn doesn’t view a cat as a threat or an issue in any way.
- They bark. The Cairn terrier is a barker. If your lifestyle requires quiet and stillness, this may not be the dog for you. The Cairn is a happy dog that makes a lot of noise, so be prepared for that kind of lifestyle with this animal.
- They were bred to dig rocks. When this breed was first created, it’s job was to dig beneath rock piles to chase out rodents and vermin. If you own one of these dogs, you may want to provide a sand pit or digging area to placate this particular impulse.
- It’s a hardcore little dog. While the Cairn Terrier is no doubt a family dog, it can have a feisty personality despite its size. People may expect it to be a lap dog because of its small size, but this is a busy breed that is very engaged with its surroundings. It definitely does not sit around and let life pass him by!
Environment
From farm living to apartment life, Cairn Terriers are excellent all-around dogs if given a daily outing. They are most happy when walked daily so that they can burn off energy and keep stimulated. However, this breed only requires moderate amounts of exercise, so they can adapt to a variety of living situations. When walking a Cairn, it is important to use a leash or lead because this breed has a strong instinct to chase. They also can be territorial, but not necessarily aggressive, so these dogs make great watchdogs. The Cairn is a sociable and loyal dog, who is great with children and/or elderly. Due to its sociability, this dog should not be left alone for long periods of time and should be fully integrated into family life. Because the Cairn Terrier can be very independent and strong-willed, the owner must establish him/herself as a leader and be in charge. Obedience classes and early socialization are highly recommended for this breed.