Cairn Terrier: Your Complete Guide
The cairn terrier is a small and shaggy dog that’s known for being playful and that mischievous glint in its eyes. These feisty fellows are a bundle of energy and curiosity, always up for a playful adventure.
They’re smart, but they’re often too independent to listen to your commands. That doesn’t mean they’re not affectionate, though. They love their families and want nothing more than to spend time with them.
In this article, we’re going to answer every question you might have about the cairn terrier–their history, temperament as a breed, appearance and common colors, how well they get along with other animals, and more. If you’ve been thinking about bringing one home, read on to learn why it might be the perfect dog for you.
Quick Look at the Cairn Terrier
Below is a quick glance at the cairn terrier in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 9-14 pounds, 9-10 inches |
| Coat Type | Wiry outer coat, soft undercoat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Friendly, smart, and brave |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits |  |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
What Is the History of Cairn Terriers?
The cairn terrier hails from the rugged Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye, which is actually what gave these little terriers their original name: the “Short-haired Skye terrier.” The name stuck around for centuries as these dogs helped farmers, hunters, and shepherds by keeping pesky critters like foxes, badgers, and otters away.
The name “cairn terrier” eventually came about in the early 1900s when they were separated from their long-haired Skye cousins. The new name still made sure to reflect their working history, though, as “cairn” refers to the rock piles these spunky dogs expertly flushed their prey out from.
Though cairn terriers were some of the most valued working dogs for hundreds of years, they didn’t get official recognition in the UK until 1910. Their rise to fame was pretty fast from there on, though, as they went across the pond and a Cairn terrier named Terry got famous starring as Toto in “The Wizard of Oz.”
What Do Cairn Terriers Look Like?
Cairn terriers are shaggy looking dogs with a constantly inquisitive expression. If there’s something going on, they have to know what it is. Their head is pretty well-proportioned and carries a stop (or indentation) between their eyes.
As for the common coat colors, you’ll see them in cream, red, brown, and fawn, but they can also be gray or black (though pure black isn’t preferred by most kennel clubs). You might also see a brindle cairn terrier, which can actually change color as they mature, sometimes becoming progressively darker with age.
What Size Is a Cairn Terrier?
Cairn terriers typically stand at a height of 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder. Their weight can vary but it generally ranges between 9 and 13 pounds for females, with males reaching up to 14 pounds. Cairn Terriers outside this range might vary by a pound or two.
What Is a Cairn Terrier’s Coat Type and Length?
Cairn terriers are a double coated breed, a necessary trait from when they were still primarily hunting dogs. The outer coat is what makes these dogs so recognizable, though. It’s wiry and harsh and gives them all the protection they need not just from the elements, but also scratches and bites during hunting.
This outer coat is shaggy and on the longer side, which makes them look a bit scruffy but in a charming way. Running underneath is a soft, downy undercoat that provides warmth and insulation when needed.
What Is a Cairn Terrier’s Temperament?
Cairn terriers are the most delightful combination of playful and spirited. They’re intelligent and eager to please but still won’t give up their independence as a breed (they were hunters, after all).
This terrier spirit also means a healthy dose of curiosity and the love of exploring wherever they may be. They’re also really loving with their families but might not feel the same way about strangers in the house.
Are Cairn Terriers Good With Kids?
Cairn terriers not only will get along well with kids, but they’ll also become closely bonded with them. They are a really playful breed and make for great playmates for older children who can play with them in games of fetch or frisbee.
However, keep in mind that these are small, somewhat delicate dogs–their small size and terrier temperament might not be the best fit for very young children who may be rough during playtime. A cairn terrier might nip or snap if feeling overwhelmed or startled by a sudden squeeze or loud noise from a toddler.
Are Cairn Terriers Good With Other Animals?
Cairn terriers are a good tempered and gentle breed, they absolutely can coexist with cats, but you’ll want to be very careful when introducing them to each other. It’s much easier if the dog has had early socialization with other animals. As a hunting breed, their strong prey drive might make them see a cat as a target, so early socialization with cats is ideal.
They can be somewhat scrappy with other dogs, especially unfamiliar ones. Once again, early and ongoing socialization with other dogs of all sizes will help them extend their affection to fellow canines as well, not just their humans. Without early socialization, you’ll want to be supervising any dog-to-dog interactions they have.
With a high prey drive, we wouldn’t recommend cairn terriers for families that have small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits. These smaller creatures would likely trigger their chasing instinct, which can really only end badly. Unless your terrier is highly trained not to behave this way, refrain from having them around prey animals.
Their terrier heritage makes them prone to chasing squirrels, birds, or other similar wildlife they spot outdoors, too. Keeping them leashed during walks in areas with wildlife will be needed to make sure they don’t bolt after something interesting.
Are Cairn Terriers Aggressive?
No, cairn terriers aren’t particularly known for being aggressive. Even though they’ve been hunters, you won’t see any aggression or malice out of them in the household. Keep in mind that any dog, regardless of breed, can still exhibit aggression if not properly socialized and trained.
Cairn terriers are typically friendly with their families. However, with strangers, if they feel uncomfortable, they could exhibit warning signs like growling or barking. They also have a stubborn streak and a high prey drive which might lead to possessiveness over toys or food.
Do Cairn Terriers Bark?
Cairn terriers tend to be alert barkers, meaning they’ll readily announce anything out of the ordinary. While their bark isn’t deafening, it’s enough to be noticeable. This trait, combined with their terrier personality, can make them a less than ideal fit for apartments with strict noise restrictions.
Are Cairn Terriers Affectionate?
Cairn terriers are absolutely loving and affectionate, especially with their families, but they don’t necessarily show it through cuddling. They tend to show their love through playful interactions and following their favorite people around.
It’s not unheard of for cairn terriers to enjoy occasional lap time on their own terms, but most of them are more interested in adventures with you. Their wariness of strangers is also a common terrier trait, so they will need some time and a couple of positive experiences to warm up to new people.
Are Cairn Terriers Intelligent?
Cairn terriers are among the sharpest breeds out there. They’re eager to please and do quite well with learning tricks and commands, particularly with positive reinforcement training. Their curiosity and inquisitiveness (always reflected in their adorable faces) is a hallmark of the terrier spirit too. This inquisitiveness can also lead to mischief if they’re not properly stimulated though, which is something to be mindful of.
Are Cairn Terriers Energetic?
Yes, often more than what a lot of new dog owners can handle (or even expect). Cairn terriers have a playful and spirited temperament, which gets coupled with a massive amount of energy.
This means daily walks are a must, and they should ideally last for about an hour. You’ll also want to throw in some playtime to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Interactive games, puzzle toys, and training sessions are all really good ways to channel their high energy in a positive way.
Are Cairn Terriers Easy to Train?
Typically, intelligent dogs are easy to train. This is not the case here. Cairn terriers’ intelligence is a double-edged sword when it comes to training–they’ll learn new, even complex tricks pretty easily, but they’ll be very stubborn while doing it.
If you’re able to get past their stubbornness, they actually make prime candidates for things like agility training since they’re nimble and love a good challenge.
Training a dog like this is best done with positive reinforcement training methods, with short, engaging sessions to keep them motivated and focused. Patience, consistency, and rewarding them when they obey will go a long way in shaping a well-trained cairn terrier.
Are Cairn Terriers Good Watchdogs?
As terriers, these dogs have the boldness and alertness they need to be quick to notice anything unusual and sound the alarm with barking. They’re pretty small, so they won’t be particularly intimidating to intruders, but you can’t deny their courage and protectiveness. Their best defense is their attentiveness and ability to alert you when needed.
Are Cairn Terriers Good Service Dogs?
Cairn terriers aren’t the best choice for service dog work. As mentioned above, they may be smart, but they’re too independent and stubborn to be trained easily. This is an especially big problem for service work since it involves complex, life-assisting tasks.
On the other hand, cairn terriers do really well as emotional support animals. Being affectionate, playful, and knowing what their handlers are feeling, these dogs can provide invaluable comfort to an owner struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems.
How to Care for a Cairn Terrier?
Regular brushing to maintain their wiry coat, daily walks and playtime to burn off their energy, and positive reinforcement training to make the best of their intelligence–these are the three main things you need to do to care for this breed.
They also love companionship with their family and interactive games to play together. To round it all off, make sure to get the dog regular vet checkups and a healthy diet, both of which will keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Do You Need to Groom a Cairn Terrier?
Cairn terriers need regular brushing, though it doesn’t need to be too frequent. Ideally, you should be doing it a couple of times a week to prevent mats and keep their coat healthy. They also need a stripping process, which involves removing dead hair from the undercoat, to maintain their cool, wiry look.
This stripping can be done professionally every few months, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can learn and try it at home.
Do Cairn Terriers Shed?
Cairn terriers are a low shedding breed. While they do have a double coat, the wiry outer coat sheds minimally, and the downy undercoat is trapped by the outer layer. The few loose hairs that remain will be removed by regular brushing. Since it sheds so little, the breed is also considered hypoallergenic and can be a great choice for allergy sufferers.
What Health Problems Do Cairn Terriers Have?
Cairn terriers, like most breeds, are susceptible to a number of health conditions. While these are the most common ones, your cairn terrier may not necessarily suffer from them.
Portosystemic Shunt (PSS): This is a serious congenital condition where abnormal blood flow bypasses the liver, preventing it from filtering toxins from the bloodstream. Symptoms include stunted growth, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and behavioral changes.
Early detection through regular vet checkups and liver function tests is most important for portosystemic shunt. While there’s no cure, managing the condition with diet and medication can significantly improve a cairn terrier’s quality of life.
Eye Problems: Cairn terriers can develop cataracts, a clouding of the lens that can lead to blindness, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic condition causing progressive vision loss. Regular eye exams by a veterinarian can help detect these issues early. Cataracts can sometimes be surgically corrected, but unfortunately, there’s no treatment for PRA.
Luxating Patellas: This condition involves the kneecap slipping out of place, which can cause lameness and pain. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding strenuous activity on hard surfaces can help prevent this issue. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary for correction.
Allergies: While not all cairn terriers suffer from allergies, some can develop sensitivities to certain foods or environmental triggers like pollen or dust mites. Signs of allergies include itchy skin, excessive licking, and recurring ear infections. For prevention, identifying the allergen and addressing it can help manage it.
Dental Problems: Without proper care, this breed can develop dental problems like periodontal disease, which can not only be painful but also lead to tooth loss. Prevention comes from regular brushing and, when needed, professional care.
How Long Do Cairn Terriers Live?
A healthy cairn terrier can live up to 12-15 years.
What Should a Cairn Terrier Eat?
A general guideline for a cairn terrier’s diet is one to one-and-a-half cups of high-quality dry dog food. Divide this into two meals a day, and you’ll have a starting point. Given their heritage and predisposition to certain health concerns, you should aim for a diet formulated for small dogs with moderate energy levels. Look for a kibble that prioritizes high-quality protein sources and healthy fats to fuel their active bodies.
Since cairn terriers can be prone to allergies, choosing a limited ingredient diet or one that addresses sensitivities might also be needed. To get the best possible diet, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian for a personalized diet plan for your specific terrier.
Is a Cairn Terrier the Right Dog for Me?
As energetic as they are, a cairn terrier will be perfect for you if you love going on hikes and walks, and generally have spare time to play with your dog, especially when including the rest of the family. However, with how stubborn they can be, you’ll need to be a patient trainer with them.
If you live in an apartment or in a neighborhood where noise restrictions are a concern, training will be critical to make sure the dog’s barking doesn’t become uncomfortable for neighbors. If you’re looking for a dog that will love you back tenfold, then a cairn terrier is the perfect choice for you.