Dog Breeds > Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier
Did you know that it was a Cairn Terrier that played "Toto" in the Wizard of Oz? This dog’s talents include hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility, go-to-ground trials, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. This feisty little dog is a very delightful pet ideal for you and your family.
| Energy |
 |
| Playfulness |
|
| Intelligence |
|
| Grooming |
|
| Popularity |
|
|
|
Fascinating Facts
The Cairn Terrier was developed in the 1500s in Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye. There was a time it was considered the same breed as the Scottish Terrier until the 1900s. The Cairn due to the way it squeezes down into "cairns" and barks at fox and badger until the farmer come to kill them.
Physical Appearance
The full-grown height and weight of the Cairn Terrier is 10 – 13 inches and 14 – 18 pounds respectively. This dog is a small terrier that looks like a fox-like. Its head is broad and proportional to the length of the body. The muzzle is strong and medium length. The nose is black. It has deep and wide-set eyes that are hazel in color. It also has shaggy eyebrows and small topknot. The ears are erect, small and set wide apart on both sides of the head.
The Cairn Terrier’s tail has short hairs proportionate to the head. It has shaggy and weather-resistant coat which has a soft undercoat and harsh outer coat. The coat color comes in any color including red, black, brindle, sand and shades of gray.
Grooming
The shaggy natural looking coat of the Cairn Terrier needs high maintenance; a neglected coat would become mess. Brush the coat regularly but be gentle with its undercoat. Bathe the dog only if necessary. The Cairn Terrier sheds minimum amount of hair.
Mood
The Cairn Terrier is an alert, active and affectionate little dog. They are loyal, lovable and friendly. It can sometimes be independent and sensitive. Meek and/or passive owners will find the dog to be willful. This dog is intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. Cairns like to dig a lot. Cairns adapt well to their new homes.
This dog needs firm, but not harsh, training and discipline. The Cairn can become destructive and/or bark excessively without proper discipline. If they spot a rabbit or other small animal they may take off chasing it. Do not over indulge this little to its every whim or else, it will develop separation anxiety, stubbornness, snapping, excessive barking and growling and over protectiveness.
With Children
The Cairn Terrier is a friendly little dog that enjoys playing with children. Make sure that children do not engage the dog to harsh and tough plays or else it would snap at them. Although this dog is relatively safe to be with, always supervise your children as a good measure of protection.
Training & Exercise
The Cairn Terrier is an active little dog that needs a daily walk. Daily walks would fulfill their primal instinct to walk. They also enjoy freedom in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. This dog is very talented; training it would not be a problem. It performs more if it receives more attention. Food-reward training would greatly improve its focus. Make sure that you always use kind and gentle words so that it would not become stubborn and independent.
Health & Life Expectancy
The Cairn Terrier lives normally up to 12 – 15 years. The Cairn Terrier generally lives healthy for the rest of its life. This dog is often allergic to fleas. In addition, it gains weight easily so do not overfeed it.
Dog Breeds by Grouping | Dog Breeds A - F | Dog Breeds G - N | Dog Breeds O - Z |
