Cairn Terrier - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Cairn Terrier

By Author: Ricardo Lumbardo
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The Cairn Terrier is one among the oldest terrier breeds that is recognized as one of Scotland's working dogs that was bred for hunting prey among the cairns. This shaggy little breed weighs an average between 14-16 pounds, and stands 11-12 inches in height.

Coat

The Cairn Terrier is a double-coated breed with coarse and wiry topcoat and fine inner coat. Any color for the outer coat is accepted except white, and the undercoat should be the same color or a little lighter than the topcoat. They have medium length fur that is very straight, with slightly longer hair on the legs and around the neck.

Activity

The Cairn Terrier is an active little breed that needs long walks on a daily basis. They love playing, although this will not fulfill their natural instinct to walk. A good romp in a securely fenced area with adequate playtime and long walks should be enough for this energetic little terrier.

Temperament

The Cairn Terrier is alert, intelligent, bold, and independent. They tend to be willful and stubborn at times, yet love attention and are willing to do everything just to get it. ...
... This breed is friendly and hard workers, as they tend to dig a lot if not trained. They are generally great with children and other pets, although males should be supervised during the first meeting as they can be hostile with other dogs. A breed for such small stature, the Cairn Terrier can be a barker.

Overview

The Cairn Terrier is one among the smallest of the terrier breeds. They are intelligent, courageous, and lively. With sturdy build without being heavy, this breed is highly intense and active with the special fascination for children aged six and above.

Care

Cairn Terriers are advised to be hand stripped regularly since shears or scissors tend to ruin their shaggy topcoat after one grooming. Hand stripping can be done by pulling the dead hair out by the roots. In that way, new hair growth will come in. This process does not harm them in any way, and is guaranteed to be painless for this breed. Extra care should be given to this breed to prevent skin diseases as they age. Ensure that their skin is fine before grooming.

Training

Cairn Terriers are somewhat easy to train for their intelligence, and a little bit difficult for their willfulness and independence. Therefore, consistency with creativity is needed for this breed. They have to be constantly challenged as well as rewarded with praise and treats for them to be compliant. They tend to be bored and disobedient when training becomes repetitive and conventional.

Known for their possessiveness, Cairn Terriers tend to snap at anybody or anything that poses a threat to their territory. Teaching them to give up bones, food dishes and toys is important to prevent this from developing. Socialization is also imperative as puppies. Through this, hostility can be lessened, although it is not often completely removed.

Character

The typical Cairn Terrier is highly intelligent, brave, and stubborn little dog. They are domineering and very energetic, with the sharpness to chase and bark at new noise and sight.

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