Mary Allen
The Cairn Terrier is a small terrier from Great Britain, which is quite unknown in Germany. In the UK, they are a very popular middle-class dog for singles and families. The small terrier has a breed standard with the FCI and can be found under the FCI group 3 terriers. There he is counted in Section 2 Small Terriers without a working test and has the standard number 4.
Cairn Terrier Dog Breed
Size: 23-31cm
Weight: 6-8kg
FCI Group: 3: Terriers
Section: 2: Short Legged Terriers
Country of origin: Great Britain
Colors: Brindle, Black, Cream, Red, Grey, Wheaten, Wheaten, Brindle
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Suitable as: Companion and family dog
Sports: –
Personality: Active, Intelligent, Fearless, Hardy, Confident
Exercise requirements: rather high
Low drool potential
The thickness of hair medium
Maintenance effort: low
Coat Structure: Lush, harsh, non-wiry topcoat with a short, soft, and dense undercoat
Child friendly: yes
Family dog: yes
Social: rather yes
Origin and Breed History
The Cairn Terrier is a descendant of the Scottish Jagdterrier and is therefore closely related to the Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, and the West Highland White Terrier. Of these four different terrier breeds, it is the youngest representative of its own breed and was only recognized as an independent breed in 1911. He is one of the many Scottish terrier breeds that all have the same origin.
Lovers of the breed assume that the Cairn Terrier is the most similar to the original Scottish Jagdterrier. He has a high hunting instinct and is very loyal to his owner, although he can work well independently, these are characteristics that show his originality and that also apply to the ancestors of the Scottish Jagdterrier.
The name of the breed is very closely linked to its history. Cairn Terrier can be derived from the word Carn. The word carn comes from the Gaelic and means something like a pile of stones. This also points well to its homeland, which is defined by its rocky highland areas. In the western Highlands of Scotland, where the Scottish Jagdterrier and Cairn Terrier are used as hunting dogs, there are many piles of rocks in which prey hide. Above all, otters, foxes, and badgers, the terrier hunted down the animals in their stony hiding places and captured them independently. The reference to the stones in the name shows not only the hunting use but also the color of the fur. Because the rocky landscapes in the western Scottish highlands have the same color schemes. There is a sandy beige or a slate gray, both of which are approved breed colors.
Nature & Temperament of the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a pretty typical terrier. He is a very robust dog who goes through life actively and courageously. He is very independent and self-confident, but he can be trained well by his owner. He still has absolute suitability for hunting and is a good family dog. His demeanor is confident, but by no means aggressive. The Cairn Terrier gets along very well with other dogs, as it was also used as a pack dog. However, he can also be kept very well as a single dog and, despite his independence, can bond closely with his owner.
The Cairn Terrier is a very child-friendly dog and is highly valued as a family dog precisely because of its good quality. He loves to romp around with children and is still confident enough to represent his point of view with the children. He is neither hectic nor nervous and can be very patient.
In its own territory, the Cairn Terrier tends to bark loudly to report uninvited visitors, but it is not a constant barker and with appropriate training, it will remain calm and relaxed even when the blades sound. In general, early training makes sense so that the dog knows its limits and follows the commands of its owner. He is undemanding in keeping as long as he has enough exercise and activity, he also enjoys spending time with his family and can be very affectionate.
At What Age is a Cairn Terrier Fully Grown?
The Cairn Terrier is fully grown at around 10 months. At this age, the dog may be mature in body, but it is still a young dog in mind and still needs a lot of training and time.
The Appearance of the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier has a very distinctive appearance that is perfectly adapted for its hunting use. What catches the eye of the little dog is its fur. The Cairn Terrier has a weatherproof double coat. The Cairn Terrier’s coat should be very dense and rather harsh at any time of the year, but not wiry. The undercoat is rather short and much softer than the topcoat. The coat should not show any curls, only slight waves or straight hair is allowed.
The coat colors of the Cairn Terrier are very limited, according to the FCI breed standard, the coat colors cream, wheaten, red, gray, or almost black are allowed. Darker markings on the ears and muzzle are partially allowed. The sand-colored or cream variant is particularly preferred.
The Cairn Terrier’s build is defined by a deep chest and forward paws. The hindquarters should be strong without exaggeration. The furry nose has short legs that carry the dog stably and make it very agile and maneuverable. He has a height at the withers of about 28 to 31 cm and should weigh between 6 and 7.5 kg. His gaze is attentive and curious. He is quick to respond to movement and is a very active little dog.
What Does a Cairn Terrier Look Like?
The Cairn Terrier bears a strong resemblance to its relative, the West Highland White Terrier. He has a slightly protruding medium-length fur, which is usually sand-colored or gray. His ears have a rounded triangular shape and he has an alert look. At 28 to 31 cm, it is a rather small dog that boldly punches its way through any undergrowth.
Training and Keeping the Cairn Terrier – This is Important to Note
The Cairn Terrier needs good training and socialization so that it can live as a family dog in harmony with its environment. Patience and motivation are required during training, and positive reinforcement should also be used so that not only does the dog obey, but also so that the bond between human and dog works better.
The Cairn Terrier is not suitable for dog beginners because, like many terriers, it has a mind of its own and is not easy to train. Due to his independence, he can question some orders and needs a lot of conviction and motivation to continue training. Dog-experienced people know how to deal with such behavior. In addition, the Cairn Terrier has an innate hunting behavior that requires special anti-hunting training so that the little terrier can walk without a leash. If such training is unsuccessful and the Cairn Terrier still chases after every rabbit or other wild animal, it can only walk off a leash in fenced areas.
Since the Cairn Terrier is very adaptable, he quickly gets used to different living conditions and can also find his way around in a hectic everyday life in a family. Nevertheless, he should be socialized at an early age so that he gets to know all sorts of everyday things and situations early and with a lot of time and patience. As a result, he will be a very relaxed and self-confident dog in everyday life, who knows no fear.
The Cairn Terrier usually has no problems with other dogs, but it should still get used to other dogs. Because he is very sociable, he should be allowed to play with other dogs on a regular basis.
Due to its high urge to move, a dog sport is highly recommended for the Cairn Terrier. He is very good at lunging and agility, as these sports encourage obedience and require a lot of exercises.
How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Cost?
The Cairn Terrier is still relatively unknown in Germany, but there are still a few breeders of the breed. They can determine the price and with a reputable breeder in Germany, a Cairn Terrier puppy will usually cost between $1500 and $1800.
Diet of the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is still a very original breed and has a robust character and a healthy body. If the dog comes from a good breeder and no diseases have been identified, it can usually eat anything that is suitable for dogs. Wet food and dry food can be fed equally because he usually has a robust stomach, and intolerances are very rare in this breed. Feeding with dry food is recommended, especially during the training period, as this allows it to be confirmed with its normal food. Wet food is very easy for dogs to digest, but can also produce a lot of waste. Ultimately, every owner must know for himself which food he chooses, but this should always be adapted to the age of the dog.
A young Cairn Terrier under ten months old will still need puppy food, and from around seven or eight years of age, they should be gradually switched to senior food. This protects the dog’s internal organs and is perfectly tailored to the needs of an older dog. If there is an intolerance to a type of food or a certain ingredient, it is advisable to discuss the further nutrition of the dog with the veterinarian.
Healthy – Life Expectancy & Common Diseases
The Cairn Terrier is a hardy little dog that has yet to suffer from the overbreeding that afflicts many breeds. There are no known hereditary diseases in the breed and the small terrier is also rather insensitive to injuries. Since he only shows a little pain, it is often the case that the owner only recognizes problems very late. In general, he is a fit and healthy dog that needs a lot of exercises and likes to romp. This must also be maintained in bad weather and in winter because the independent dog is not bothered by cold or wet conditions. If their owner gives them the exercise and nurturing they need, and if they come from a reputable breeder, the Cairn Terrier can live to a fairly old age of around 15 years.
If the active Cairn Terrier lacks exercise, it can quickly become overweight. Permanent obesity can significantly harm the otherwise healthy dog. It puts a heavy load on the dog’s musculoskeletal system and organs. Joint problems and heart disease are often the result of years of being overweight and can significantly shorten the dog’s lifespan. If Cairn Terrier suffers from obesity, he should be put on a diet and given more exercise, this is the only way he can live a long dog life.
How Old Do Cairn Terriers Get?
Cairn Terriers can live to very old age. An age of around 15 years is quite possible. If he has health problems or is overweight, the dog’s life expectancy will be reduced.
Grooming the Cairn Terrier
Grooming the Cairn Terrier is quite easy, their medium-length coat should be brushed once a day. This prevents the fur from matting and small branches or twigs from the undergrowth can be removed from the fur. The Cairn Terrier’s ears and eyes do not require any special care, and shedding during the shedding period is on par with other medium-length coat types.
Since he needs little time to be cared for and also causes little clutter in an apartment, he is also a good dog for a city apartment if he is allowed to spend enough time in nature.
Cairn Terrier Activities and Training
The Cairn Terrier is a very active dog. Like most terriers, he needs a lot of exercise and attention. He has to go for a walk at least three times a day, for an hour each time. In addition, a dog sport should be practiced regularly. Since the Cairn Terrier is a very active dog, various sports are possible.
It can even be used for hunting and is a loyal companion for hunters and game wardens. He needs regular excursions into nature, whether long hikes or as a companion on the horse. Only those who can offer the Cairn Terrier these high standards of activity and exercise should decide on a dog of this breed because the terrier’s idiosyncratic nature can quickly cause problems if it is not properly trained.
Things like agility, lunging, flyball, and hopers are particularly suitable as sports for the active Cairn Terrier. All sports have a quick mind and a high speed. Due to the close connection between dog and owner during sport, the bond becomes much closer and more familiar.
Given enough exercise, he makes a good companion and in most cases will obey his owner’s commands. However, freewheeling should only take place if the terrain is safe and the owner can see all the dangers early on.
Good to Know: Special Features of the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is quite unknown in Germany, although it is related to the very popular West Highland White Terrier. In Great Britain and also in Scotland he is still used for hunting and is a good family dog there. He is a very healthy dog that can adapt to different life situations and can live very well in the city and in the country.
How Big Should a Cairn Terrier Crate Be?
A permanent transport box for the Cairn Terrier should be at least 35 cm high and around 20 cm wide. This allows the dog to turn around and lie down relaxed without any problems.
Cons of the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a dog with character, so it has a mind of its own and can be quite cheeky and stubborn. This is also what makes the breed so charming, but it can also be exhausting at times, especially for the owner. In addition, the Cairn Terrier has a high hunting instinct, which can quickly become overwhelming, especially for people who have no experience with dogs. In general, he is not a beginner dog and needs a consistent owner who is good at reading dog language.
Is the Cairn Terrier Right for Me?
Despite its small body size, the Cairn Terrier is a very demanding dog that cannot be kept purely as a lap dog. He integrates well into a family and is considered very fond of children. Nevertheless, the nature of the terrier should never be underestimated, as it sometimes questions orders and tends to hunt. Therefore, a purchase of a beautiful little dog should be well considered. He needs a lot of time and exercise, while he is also a solid office dog due to his size and good character, he needs the exercise outside.
Seniors who have a lot of dog experience and are still sufficiently fit can get a Cairn Terrier with a clear conscience. Since he is a very sociable dog, he can usually be kept as a second dog without any problems.