Cairn Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

6-7.5 kg

Height

28-31 cm

Lifespan

13-15 years

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About the Cairn Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

You may have seen a Cairn Terrier called Toto in The Wizard of Oz, or even at your local dog park, as they have become popular with Australian families because of their size, hypoallergenic coat, and friendly intelligence.

What is the history & origin of the Cairn Terrier?

According to the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which is the largest canine organisation in the world, the Cairn Terrier breed was originally bred in Great Britain – specifically in the Scottish Highlands and on the Isle of Skye.

This breed is one of Scotland’s earliest working dogs and is not to be confused with the Skye Terrier. The Kennel Club identified these short-haired Skye Terriers as “one of the most endangered native dog breeds in the United Kingdom”.

In 1912, the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom officially recognised the Championship status of the Cairn Terrier dog breed.

Calla-Mhor was registered to Mrs. I.A. Campbell, the first breeder to exhibit the Cairn Terrier.

This Champion breed may also have had a hand in the development of the Australian terrier.

Rough Terriers brought to Tasmania from the Isle of Skye in 1848 are probably the forerunners of today’s Australian Cairns.

The American Kennel Club finally recognised the breed in 1913.

What is a Cairn Terrier Breed?

Hunters first bred the Cairn, Scottish, and West Highland terrier breeds to help them hunt. These three breeds were hardy and perfectly suited to chase prey among the cairns, or rocky mounds, of Scotland and the Isle of Skye.

Since Mrs. Campbell’s first Champion, Cairn Terriers are more companion dogs than vermin hunters, but they remain active, alert, and agile family pets that are easy to train.

Who is a Cairn Terrier Best For?

The Wizard of Oz’s Toto perfectly illustrates a Cairn Terrier’s friendliness and affection for their human family.

Like many working dogs, this breed is sociable, energetic, and highly intelligent and is best for a family with lots of time, patience, and energy.

While they tolerate young children and other dogs well, it is essential that you enrol your new Cairn Terrier in socialising classes and obedience training early.

Ask yourself these questions when deciding whether to adopt a little Cairn terrier:

Can you ensure your dog remains in a safe space when you are away from home?
Can you walk your dog daily and provide adequate mental stimulation?
Are you aware of your local pet laws?
Can you take the time to train both your children and your dog to interact with one another safely?
Can you take the time, effort, and patience necessary to care for your Cairn’s special coat?

Cairn Terrier Grooming & Shedding

It’s critical that you start handling your Cairn from puppyhood to ensure that they get used to your touch when grooming them.

Regular grooming is necessary for a healthy coat, and hand-stripping is an excellent bonding opportunity for your and your Cairn terrier.

Hand-stripping is essential to keep this breed’s weather-resistant coat healthy and avoid moulting and bald spots.

Start cleaning your pup’s coat using a pin brush to remove loose dog hair faster. Thoroughly brush out the coat before you hand-strip your Cairn.

Remember to hold your dog’s skin firmly to minimise any discomfort when you pull out the longest loose hair from their coat. Fluff out the hair to make loose hair easily stand out.

If your puppy yawns and tucks its tail during this intensive session, it may be experiencing stress and anxiety. Take a break and praise your pup for their patience.

Resume hand-stripping and continue only as long as your dog allows.

Do Cairn Terriers bark a lot?

Like other terrier breeds, your Cairn has developed barking as a means to communicate with you and alert you to changes or threats in the immediate environment.

It’s best not to ignore your best friend’s barking, or they’ll continue trying to catch your attention. Cairns is a smart breed, and they’ll usually stop barking once they know you heard them.

Like other dogs that are bred to be highly sociable and human-centered, your Cairn may bark excessively when they are left alone for long periods. Excessive barking and other undesirable behaviour may be signs of separation anxiety or boredom.

Redirect your furry friend’s attention with lots of mental stimulation and playtime: toy, toy, and more toys. Your Cairn loves to play!

What is the average weight & height of a Cairn Terrier dog?

A mature Cairn Terrier is between 28 and 31 cm at the wither and weighs between 6 and 7.5 kg.

Work with your trusted veterinarian and a canine nutritionist to provide a balanced, nutritious diet to maintain your dog’s healthy weight and shiny coat.

Are Cairn Terriers easy to train?

These tiny dogs are small pets with a lot of energy. They are diggers by nature and while they are easily trained, remember to use positive reinforcement and redirection instead of punishment.

Since you cannot avoid digging, give your dog a special digging patch. Make sure you’re not too attached to this part of the garden as it will soon be in tatters.

It’s vital that you take your dog for daily walks. This high-energy breed needs plenty of exercise and playtime to prevent behavioural problems.

How do Cairn Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Your little terrier will prove fearless and assertive but not aggressive as a family pet. Once your dog understands that you and your family have accepted a stranger, they may let their guard down and warm up to the new arrival.

Does the Cairn Terrier have any common health issues?

The Cairn Terrier Club of America and the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals publish a registry where breeders and pet parents share information and data to support efforts to eliminate hereditary diseases in this breed.

Legg-Calve-Perthes or Legg-Perthes is a degenerative bone disease that affects small dog breeds like the Cairn. It is, unfortunately, one of the three to five genetic faults that may arise due to inbreeding.
Dental Issues: Cairn Terriers can be prone to dental problems, including gum disease and tooth loss, so regular dental care is essential.
Infections: These dogs can be susceptible to various infections, including ear and skin infections, which require prompt attention.
Obesity: Like many small breeds, Cairn Terriers can easily become overweight, leading to other health issues. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial.
Genetic Abnormalities: Some Cairn Terriers may inherit genetic conditions that could affect their overall health.
Diabetes: This metabolic disorder can occur, particularly in older dogs, requiring management through diet and veterinary care.

What is the lifespan of a Cairn Terrier?

According to the Foundation of the Cairn Terrier Club of America, Cairns are long-lived dogs, with a life span averaging 13-15 years. With the proper care, your terrier will be by your side for a long time.

How much does a Cairn Terrier need to be fed?

When you bring your pup home, be sure to maintain the diet given by the breeder and implement any transition to different foods slowly. A growing puppy’s digestive system is sensitive, and a new home is highly stressful, which can cause an upset stomach.

It is best to schedule your dog’s meals instead of allowing free feeding. Feeding your dog at set times prevents overeating, and you’ll notice quickly if something is wrong – one of the first signs of ill health in a dog is a lack of appetite.

Speak to your veterinarian and a dog nutritionist to plan the best diet and schedule for your best friend.

How much can you expect to pay for a Cairn Terrier in Australia?

Unlike the Sky terrier, there are Cairn Terrier puppies aplenty in Australia. Reputable, Cairn Terrier breeders registered with the national breed club may charge anything between $1,200 and $5,000 per little bundle of joy.

A shelter or a rescue will be more affordable, and the adoption fee includes the cost of neutering and any shots and vaccination required.

Set aside some emergency funds for vet visits because this pure-bred dog is prone to several health problems.

Cairn Terrier FAQs

What is the difference between a Cairn Terrier and a Westie?

Until Mrs. Campbell had Calla-Mhor registered and recognised, Cairns and West Highland White Terriers were categorised as Skye Terriers along with the Scottish Highlands Terrier.

Westies are larger than Cairns and sport a white coat. Pure-bred Cairns are taller than Westies, and their coat can be black, cream, red, grey, or wheaten.

Do Cairn Terriers change colour?

Brindled Cairns can change colour as they get older, usually becoming darker with age. There are 15 Cairn coat colours recognised in the United States.

Are Cairn Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Cairns are hypoallergenic dogs with a wiry double coat that requires frequent and regular grooming as well as hand-stripping.

When should a Cairn Terrier be neutered?

Speak to your veterinarian during your furbaby’s first visit after arriving home from a breeder or the shelter. Neutering for males – spaying for females – is recommended from 8 weeks of age.

Some Cairns may suffer from Cryptorchidism, where either one or both testicles fail to descend. A pup with Cryptorchidism must be neutered to lower the risk of cancer. A neutered Cairn is also less likely to be aggressive or to mark his territory.