Cairn Terrier Breed Guide

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 1917.

Who are Cairn Terrier dogs 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?

How much grooming does a Cairn Terrier need?

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 hairs 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 Terrier bark much?

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 are 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-centred, 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!

Do Cairn Terrier bite?

Most puppies play-bite and your Cairn Terrier is just like other dogs. If your dog is past puppyhood, they may bite or chew out of boredom or because they are stressed.

More aggressive biting, perhaps accompanied by vocalisations, may indicate resource-guarding behaviour. Resource-guarding can be about food and treats, but also about you, the other members of your family, and toys.

Obedience classes and early socialisation during the first 12 weeks of your pup's life are critical to nipping this undesirable behaviour in the bud.

If you have adopted an adult dog, it is still possible to train and socialise your furry friend appropriately. Work with your veterinarian and a canine training specialist to read your best friend's body language, understand their cues, and address their needs.

What is the temperament & personality of a Cairn Terrier?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Cairn Terrier?

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.

How much training does a Cairn Terrier need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cairn Terrier?

The Cairn Terrier Club of America and the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animal 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 such 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.

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 should you feed a Cairn Terrier?

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.

What is the price of 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.