Cairn Terrier Prices Australia

Scruffy-coated and full of personality and energy, Cairn Terriers make fantastic companions for family homes. But before you commit to bringing this lively, heart-stealing breed into your life, it’s important to get a clear picture of the costs involved with owning one. To make that easier, we’ve broken down everything you need to know, from the initial purchase price to ongoing care costs, helping you figure out what to expect so you can budget accordingly.

How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Cost in Australia?

First up, purchase price. The price of buying a Cairn Terrier will vary depending on where you choose to get one from. For example, if you’re buying through a registered breeder, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000, with factors like bloodline and coat colour influencing the final cost. On the other hand, adopting a Cairn Terrier is usually much more affordable, with fees ranging from $200 – $500.

As you start looking into available dogs, you might find Cair Terrier puppies listed at lower prices than the averages above. However, you should see this as a huge red flag, as these puppies are likely being sold by unregistered breeders who will prioritise profit over the health of their breeding dogs and puppies, potentially resulting in long-term health issues that could cost you more in vet bills down the road. So, to ensure you’re getting a healthy, happy dog, only ever buy through a registered breeder or rescue shelter.

Average Price of a Cairn Terrier When Buying Through a Registered Cairn Terrier Breeder in Australia

Buying a Cairn Terrier through a registered breeder in Australia will cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000. There are a few things that will determine where in that price range each puppy sits, including their lineage and the breeder’s reputation, but those will champion bloodlines and with no genetic disorders will be priced at the higher end of the scale.

Average Price of a Cairn Terrier When Buying Through an Adoption Shelter in Australia

Adopting a Cairn Terrier is always going to be cheaper than going through a registered breeder, and the average adoption fee ranges from $200 to $500. This isn’t necessarily a “purchase price” either, but a fee that helps cover the cost of running the shelter and pre-adoption procedures like vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing. The one thing to keep in mind, however, is that since Cairn Terriers are sought-after breeds, finding one in a shelter might be a bit of a challenge. Luckily, you can increase your chances of finding one by registering with terrier-specific rescue organisations like Australian Terrier Rescue Inc.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Cairn Terrier

From the puppy’s bloodline to the breeder’s reputation, there are a few things that determine how much a Cairn Terrier is priced. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Lineage

If a Cairn Terrier puppy comes from a champion bloodline with ancestors who have done well in dog shows, it will be priced much higher than a pet-quality dog. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, puppies with this lineage will have been bred to meet Dog Australia’s strict breed standards, which include temperament, physical appearance, and overall health. Secondly, puppies from well-documented family trees with health clearances are less likely to suffer from hereditary diseases, and while this means a higher upfront price, it also increases the likelihood of a healthier dog in the long run.

Coat

Cairn Terriers come in a variety of coat colours, including wheaten, red, grey, brindle, and black, and some colours are more common than others. In most cases with dogs, the rarer the coat colour is, the more expensive the puppy will be, but with Cairn Terriers, there are some breed standard issues that deviate from the norm. For example, solid black, white, and black and tan coats are not acceptable when showing, so while these colours are rarer, the puppies may be priced lower because of these restrictions.

Age

Most people want a young puppy aged 8-12 weeks old, and because of this demand, puppies at this age are priced higher than older dogs. However, if a breeder has older puppies that haven’t been sold yet, around 4 – 6 months, they may lower the price slightly to find them a home. Or, if you’re looking for a way to keep costs as low as possible, rescuing an older Cairns Terrier will bring the price down quite a bit – just keep in mind that older dogs often come with health issues, though, so you’ll need to be prepared to cover the cost of vet care and medication.

Breeder Reputation

The breeder’s reputation will also play a role in the pricing of a Cairn Terrier, as a reputable breeder will have invested in ethical breeding practices that include screening for health issues and early socialisation. The more tests conducted and training done, the more the breeder will have paid, which means the costs are picked up in the price of the puppies.

Costs of Essentials for Your Cairn Terrier

Before your Cairn Terrier even sets paws in their new home, you’ll need to pick up some essential items so they can have a happy and comfortable life with you. Here’s what you’ll need and how much you can expect to spend:

• Dog crate: $80 – $150 for a secure, comfortable crate that can be used for training and as a personal space where they can settle down for naps.
• Dog bed: $60 – $120 for a durable, cushioned bed with extra support to take pressure off their joints while they’re resting.
• Dog collar/lead: $30 – $70 for a strong collar and an extendable lead that offers freedom and control when appropriate.
• Feeding bowl: $15 – $40 for a stainless steel or ceramic bowl with a non-slip base. A slow-feeder bowl is also a good choice for food-obsessed terriers!
• Dog toothbrush: Spend $10 – $30 on a canine toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste that will keep those teeth sparkling.
• Dog car harness: $30 – $70 for a secure-fitting and crash-tested hardness to keep your Cairn Terrier safe in the car.
• Puppy treats: $10 – $40 per month for reward treats and chews that can be used to encourage downtime.
• Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for reusable or disposable pads to help with housetraining in those early weeks.
• Dog shampoo & conditioner: $15 – $40 for a soothing shampoo and conditioner set that will deep clean while protecting the skin.
• Dog nail clippers, brushes, & combs: $30 – $60 for a set of grooming tools that will keep your Cairn Terrier’s fur and paws in good condition.

Cairn Terrier Maintenance Costs

Those are the one-time expenses that you’ll need to cover. But what about the monthly and yearly maintenance costs of owning a Cairn Terrier? Let’s break those down.

How Much Does it Cost to Feed a Cairn Terrier?

A healthy adult Cairn Terrier should weigh between 6kg and 8kg, depending on their size and sex. This means that, on average, they need around 120g – 250g of food each day, and depending on what you feed them, you might spend anywhere from $30 to $200 per month on dog food.

• Cost per day on dry kibble diet: $1 – $3 for a high-quality, grain-free dry mix rich in protein and designed for small breeds.
• Cost per day on a wet food diet: $2 – $5 for canned or freshly-prepared wet food with lots of meat and vegetables in the mix.
• Cost per day on a raw diet: $4 – $7 for a “BARF” diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) that includes raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables.

One thing to keep in mind is that these prices are very wide-ranging, and the amount you’ll actually spend will depend on your dog’s age and health, as well as the brand of food you choose. We recommend consulting your vet before deciding which diet is the right one for your Cairn Terrier.

How Much Will Veterinary Care Typically Cost for a Cairn Terrier?

Regular visits to the vet will keep your pup in the best health possible, but these also come with their own costs. Here’s what you can expect to spend throughout the year on preventative care:

Cost of Routine Preventative Care

• Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 for a full exam, including weight check, wellness advice, and detecting early signs of illness.
• Vaccinations: $100 – $250 per year for core and optional vaccines to stop your Cairn Terrier from contracting kennel cough, parvovirus, distemper, and more.
• Worming and parasite treatment: $10 – $30 per month to stop fleas and other nasty parasites latching onto your dog.
• Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 every few years for professional cleaning under anaesthesia.
• Pet insurance: $30 – $100 for different coverage levels to help with the expense of unexpected medical bills.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Cairn Terrier’s Grooming?

Because Cairn Terriers have a double coat, regular grooming is needed. While you can do some of this at home, you’ll still need to budget for a trip to a professional groomer every so often to keep on top of things, and this can cost:

• Hydrobath prices: $20 – $50 for a deep-cleaning bath that will remove dirt and loose hair.
• Full groom prices: $80 – $150 for bath, haircut, blow dry, ear cleaning, and nail trim.
• Face, feet, and tail groom prices: $30 – $60 to keep on top of hygiene in the areas that get dirtiest the quickest.

Cairn Terrier Training Costs

Just like all terrier breeds, Cairn Terriers are clever and independent, which means training is very important if you want them to be as well-behaved as possible! There are loads of different training classes available, but here’s a rundown of the costs of the most popular:

• Basic obedience training: $200 – $300 for a multi-week course that covers basic obedience, like sit, stay, and recall.
• Puppy training class prices: $150 – $250 for a multi-week early training and socialisation class.
• Specialised training prices: $80 – $150 per session for one-on-one training focused on tackling specific behavioural issues, like excessive barking, aggression, and resource guarding.

Understanding the Full Costs of Owning a Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers might not be the cheapest breed to own, but can you really put a price on unconditional love and a lifetime of hilarious doggy antics? If you’re up for the adventure and feel you’re capable of meeting their needs over an average lifespan of 12 – 15 years, you’ll have a canine companion who will add a tonne of joy to your life – just make sure you’re able to give them everything they need in return.