7 things you didn't know about the Cairn Terrier
Being an intelligent and happy dog breed, Cairn Terriers make great family pets – but do have a few interesting characterises that potential owners should know about.
"Cairn Terriers are a type of Scottish terrier breed recognised by the Kennel Club," Dr Anna Foreman, Everypaw Pet Insurance's in-house vet, tells Country Living UK. "They tend to weigh around 5-7kg (and such are classed as small breed dogs), with an average lifespan of around 13-15 years.
"They have a thick, water- and weatherproof outer coat, classically described as 'wiry', and a soft inner coat - they are classed as 'double coated' dogs due to these characteristics. These physical traits are rooted in their cold-weather origins – they originate from the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye, used to hunt and chase small vermin between the 'cairns' (stone piles)."
Keep reading about everything you need to know about Cairn Terriers, including characteristics and grooming routines:
What are the main characteristics of Cairn Terriers?
"Regarding their characteristics, they are dogs with a high prey drive (from their roots as hunters!) who are very active," Dr Anna Foreman, Everypaw Pet Insurance's in-house vet, tells Country Living UK.
"They also love to dig as well as chase – it is recommended to keep them on the lead unless it is safe, and to keep a close eye on them when off the lead. They are intelligent but should receive training from a young age to curb any undesired behaviour.
"They need to be walked daily and have enough mental stimulation with play and puzzles, again to stop behavioural issues. They can be stubborn and quite independent and so patience must be taken when training them! Persistence and positive reinforcement is vital. They are also quite vocal dogs."
How often do they need to be groomed?
According to Anna, their coats routinely need to be groomed and hand stripped. Trimming/shaving them, or removing the wiry outer coat, can lead to skin disease and permanently damage the hair. Read our guide on how to groom your dog at home.
What health problems are Cairn Terriers most prone to?
Cairn Terriers are prone to suffering from health problems (mainly hereditary). Some of the specific illnesses that may occur include:
Eye issues such as cataracts, lens luxation etc
Diabetes
Hip dysplasia and luxating patellas
Hypothyroidism
It is recommended if buying a Cairn Terrier to purchase from a breeder whose dogs have been health screened prior to breeding. "As with any dog it is vital to make sure you can dedicate enough time to them, and have the finances to afford veterinary care, preventative treatment, food, and grooming," continues Anna. Always adopt a dog from a rescue centre if you can.
Are Cairn Terriers good with children?
"They tend to be good with young children and other dogs, however (as with any dog) care should be taken with introductions in the correct fashion when they are young," Anna explains. "Due to their prey drive, their reaction to cats can be variable."
Are Cairn Terriers cuddly dogs?
Despite being active dogs (due to their hunting history), Cairn Terriers are not averse to the occasional cuddle – as long as it is on their own terms. Granted, puppies may be slightly harder to keep still, with their curiosity and desire to explore causing them to wriggle away, but on the whole, they are friendly, affectionate dogs.
However, they won't always be eager to curl up on your lap. Due to their active nature, sometimes Carins simply won't be able to resist the opportunity to chase other animals, from rodents to deer.
Despite the fact male dogs of certain breeds tend to show more negative traits correlating with aggression, according to Cairn Terrier Clubs of Canada and America, male Cairn Terriers actually prove to be more affectionate than females.
What to know before getting a Cairn Terrier
Much like other breeds, “Cairns easily become overweight, at least in part because they are so endearing as they beg for treats," says Cairn Terrier Club of America, which is most definitely something to remember the next time you want to feed them some of the Sunday roast under the table!
Although problems with training these dogs are not common, “as a Terrier breed, these dogs tend to be fearless, which is worth bearing in mind when training.” a spokesperson for The Kennel Club told Country Living.
Other experts say that positive reinforcement should be used when training Cairns, to stop them from disengaging, and that training is essential to prevent them from trying to become the dominant character of the house.
The Kennel Club adds: “The Cairn Terriers are small, active and fearless little dogs who make a great pet for the right owners, however any dog’s behaviour and attitude depends on its training, socialisation and individual personality."
Evidently, the way in which pets are trained in just as important as the way in which they are bred, with more obedient dogs going on to breed puppies of a similar nature.
7 things you didn't know about the Cairn Terrier
One of the most famous dogs in film was a Cairn Terrier – Toto in the Wizard of Oz
They are named after a pile of rocks
They are known for their tenacity
Cairn Terriers are considered intelligent, loyal family pets that adapt to most environments
They aren't socially adept, and will act reserved with strangers
They are dogs with a high prey drive (from their roots as hunters!)
They also love to dig as well as chase
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