Cairn Terrier Dog Breed

Terriers are not known for their tolerance and Cairns are no exception. So, it’s important to take extra care with very young children. They might be tempted to tug on the dog’s fur or accidently step on their toes! For slightly older children, it’s safe to say the Cairn is more likely to make a great playmate.  

This active little breed adores walkies, which is good news if you have an active family. Their comedic personality will put a smile on your face every day. 

The ideal match for this breed is a mature active person/couple in a household without young children/grandchildren.  

If you give them everything they need, Cairns can be very affectionate. They adore snuggles on the sofa and will often show love to their favourite humans with a lick! You should also expect them to become your shadow – following you around in the hope of something exciting happening. 

Whilst they love the company of humans, Cairns also have an independent side. So, it’s a good idea to give them access to a space where they can enjoy some ‘me time’, especially in homes with children.  

Yes! Cairns are very playful. They’ll happily spend hours sniffing out their toys, chasing them and shaking them! A lively game of tuggy is also a hit with these dogs. 

Super busy dogs like Cairns need regular playtime to keep them happy and mentally stimulated. This can be great for families or adults who have the time to devote to entertaining their canine companion. But it’s not so good if your time is limited. If a Cairn doesn’t get the attention they need, you might find them digging holes in your garden or tearing your cushions to shreds! 

It’s fair to say that Cairns do like the sound of their own voice, but it’s usually for a valid reason. 

Cairn’s are very alert guard dogs and take this role pretty seriously. They’re guaranteed to let you know about visitors knocking on your door or a stranger getting close to your home. They may even bark at birds or cats sitting on their fence or entering the garden.  

And if someone comes home late, your Cairn will let you know about that too! 

If you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back breed, the Cairn may not be the right match for you. 

Cairns are big dogs trapped in small bodies. They’re lively, tenacious and incredibly bright. But, if their exercise needs aren’t met or they aren’t mentally stimulated, behavioural issues are almost inevitable. 

These dogs need an outlet for their natural desire to shake soft items. If they’re not provided with the right type of toys, they may set their sights on your cushions – and destroy them!

There are other things to look out for. Cairns will bark if they’re bored or frustrated. Being terriers, they also love to dig – it’s in their DNA! So, without access to a dig pit, you garden may soon resemble the surface of the moon. 

As Cairns were originally bred to hunt small animals, they’re prone to running off in rural areas. But here’s the good news: these issues can be avoided or reduced if you meet their needs and give them the right training.  

Cairns suit most types of home settings. But they’re not the best dog to have in a flat as they can be quite vocal and upset the neighbours!

The ideal home for these dogs will include a garden for toilet breaks and playtime. Access to green spaces is also crucial for meeting their exercise needs. 

They’re great for families with older children who can get involved in play sessions. But they’d also suit a more mature couple/person. 

This breed can live happily with other dogs, and even cats – as long as they’re introduced at a young age. They should not be trusted with small pets because of their hunting history.  

Whatever type of home you have, it’s important you have the time to dedicate to your dog’s exercise, play and training needs. This keeps them happy and healthy!  

Your Cairn Terrier will need with two, thirty-minute walks a day. They’re keen hunters, so if you live in a rural location you might want to find a secure field where they can enjoy a good run! They may be small, but they have a lot of stamina and can cope in every type of terrain. 

The Cairn was originally bred to do a job, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation. They love to dig, so it’s a good idea to provide them with a sandpit where you can hide toys or treats for them to find. This will scratch the genetic itch and save your lawn from destruction! 

As a sociable dog, they’ll also enjoy outings to your local dog-friendly cafe or garden centre. 

Like all dogs, it’s best to start training your Cairn when they’re a young puppy. At this stage, their brains are like sponges, and they’re full of life and want to please – which helps! 

It’s vital to start with socialisation and habituation training so they learn to feel comfortable interacting or ignoring things that they will encounter in day-to-day life. Socialisation is teaching a puppy to interact in an appropriate way with people and other dogs. Habituation is teaching a puppy to ignore some people, other dogs, traffic, noises, livestock, etc. 

You should then have the solid foundation for basic obedience training. Be sure to concentrate on teaching your Cairn how to come when called so that they can enjoy off-lead exercise. 

Fetching toys you’ve thrown is another great bit of training to do. Nail this and they’ll be able to enjoy lots of interactive play with you and your family! 

Remember that adolescence is a challenging time for all dogs. Hang in there and your patience will pay off once they reach maturity. 

As the Cairn was bred to work independently from their handler, you should expect them to become quite strong-willed as they mature. This just means that you need to increase their level of motivation and stay consistent with your training approach.

Cairn Terriers are double coated, so they need grooming at least twice a week. A rake or slicker brush will help remove the dead undercoat and a pin brush will keep the topcoat tidy. 

To keep their thick coats manageable, we recommend a professional clipping two to three times a year. Regular grooming sessions mean that you can keep on top of knots, and check for lumps, cuts or parasites. 

A Cairn can live up to around 14 years old age, as long as they’ve been bred from a reputable breeder and they live a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular veterinary check-ups and a nutritious diet.  

Like any dogs, they’re prone to certain health conditions such as: 

• Hip Dysplasia (malformed hip joints) 
• Cataracts (eye problems) 
• Heart conditions
• Luxating Patella (slipping kneecaps) 
• Liver Shunt (poor blood flow to the liver)