Cairn Terrier
Description
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of terriers possibly dating back the the 1500’s. He was used to kill vermin that lived in the stone mounds (Cairns) that were erected to mark property boundaries and sometimes graves. The breed has been around a lot longer than his name. He was originally shown in 1909 under the name of Short Haired Skye Terrier, the breeders of Skye Terriers were having no part of that, and the name Cairn Terrier was suggested. Cairn Terriers became quite popular, and still are today. Keeping a Cairn as a house pet means you won’t need a cat to keep the rodent population down…they are fantastic ratters. Male Cairns are 10 to 13 in. tall and weigh between 14 to 18 lbs. Female Cairns are 9 to 12 in. tall and weigh between 13 and 17 lbs. The Carin is a compact little dog with hazel eyes and a scruffy top coat and soft undercoat that comes in brindle, black, gray, or red.
Temperament
The Cairn Terrier is a bouncy little guy full of energy. He is durable, happy, affectionate, and impish. Curiosity can get the better of them…courageous, and loyal they can be a tad independent with females being more so than the males. They are very smart, love to do tricks and train easy. They a super good with children, and make wonderful family pets. They do need a gentle but solid hand with training and manners…they have a sensitive spirit. Digging will only be a problem if you leave them unattended in your landscaped yard, as the Cairn is forever digging and searching for vermin. He will give chase to small animals as well.
Grooming/Exercise
The Cairn will need to be brushed and combed everyday to keep his scruffy fur free from mats, and debris. Make sure you use a gentle hand brushing the undercoat, as it is much softer than the top coat. He will need a good bath at least once a month make sure you comb and brush him as he dries. The hair around the eyes and ears will need to be trimmed, and you will need to see the the nails as well. He will need a good daily walk, and a healthy rollick in a secure area to take care of his exercise needs. As long as he gets enough exercise he will do fine living in a condo or townhouse.
Health
Life Expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
Possible Issues
- Overfeeding
- Allergies to fleas
