Cairn Terrier Breed Information & Characteristics
Weight Gain Potential
Do Cairn Terriers get fat easily?
The Cairn Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.
Hypoallergenic
Are Cairn Terriers Hypoallergenic?
While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Cairn Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.
Temperament
What is a Cairn Terrier personality? What are Cairn Terrier dogs best known for?
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Assertive
Fearless
Shedding Level
Are Cairn Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Shed?
Cairn Terrier dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Cairn Terrier. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.
Watchdog Ability
What is the watchdog ability of a Cairn Terrier dog?
Cairn Terriers are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Cairn Terrier is going to make sure everyone knows about it.
Origin
Where do Cairn Terriers come from?
Scotland
Ancestry
What are Cairn Terriers descended from?
Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Skye Terrier
Breed recognition
What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Cairn Terrier breed?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
Date of Birth
When were Cairn Terriers first bred? How old is the Cairn Terrier breed?
1500s
Breed Group
What Breed Group is a Cairn Terrier?
Terrier (AKC:1913 & UKC)
Eye Color Possibilites
What color are Cairn Terrier eyes?
Brown
Nose Color Possibilites
What color can Cairn Terrier nose be naturally?
Black
Coat Color Possibilites
What color can Cairn Terrier coat be naturally?
Cream
Black
Brindle
Gray
Red
Coat Length
How long is a Cairn Terriers coat?
The coat of a Cairn Terrier falls in the medium length category.
Coat Density
How Dense Is The Cairn Terrier Coat?
Coat Texture
What is the texture of the hair of a Cairn Terrier?
Wiry
Litter Size
How many puppies can a Cairn Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Cairn Terrier have in her first litter?
A Cairn Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Adaptability
Cairn Terrier dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.
Health Issues
Do Cairn Terriers have a lot of health problems?
The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.
Major Concerns
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Cairn Terrier?
Flea Allergy
Minor Concerns
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Cairn Terriers?
Weight Gain
Occasional Tests
What are the occasional tests recommended for Cairn Terrier breed?
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests
Energy
Do Cairn Terriers have a lot of energy?
Cairn Terriers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.
Social Needs
Do Cairn Terriers need socialization? How social are Cairn Terriers?
Cairn Terrier have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
Exercise Needed
How much exercise should Cairn Terriers get?
The Cairn Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep should a Cairn Terrier have? Do Cairn Terriers sleep a lot?
Cairn Terriers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Cairn Terrier drool a lot?
The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.
Tendency to Bark
How much does it bark?
Cairn Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.
Territorial
Do Cairn Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?
Cairn Terrier dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs
Mouthiness
Are Cairn Terriers mouthy?
Roaming urge
What is the likelihood of a Cairn Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Prey Drive
Do Cairn Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?
Past times
What do Cairn Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Cairn Terrier busy?
Socializing, Eating Snacks, Walking, Fetch, Playing, Running, Chasing, Barking, Snuggling, Walk, Play with ball, Jump, Run, Chew, Sniffing, Marking
Activity Level
What is the energy level of a Cairn Terrier? How much energy does a Cairn Terrier have?
Cairn Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
Tolerance of being left alone
Walks per Week
How far should a Cairn Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Cairn Terrier walk every week?
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cairn Terrier, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
Activity per Day
How much a Cairn Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Cairn Terrier need?
In general most Cairn Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
Grooming
What level of grooming should be provided for a Cairn Terrier?
The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.
Brushing Frequency
How often should you brush a Cairn Terrier?
In general Cairn Terrier should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it
Brushing Tools
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Cairn Terriers?
Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Cups
How many cups of food does a Cairn Terrier eat?
For an average 12-14 pound (5 - 6 kg) Cairn Terrier feed 1.3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
Daily Cost
How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Cost Daily?
The average cost of a Cairn Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.
Monthly Cost
How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Cost Per Month?
The average per month expenses of a Cairn Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Intelligence
How intelligent is a Cairn Terrier?
The Cairn Terrier breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive is a Cairn Terrier dog?
Cairn Terrier dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.
Affection Dependance
Are Cairn Terrier dogs affectionate?
Apartment Friendly
Do Cairn Terrier do well in apartments? Are Cairn Terriers good indoor dogs?
Cairn Terriers are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.
Child Friendly
Are Cairn Terriers good with kids? Are Cairn Terriers good around children?
Cairn Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.
Senior-friendly
Are Cairn Terriers good for elderly?
Cat Friendly
Are Cairn Terriers good with cats? How friendly Cairn Terriers are toward cats?
Cairn Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,
Dog Friendly
Do Cairn Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Cairn Terriers OK with other dogs?
Cairn Terriers are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.
Pet friendly
How do Cairn Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Stranger Friendly
Are Cairn Terriers friendly with strangers?
Cairn Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.
Playfulness
Do Cairn Terriers like to play? Are Cairn Terriers playful?
The Cairn Terrier is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Cairn Terrier is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.
Trainability
Are Cairn Terrier easily trained?
Cairn Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.
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