Cairn Terrier Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim and Debbie Moore

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names:

Common Misspellings:  Karin Terrier, Cairn Terrior, Carin Terrier, Karen Terrier, Cairn Terier,
Cairn-terrier

Learn all about Cairn Terrier Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Cairn Terrier dog breed. You'll find solid information about Cairn Terrier dog history, Cairn Terrier life expectancy Cairn Terrier dog appearance, Cairn Terrier temperament and personality, Cairn Terrier health problems, Cairn Terrier puppy care, training Cairn Terrier puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Cairn Terrier dog breeder.

Learn about the Cairn Terrier dog. Decide if a Cairn Terrier puppy is the right choice for your family. Find a quality Cairn Terrier puppy for sale from a responsible Cairn Terrier breeder. Find information about training your Cairn Terrier dog or puppy. Also includes books on the Cairn Terrier dog breed, Cairn Terrier picture calendars and Cairn Terrier training reference guides.

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Cairn Terrier Facts

The Cairn Terrier Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Cairn Terrier Height: 10 inches at the shoulder

Cairn Terrier Weight: 10 to 15 pounds

Cairn Terrier Color Variations: Cairn Terriers come in a rainbow of colors including black, white, gray, sable, brindle, salt and pepper and blond.

Cairn Terrier Size Variations: None

Cairn Terrier Exercise Needs: Moderate

Cairn Terrier Grooming Demands: Moderate

Cairn Terrier Trainability: Medium Difficult

Cairn Terrier Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Average Cairn Terrier Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: Yes

Breed Group: Terrier

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Cairn Terrier Dog History

For many years, the Scottish Terrier dogs were simply known as "Scotch Terriers." All developing from the same bloodlines, these Scotch Terriers originated in the various islands and the highlands of western Scotland, where they were used to flush out foxes, otter, rats and other vermin. Renowned for their courage and spunk, these little dogs could keep a farm relatively rat-free, with very little effort.

In 1873, the Scotch Terrier was divided into two separate classifications - the Skye Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Included in the Skye Terrier dog classifications were the same dogs who would later go on to be known as the Cairn Terrier, the Scottish Terrier, and the West Highland White Terrier. In fact, more often than not, the three different classifications could be found in the same litter, with only the coloration of the dog being used to distinguish it, one from the other. Later, a club for the Hard-haired Scotch Terrier would be formed in 1881 and would include all three varieties. Interesting to note is that, when the breed standard was approved in 1882, it accepted pure white dogs, but the presence of any white markings on these dogs would be considered a fault.

Near the turn of the century, the breeders of the Scottish Terrier began to separate from the main club and breed along their own lines. Shortly thereafter, the White Scottish Terrier Club was requesting separate classes for the white terriers and the West Highland White Terrier would become its own breed. The remaining dogs, however, would face their own troubles. The Inverness show of 1909 listed classes for what were known as Short-haired Skyes and this caused much debate over how confusing the name could be. Further proof of this was made evident in 1910, at the Crufts dog show, when a judge refused to judge the Short-haired Skye Terriers because she felt them to be in the wrong classes. It was then suggested that the Short-haired Skye instead be known as the Cairn Terrier of Skye, since the rock cairns were a common hiding place for the mammals which this spunky little dog would be set after.

By 1912, the name would be shortened simply to the Cairn Terrier and, as they say, the rest is history.

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Cairn Terrier Dog Appearance

The Cairn Terrier is a very small, short-legged dog of the terrier type and is well-known for his game attitude and appearance. Solidly-built, without appearing bulky, these wonderful little dogs are broad in the chest and ribs, as well as having powerful hindquarters. Their heads are known to be both shorter and wider than other terriers, giving them an adorably sweet appearance and somewhat foxy expression. The tail of these scruffy little dogs is commonly held aloft, but tends to be very straight and should not bend over the back.

These sweet little half-pints of energy can be found in any color except for white, though it is preferred that the Cairn Terrier have a dark muzzle, ears, and the tip of his tail should also be dark. Their coat is very hard and scruffy to the touch and is very weather-resistant. With a double-coat, they have a short and soft undercoat and a longer, harsh outer coat. It's not uncommon for this adorable fellow to look like he has bed head, even after a brushing, but that's all a part of his charm.

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Cairn Terrier Grooming

One look at the Cairn Terrier and you basically know that this is not a dog that’s going to stand still long enough to let you do some sort of fancy-shmancy poodle type of haircut on him. No pompons or doohickeys, thanks! No, the Cairn Terrier has a very simple style and that's the classic bed-head do. A weekly brushing and a chance to run the comb through his coat, ensuring there are no mats, and "scruffy" is good to go. If you simply must do something creative, a pair of scissors, gently applied, may be used to trim the occasional trouble spot on family pets.

In addition to brushing, you will want to give your Cairn Terrier baths as needed. Generally, this only means about once a month, but if you have a Cairn who likes to dig in the dirt and then roll around in the worms, it may be beneficial to bathe him a bit more often, particularly if you have white carpeting. Don’t forget to trim his toenails when you do so.

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Cairn Terrier Exercise Needs

This spunky little terrier is bred to lead an active lifestyle and he truly does enjoy it. Always on the go, they seem to be positively filled with energy, whether it's bolting prey from the cairns of his namesake or tearing around the living room, these little guys love to move. If you're thinking about a Cairn Terrier, you had best be prepared to spend a fair amount of time with your little guy, taking him for a couple of daily walks per day (don't worry, they don’t have to be far though). Be wary leaving these little impish canines alone in the fenced-in yard, however. One thing that a Cairn certainly loves to do is dig and many are escape artists.

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Cairn Terrier Temperament

The Cairn is a terrier, through and through; he may only stand a little over a foot high, but he’s not afraid to take on things much larger and much meaner than himself, often getting himself into a world of trouble. This is a spunky, determined and active individual who strongly seems to believe that the Devil makes use of idle hands (or paws, as the case may be). Rough and rowdy, they have a strong tendency to chase other animals and some individuals can be very stubborn and difficult to housebreak. For best results, get them involved in obedience courses at a young age and, if your dog is overly active, perhaps contact local breeders to learn more about Earthdog competitions.

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Cairn Terrier Training

Training the Cairn Terrier takes patience and understanding. A naturally busy and energetic dog, they can be somewhat difficult to keep focused, so obedience training is highly recommended. Clicker-training success has been noted with some, as it keeps the dog more focused upon their owner, waiting to hear the sound. Either way, Cairn Terriers work very well with the positive reinforcement method of training - don’t ever try to physically discipline your Cairn, however, as this can make them shy, sneaky, and nippish.

Cairn Terrier Health

Like any breed of dog, the purebred Cairn Terrier is subject to a variety of health concerns. For this reason, when deciding to choose a new Cairn Terrier puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful little dogs. A good breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Cairn Terriers include:

Allergies
Cataracts
Craniomandibular osteopathy
Globoid cell leukodystrophy
Heart defects
Hypothyroidism
Legg-Perethes syndrome
Luxated patella
Ocular melanosis
Portal shunt
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Von Willebrands disease

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Is the Cairn Terrier Right For You?

The Cairn Terrier is a wonderful family pet in the right home, but he is a pet that takes a fair amount of attention in order to keep him happy and healthy. Requiring regular exercise and his tendency to harass the cat may be too bothersome for some would-be owners. Likewise, his love of digging and causing mischief may also weigh heavily. If you can get past those small hurdles and still want one of these sweet and loving dogs, a Cairn Terrier may very well be the right dog for you. Be sure to check out several breeders and get to know some of them in person before you make any final decisions but, for the right family, the Cairn Terrier is the perfect little scruffy dog.

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Cairn Terrier Prices

Average Cairn Terrier Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Cairn Terrier dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Cairn Terrier puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Cairn Terrier dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Cairn Terrier puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Cairn Terrier breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Cairn Terrier prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Cairn Terrier puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Cairn Terrier Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Cairn Terrier puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Cairn Terrier Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Cairn Terrier breeders. We actively screen Cairn Terrier breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Cairn Terrier breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Cairn Terrier puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Cairn Terrier puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Cairn Terrier dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Cairn Terrier Resources:

• Cairn Terrier Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Cairn Terrier Breed Profile
• Cairn Terrier Pictures
• Cairn Terrier Videos

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