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You are here: Home / Breeds / Small / Cairn Terrier Overview

Cairn Terrier Overview

Alternate Names

Short-Haired Skye Terrier

Appearance:

Body: Small, sturdy, and compact, with a level back, and well-sprung ribs. The body is slightly longer than it is tall

Coat: Harsh, weather-resistant outer coat and soft undercoat

Color: Cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled. Solid black, black and tan, or solid white are not accepted by many kennel clubs

Ears: Small and pointed, alert and carried erect

Eyes: Dark hazel, wide-set, and somewhat sunken with shaggy eyebrows

Feet: Thickly padded. Forefeet are larger than the back feet

Head: Small with a short, strong muzzle, black nose, and fox-like expression

Legs: Forelegs are well-boned, straight and of medium length. Hind legs are muscular with well let-down hocks

Neck: Forelegs are straight, strong, and parallel. Hind legs are straight and well-muscled

Size:
Weight: 13 – 18 pounds (6 – 8kg)
Height: 9 – 13 inches (23 – 33cm)

Tail: Short, well-covered with hair, and carried erect

Behavior

  • Recommended for an owner with some dog handling experience
  • Not recommended for young children unless supervised
  • Can be aggressive with other dogs

Once used to locate and chase vermin from the Cairns (rocks) on the farms in the Scottish Highlands, the Cairn Terrier has a small but rugged body, keen sense of sight and smell, and a weather-resistant coat making him well-suited for his work.

While used mostly as companion dogs today, the Cairn is still very much a true terrier breed of dog. If you decide to be the owner of a Cairn Terrier it’s best you know right up front that he is, in his eyes, “King” of the roost. His busybody personality will insist on being a part of everything you do and going everywhere you go. He’s quite capable of holding his own on long walks, hikes, in playful activities, and with other animals who may be twice his size.

His inquisitive nature makes him a good watch dog as he will insist on checking out each and every movement or noise he detects. Sometimes, a Cairn will not only bark at the site of a stranger but will also lunge at the door with all four paws to announce that a visitor is approaching.

If well socialized as a puppy, the Cairn Terrier will accept older children but younger children should be supervised until they have learned how to respect and properly treat a dog. Small dogs are often injured from being dropped, stepped on, rolled onto in bed or sat on. Be sure to provide your Cairn with a safe corner of his own where he can rest undisturbed.

This highly intelligent and quick learning breed requires training that is comprehensive and started at a young age. Training should include a variety of mentally and physically challenging exercises to prevent him from losing focus or becoming bored with repetition. He’s a sensitive dog who will respond best to positive training methods including gentle correction, treat-type rewards, and lots of praise for a job well done.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Terrier Group

Originated in Scotland to hunt rodents, fox, otter, and weasel.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Daily exercise in a must. Long walks and chasing toys will keep him fit and trim.

Grooming: Brush twice weekly. Clip nails regularly to prevent them from becoming ingrown.

Health

Life Expectancy: 14 – 15 Years

Possible Problems:
Diabetes
Glaucoma
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Legg-Perthes
Liver Shunt
Low Thyroid
Luxating Patella (dislocated knee cap)
Seizures
Possible allergic reactions to corn.

 

Related Posts

  1. Bedlington Terrier Overview
  2. Dandie Dinmont Terrier Overview
  3. Sealyham Terrier Overview
  4. Skye Terrier Overview

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