The Cairn terrier is a small hardy dog breed. Weighing an average of 14 pounds, the cairn terrier uses are primarily those of a friendly companion dog that excels at hunting. They can be trained to compete in performance events, such as agility and obedience trials, but they tend not to possess the intelligence needed for these kinds of tasks.

Cairn terriers are a long-lived breed that typically lives between 14 and 16 years and sometimes even longer.

The original purpose of the cairn terrier was hunting vermin in farms throughout Great Britain on behalf of farmers. However, due to societal changes, it has become more common for people to keep pets like cats instead of farm animals, so its use within today’s world is primarily as a companion dog that families can enjoy for years.

The cairn terrier is loyal to its family and enjoys being around people of all ages and other pets. However, as a hunting dog, it tends to be fearless towards unfamiliar animals such as cats, so new owners must take the time to train their dogs to prevent any accidents or unwanted altercations before they can occur.

They are an active breed with lots of energy, so prospective owners must provide them with at least an hour of exercise each day. They have been known to make good agility dogs, but they need ample training first like anything else. 

Cairn terriers tend not to bark too much but will do so if someone approaches their home uninvited.

Owners must take them on a daily walk throughout their lives to prevent them from developing behavioral problems. 

Cairns is also known to have a propensity towards digging and chewing when isolated at home, so keep this in mind if you tend to plant anything outside your house or live in an apartment.

Training, exercise, and attention are crucial for this breed of dog since they need all three things to bond with other humans as well as animals, so don’t ever leave a Cairn terrier alone without giving him his fair share of these things, or he may develop habits that will make him difficult to live with.

Cairn terriers are generally healthy dogs that have been known to be susceptible to hypothyroidism, retinal atrophy, and cardiomyopathy throughout their lives. It is essential that owners take them to the veterinarian to detect these issues before they become severe since untreated health problems can lead to death. 

They also tend to shed a lot, so be prepared for more hair around your house than you may be accustomed to. Avoid leaving this breed of dog home alone for long periods as it could develop behavior problems and anxiety after being left alone too much. 

Cairn terriers do not respond well when corrected harshly and should never be physically abused by their owners or anyone else.

If you are looking for a loyal pet that is energetic, playful, and adorable, the Cairn terrier may be the dog for you! They love to be around people of all ages and children, so make sure to take them on plenty of walks throughout their lives to prevent behavioral problems from developing. 

Since cairns have been known to leave hair everywhere, owners must prepare themselves for more cleaning than they may be accustomed to.

Is the cairn terrier hypoallergenic?

Yes, kind of! The Cairn terrier is considered a hypoallergenic dog, but it’s important to understand that 100% hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist.
Cairn terriers, like all dogs, shed. And all dogs are going to have dander, which is the protein that accumulates on their body and eventually gets released through saliva or skin. However, the Cairn terrier does have less frequent shedding than some other small dogs like puppies. So, if you are allergic to other dog breeds, you might find that this breed will suit your needs better because there isn’t much hair floating around the house from this little dog!

If you want to ensure that they don’t cause you any allergic reactions, visit one to see what happens!

How much exercise do they need?

The Cairn Terrier is a moderate energy dog that can adapt to apartment life as long as it gets daily walks.
Cairns can run great distances, so you may be able to let him walk with no restrictions. However, make sure you have a leash handy if he starts to get too far ahead towards something potentially dangerous (roads, etc.). Do not allow your dog to roam free unless you have fenced off your yard because this breed loves to take off after any animal at high speeds. Be prepared to take him for long runs and hikes because they love running and playing outside.

What is the temperament of a Cairn terrier?

The cairn terrier breed has a happy-go-lucky, playful, and energetic disposition. This makes them great to be around! They will always bring joy into your life no matter what you are up to. But if they become bored with their daily activities, they might get frustrated or start exhibiting destructive behaviors. So please speak with your breeder about their early socialization process before bringing home a new puppy!

Their short coat requires little grooming, so that is one less thing you will need to worry about when taking care of them. They also don’t shed very much, making it easy for you to keep up with their grooming needs.

Cairn terriers can tend to be “one person” dogs, meaning they prefer one person over others in the family. This doesn’t mean that the bond between owner and pet cannot grow; it just means that it might take longer before your little guy is as friendly as everyone else in the family. The most important thing is to spend time with your new puppy and build up a strong bond early on so that they enjoy spending time with everyone close to them.

When you bring home a Cairn terrier, you must get them around other people, small children, cats, and dogs from an early age. They are great for people who live in an apartment or don’t have a ton of space outside. They also work well in various outdoor environments, from city living to hiking and camping! So if you want a small dog with a big personality, this is an excellent option for you!

Do cairn terriers bark a lot?

Yes, they do. They are very vocal dogs. If you have never lived with one, it would be difficult to explain how often they bark at every little noise or movement around them. A new puppy will certainly bark even more than an adult cairn terrier. Even though young puppies are very good at learning, they certainly need a lot of guidance and help from you, their owner.

Are they good family dogs?

The Cairns are extremely intelligent, lively, and energetic dogs with powerful chase instincts due to their strong hunting instincts. In addition, this breed is one of the most affectionate dogs you will ever come across as they love nothing more than being close to family members, including kids. They are always ready for playtime or even a walk and make a great family pet!

What about cats?

Cairn Terriers are bred to hunt vermin, such as rats and rabbits. How well a Cairn Terrier will do with your cat depends on the temperament of the dog and the behavior of your cat. If the dog shows a natural tendency to chase, they will likely do so with your cat. If the Cairn Terrier knows and respects cats as a non-food species, you should be fine, but socializing early could help.
Never leave your cat alone with any aggressive or overly energetic dogs. You never know what the dog might do!

Caring For Your Cairn Terrier (Health)

Being a very healthy breed, there aren’t many major health concerns associated with the Cairn terrier. However, occasionally you will find dogs prone to issues such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation – where they may experience lameness or pain in their knees. Keep an eye on your puppy’s development from an early age, and if you notice anything out of the ordinary, then it’s best to contact your vet for advice immediately!

Cairn Terrier Wall Art