Cairn Terrier

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How to pronounce Cairn Terrier: keuhn teh·ree·uh

Cairn Terriers are small, moderately active dogs first bred in the Scottish Highlands for hunting. Their coat is medium in length, wiry, and usually brindled, black, cream, sandy, red, or grey in colour.

If you’ve seen The Wizard of Oz, then you’ve seen a Cairn Terrier. Terry the Cairn Terrier popularised the breed with her Oscar-worthy portrayal of Toto in the 1939 film.

When it comes to behaviour, each doggo has their own traits and quirks. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re taking a look at everything Cairn Terrier, bringing you the important facts and things to consider.

Could you give a Cairn Terrier a forever home?

Caring for Cairn Terriers

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Cairn Terrier.

Health issues

Before giving a Cairn Terrier a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for Cairn Terriers...

Before giving a Cairn Terrier a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for Cairn Terriers, speak to your local vet. Some practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These tell you about potential health conditions, management options and an idea of financial costs.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can advise you on finding a responsible breeder and testing for genetic diseases.

Any breed of dog needs basic preventative healthcare like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. Pet insurance is also important to help cover your vet bills.

How much food does a Cairn Terrier need?

There is no set amount for how much food your Cairn Terrier need. This depends on their:

age
size
activity levels
fitness
weight.

There is no set amount for how much food your Cairn Terrier need. This depends on their:

age
size
activity levels
fitness
weight.

The information on dog food packets can be a helpful guide, but you still need to adapt the portion size to your dog’s individual needs.

It’s helpful to know your Cairn Terrier’s body condition when deciding how much food to give them. You can find out about body condition scoring through the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA).

Check with your vet to find out more.

How much exercise does a Cairn Terrier need?

Cairn Terriers are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, bu...

Cairn Terriers are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.

Cairn Terriers, like all dogs, need training and daily enrichment. When exercising your Cairn Terrier, consider their:

age
health
personality.

Young or growing pups, for example, might need a few short walks instead of one long one. Exercise plans for older, injured, or ill dogs may need to be adapted based on advice from your vet. Quiet, peaceful walks may suit some dogs, where others may require something more sociable.

Ask your vet for advice on exercising your dog.

How much grooming does a Cairn Terrier need?

Cairn Terriers shed very little. To ease your dog into handling and grooming, introduce it step by step and in a positive way. Your dog feeling relaxed and confident will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone invo...

What crate size do you need for a Cairn Terrier?

In their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

sit and stand at their full height
turn around without touching the edges
lie down at full stretch
comfortably wag their tail....

Cairn Terrier behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about Cairn Terriers, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

What's the temperament of a Cairn Terrier?

Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.

Two Cairn Terriers, for example, may have very different ways of reacting to certain situations...

Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.

Two Cairn Terriers, for example, may have very different ways of reacting to certain situations. They also have different likes and dislikes.

Some dogs might love socialising with other puppy pals while others may not. One might crave excitement while another finds a more relaxing atmosphere enjoyable.

Are Cairn Terriers easy to train?

You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can us...

You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can use it as a reward during training to help them enjoy the learning.

Make sure to work on useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling with your dog. This will help you both feel relaxed and confident in tackling your daily life together.

Are Cairn Terriers good with children?

Each dog’s personality is shaped by their experiences of the world and they respond differently to certain situations.

But there are some universal ways to treat any dog, including Cairn Terriers, respect...

Each dog’s personality is shaped by their experiences of the world and they respond differently to certain situations.

But there are some universal ways to treat any dog, including Cairn Terriers, respectfully and behave safely around them. This is an essential skill for the whole family; adults and children.

Why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? Our family workshops on are suitable for children aged 7 to 11. Booking one of these sessions could help your situation.

On this page..

Caring for Cairn Terriers

Health issues

Why dog insurance is important

Preparing for your new dog

How to have a happy vet visit

How to perform a health check on your dog

How much food does a Cairn Terrier need?

How much exercise does a Cairn Terrier need?

Enrichment activities to keep your dog enterta...

How to find a good dog walker

How much grooming does a Cairn Terrier need?

What crate size do you need for a Cairn Terrier?

Playpen and crate training a p...

Cairn Terrier behaviour and training

What's the temperament of a Cairn Terrier?

How to understand your dog's body language

Introducing your new dog or puppy to your curr...

Introducing your puppy to the ...

Are Cairn Terriers easy to train?

Top 10 dog training tips

Positive reinforcement – training with rewards...

Are Cairn Terriers good with children?

Getting a dog when you have ch...

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