Everything You Need to Know About Cairn Terriers

Cairn terriers are energetic working dogs that are native to Scotland in the United Kingdom -- specifically to both the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. These slight pooches were considered useful for their management of nuisance animals on farms, whether badgers, foxes or anything else. By barking, these terriers intimidated vermin animals in their "cairn" resting spots, therefore allowing farmers sufficient time to destroy them.

  1. Physical Appearance

    • Starting from the shoulder region, cairn terriers are usually between 9.5 and 10 inches in height. Weight-wise, these smallish canines are generally between 13 and 14 pounds. The texture of the cairn terrier coat is rough. Cairn terriers appear in many different colors, from beige and gray to black and red. Deeper coloration on the tail ends, ears and lower face is often considered to be optimal. Several noteworthy physical characteristics of these doggies are short limbs, somewhat lengthy bodies, big feet, wide heads, sizable teeth, dark noses and angular ears.

    Temperament

    • Cairn terriers, throughout history, have been hailed as assiduous and dedicated dogs. Some of the behavioral and temperament characteristics that are often associated with these canines are intelligence, bravery, inquisitiveness, devotion, self-assurance and amiability. When it comes to taking in new information, cairn terriers are speedy. With effective training and monitoring, they usually get along famously with older children and tend to exhibit high levels of patience. Digging is a common behavior in cairn terriers.

    Coat Management

    • Cairn terriers are fluffy little dogs, and therefore require consistent grooming efforts. Without sufficient brushing, their fur can quickly develop unsightly masses and clumps of persistent knots and tangles. Cairn terriers call for brushing sessions at least once per week. Shedding isn't a major issue for them. With brushing, you can easily remove any of these dogs' stray hairs.

    Physical Fitness

    • The key to a healthy and content cairn terrier is routine physical fitness. It is important to ensure that these cuties go out for walks at least twice each day. Apart from strolls, cairn terriers also enjoy vigorous playtime -- think playing catch, for example. They are suitable for most types of living environments, whether rural farms or urban condominiums.

    Health

    • In terms of health, cairn terriers are generally tough creatures, with no especially common risks. Members of this breed, however, occasionally experience medical problems such as knee and hip conditions. The typical life expectancy for cairn terriers is between 12 to 15 years. It is not uncommon for cairn terriers to stay lively and brisk even when they're on the older side.