How to Groom a Cairland Terrier

The Cairland terrier is a cross between the Cairn terrier and the West Highland white terrier. It has the small stature and upright ears of the Cairn and the profile of the Westie. The Cairland comes in black, brown, brindle, gray and wheaten. Its coat resembles the Cairn in that it is a double coat which doesn't shed, with soft, downy fur underneath a harsh outer coat. Cairlands, like Cairns and Westies, have minds of their own and can be independent, fun-loving little dogs.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Dog Shampoo
  • Hairdryer
  • Stripping Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your Cairland terrier's fur healthy with regular brushing, at least weekly. Use a slicker brush for the dog's wiry coat. This will help remove any dead hair. Since the Cairland does not shed, its coat will need to be stripped or plucked several times a year to remove the dead hair.

    • 2

      Bathe your Cairland to prepare the coat for stripping. This breed does not need frequent baths but should be bathed prior to stripping the coat to separate the hair and fluff it up. Bathing the dog in warm water also helps the hair release. Use a shampoo designed for rough-coated dogs.

    • 3

      Dry your dog with a hairdryer on a low setting, or let it air dry. The dog should be completely dry before stripping the coat.

    • 4

      Strip the coat gradually by plucking a bit out with your hands over time ̵1; an easier process for you and the dog ̵1; or you can strip the coat all at once with a stripping knife. If you do pull the hair, concentrate on longer, straggly hairs that are sticking out. Begin behind the dog's neck and work your way down the body. Grasp the hair with your thumb and forefinger while holding the skin back with your other hand and pull in the direction the hair grows. Pluck only a few hairs at a time, and pull gently. Follow the same process if you use a stripping knife.

    • 5
      Cairland terriers make wonderful family pets.

      Trim your Cairland's face as well. This should be done carefully since the face and ears are more sensitive. It isn't necessary to take much of the hair on the face, just the longer hair to neaten the dog's appearance.