Cairn terriers

February 15, 2024

The Cairn Terrier is a member of the short-legged terrier group (FCI Group 3) and is one of the oldest Scottish terrier breeds. These charming little dogs are often described as "leprechauns," and when you look at them, it's easy to see why this description is so fitting.

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Cairn Terrier - Profile

Character: Lively, courageous, independent
Size: Small
Height: 28-31 cm
Weight: 6-7.5 kg
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Coat type: medium hair
Color: Cream, Wheat, Red, Gray, and Brindle
Special features: One of the oldest terrier breeds, famous for its role as “Toto” in the film “The Wizard of Oz”
FCI Group: Low-legged Terriers

Cairn Terrier - Special Characteristics

The Cairn Terrier is a compact dog breed with a shoulder height of about 28-31 cm and a weight of 6-7.5 kg. These small dogs are characterized by their pointed ears, their adventurous eyes and their short, shaggy coat. They are often called "goblins", which is quite understandable given their appearance. Terriers were originally bred to hunt rats, foxes, wild cats and martens, which gave them a certain independence. This can be confused with stubbornness, but is usually not the case. These dogs are intelligent, attentive and eager to learn, which makes them easy to train despite their independence. Cairn Terriers are known for their cheerfulness and love of play. They are open-minded, active and always up for some fun. They can sensitively sense the mood of their owners and are often good comforters. Due to their adaptability, they are well suited as family dogs or companion dogs for individuals. Despite their small size, Cairn Terriers are fearless and confident. They are not prone to excessive barking or aggression. Their shaggy coat gives them a smart appearance and they come in a variety of colors, including cream, gray, reddish and dark brown, often brindle. Black and white coat colors are not desirable in breeding, but can occasionally occur. All colors have a dark facial mask in common.

Cairn Terrier - What should you consider when feeding them?

Cairn Terriers are generally robust dogs with a long life expectancy. One potential health issue to watch out for when feeding is patellar luxation, which is a condition in which the kneecap can pop out. This can be caused by excess weight and poorly developed muscles. Obesity is not usually a major problem with Cairn Terriers, as they are naturally agile. However, it is important to adjust the amount of food to your dog's individual needs, as each dog is unique. This is especially true for calmer or older dogs. The amount of food should also be adjusted to the dog's size, especially during puppyhood . Protein-rich foods such as poultry, offal, dairy products, and fish can help support healthy muscles. In general, a balanced and natural diet is crucial for your Cairn Terrier's health. Sweets should be avoided, as they can affect dental health and cause kidney problems.

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Cairn Terrier - Health and Care

Grooming a Cairn Terrier requires little effort as its shaggy coat is weatherproof and dirt-repellent. This is due to its original use as a hunting dog in the Scottish Highlands, where weather resistance is a crucial trait. A thorough brushing of your Cairn Terrier with a coarse comb about once a week is enough to remove any stuck-on dirt and prevent vermin infestation. However, brushing or combing too often can damage the coat structure, so restraint is advisable. The Cairn Terrier's coat is double-layered, with a rough and tough top coat over a soft undercoat. The undercoat serves to insulate the dog and protect it, so it is important not to damage the undercoat by over-brushing. Shearing should be avoided as it can endanger the undercoat. Your Cairn Terrier's coat should be trimmed, which involves pulling out dead hair, about every three to four months. This is painless for the dog and necessary to promote healthy and beautiful coat growth. It is advisable to get your dog used to trimming when it is still a puppy. Grooming also includes keeping the ears clean. You can remove any hair that has fallen out and gently clean the ears with a soft cloth. The ears should be well ventilated to prevent infections. The eyes should also be checked and cleaned occasionally for dirt in the corners of the eyes, as dirt tends to collect there and can cause infections.

Cairn Terrier - Origin & History

A proud Scotsman, the Cairn Terrier owes its name to the Gaelic word for "pile of stones," which refers to its ability to search foxholes and rat holes while hunting. The history of this breed dates back to the 16th century, when Scottish clans kept terrier-like dogs. Each clan had its own breeding direction, which gradually led to the development of the Cairn Terrier as we know it today. The Cairn Terrier is probably the oldest of the four Scottish terrier species. However, it was not officially recognized as a separate breed until 1911. Around 1910, these dogs also became popular in England, when King George V brought a Cairn Terrier from Scotland. This sparked public enthusiasm and led to a growing interest in the breed. At that time, there were still white Cairn Terriers and a long-haired variant. Later, these variants were bred as separate breeds, including the long-haired Skye Terrier and the white West Highland White Terrier, which are closely related to the Cairn Terriers. In the 1920s, white Cairn Terriers were often registered as West Highland Terriers before both variants were bred separately. Today, Cairn Terriers are popular and widespread throughout Europe. They have been bred in Germany since the 1920s, and there are also enthusiasts and clubs in Canada and the USA dedicated to this smart little breed.

Cairn Terrier - The right accessories

Cairn Terriers are extremely smart and intelligent dogs who love to play. You can get a selection of toys that will keep your dog mentally challenged and fit. Practicing clicker training can also bring a lot of joy to your Cairn Terrier, as these dogs are very eager to learn and want to please their owners. Cairn Terriers are particularly enthusiastic about small search games. They need regular mental stimulation to feel properly stimulated. You can use healthy dog treats as a reward when your Cairn Terrier is successful. In terms of grooming, a special dog brush with wire bristles is sufficient. A wide-toothed comb can complement the grooming equipment and help keep your Cairn Terrier's coat in top shape.

Cairn Terrier - Conclusion

The Cairn Terrier is a lovable and hardy breed of dog. Despite his compact body and small size, he is an intelligent and active dog who enjoys playing and being mentally stimulated. Grooming this terrier is relatively straightforward, requiring only occasional brushing and regular trimming to keep his shaggy coat in good condition. The history of the Cairn Terrier goes back a long way, and he has a long tradition as a hunting dog in Scotland. Today, he is popular throughout Europe, finding favor with both families and individuals due to his adaptability and good nature. It is important to note that despite their small size, Cairn Terriers have a strong hunting instinct that should not be suppressed but rather channeled through consistent training and control. With the right care, diet and attention, Cairn Terriers can be loyal and cheerful companions that bring a lot of joy to their owners.

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