Cairn terrier – character, disposition, price

Reading time: 6 minutes

The Cairn Terrier is a small but fearless and energetic dog that originated in Scotland. The breed’s name comes from the word “cairn,” which means a pile of stones that was a typical hiding place for vermin such as foxes and badgers – the natural enemies of these dogs. They were bred specifically for hunting in difficult mountain terrain and are known for their courage, endurance and adaptability. Whether you are looking for a faithful companion, a capable working dog or a friend for children, the Cairn Terrier can be an excellent choice.

Cairn terrier – breed description and appearance

The Cairn Terrier is a medium-sized dog with the typical expressive appearance of terriers and an energetic temperament. The height at the withers ranges from 28 to 31 cm, and the weight is from 6 to 7.5 kg. Their coat is coarse and thickened, with a soft undercoat that provides excellent protection from the cold and damp. The color can range from cream to almost black, with solid colors such as gray, red or sand being the most common.

They have large, dark eyes and prominent ears that are always upright. The breed’s pattern notes that they should be “as far apart as possible, but not on the sides of the head.” The Cairn Terrier’s tail is also distinctive – it is short, but is never carried over the back.

Character of the Cairn terrier dog breed

Skills – what should you know?

The Cairn Terrier is a typical terrier, which means it is full of energy, curiosity and readiness for action. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, which still influences their personality today. They are excellent diggers, fiercely hunt small animals such as rodents, and have a natural guarding instinct. Nonetheless, they are also very loyal and attached to their family, making them excellent house dogs.

What kind of personality does it have?

Cairn Terriers are highly intelligent, independent and energetic dogs that are also extremely loyal and devoted to their owners. They are very social and love to play, so they feel comfortable in active families. However, due to their independence, they can be a bit stubborn, which can cause problems during training.

Cairn terrier – how to train and raise?

Cairn Terriers are intelligent dogs that like to be mentally stimulated. They are eager to learn, but their independent nature can sometimes make training difficult. It is important to keep training varied and interesting to keep their attention. Use positive training methods, such as rewards and praise, to motivate them to learn.

Who is a Cairn terrier suitable for?

The Cairn Terrier is an excellent choice for active individuals and families who have the time to devote to regular exercise and mental stimulation for these dogs. They can be good dogs for families with children, as they are very social and love to play. However, they should be properly socialized and trained from a young age to ensure that they behave well in a variety of situations.

Cairn terrier – price

The price of a Cairn Terrier puppy can vary depending on many factors, such as the reputation of the breeder, the quality of the pedigree, the age and health of the puppy. In USA, the average price for a puppy with a pedigree is about $725 – $1,450. Keep in mind that you should add to the purchase cost the expenses for accessories, food, veterinary care and training.

Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

Despite the many advantages, there are also some disadvantages associated with owning a Cairn Terrier. They can be stubborn, which can make the training process difficult. Their hunting instinct can also lead them to chase small animals. They also require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.

Advantages

Cairn Terriers are very social and energetic dogs that love people and are very loyal to their family. They are also very intelligent, which makes them good for various types of training. Their small size makes them good for living in both large homes and smaller apartments.

Cairn terrier – Health, diseases and grooming

Nutrition

The Cairn Terrier, like any dog, requires a balanced diet to stay healthy. They should receive high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size and activity level. Remember to avoid overfeeding, as they may tend to gain weight.

Grooming

The Cairn Terrier’s coat requires regular grooming. Brushing at least once a week is recommended to remove dead hair and prevent matting. In addition, they should be shorn regularly to keep their coat in good condition.

Diseases

Cairn Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like any breed, they are prone to certain health problems. Common diseases that can affect this breed include hip dysplasia, eye diseases such as cataracts, allergies and thyroid problems.

Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?

When preparing to welcome a Cairn Terrier into your home, you’ll need to think about the basics, such as a food and water bowl, a bed, a leash and collar, chew toys and chews for play. In addition, you will need a brush to groom their coat and possibly a clipper.

History of the Cairn terrier dog breed

Origins

The history of the Cairn Terrier breed begins in Scotland, where they were used for centuries to hunt pests. Their ability to locate and dislodge animals from nests and cavities, often hidden under piles of stones (cairns), contributed to their name. Terriers used in upland hunting had to be not only skillful and sturdy, but also brave and stubborn to face such foes as foxes and badgers.

Development of the breed

In the late 19th century, as dog breeding became a popular hobby, Scottish breeders began to develop and diversify the terriers that were used for work. As a result, various breeds were developed, such as the Skye Terrier, Scottish Terrier and West Highland White Terrier. The Cairn Terrier, while showing similarities to these breeds, retained many of the characteristics of the original working terrier, including a coarse coat and a strong hunting instinct.

The first dog shows of the breed were held in the early 20th century. In 1910, the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in Britain, and the first Cairn Terrier breed club was established two years later. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the breed grew in popularity, especially in the United States.

Today

Today, the Cairn Terrier is popular around the world, both as a domestic companion and as a show dog. They are known for their independence, energy and courage, as well as their sociability and loyalty to their family. Many people appreciate them for their unique character and charm, which reminds us of their Scottish roots.

Cairn terrier dog breed pattern

The Cairn Terrier pattern, approved by the International Kennel Federation (FCI), accurately describes both the physical characteristics of the breed and its distinctive personality.

According to this standard, the Cairn Terrier is a small, well-built and active dog, with a proportional body structure that gives the impression of strength and mobility. The length of the trunk in relation to the height at the withers is 10:9, which makes the dog look elongated, but without exaggeration.

The head of the Cairn Terrier is proportional to the rest of the body. The forehead is broad, and the stop (the place where the forehead meets the muzzle) is clearly marked. The eyes are small, set deeply and almond-shaped, with an intense, intelligent gaze. The ears are medium-sized, triangular-shaped and upright, with rounded tips.

The Cairn Terrier’s coat is one of the breed’s most recognizable features. It is rough and curly, with a soft undercoat that provides protection from harsh weather conditions. The coat color varies and can include many shades, including cream, red, gray or almost black.

The breed standard emphasizes that the Cairn Terrier is an energetic, lively, confident and fearless dog. Despite their small size, they are determined dogs who are not afraid to face a challenge. At the same time, these dogs are loyal and very attached to their owners, which makes them excellent companions.

Cairn terrier – interesting facts about the breed

The Cairn Terrier, although not one of the most famous dogs in the world, has many interesting aspects that deserve attention.

1. Origin of the name: The name Cairn Terrier comes from the word “cairn”, which in Scottish Gaelic means a pile of stones. In the past, such piles of stones were used to mark boundaries or burial sites, but they were also a popular shelter for the pests the terriers hunted.
2. Movie fame: The most famous Cairn Terrier is probably Toto from the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” In fact, the dog playing Toto, named Terry, was a female. Terry appeared in 16 films in her career, but it was the role of Toto that brought her the most fame.
3. Variety of colors: The Cairn Terrier is one of the few breeds that can come in so many different coat colors. According to the breed’s standard, almost all colors are allowed, from black, through grays, all shades of red, sand, cream, to almost white. Interestingly, the color of the Cairn Terrier’s coat can change during their lifetime.
4. Excellent working dogs: Despite their small size, Cairn Terriers are tenacious and courageous dogs that excel as working dogs. Their natural hunting instinct makes them adept at tracking and herding pests, and their independence and determination make them excellent workers.
5. Breed “sister”: The Cairn Terrier has a “sister breed” – West Highland White Terrier, also known as Westie. Both breeds were bred in Scotland and have similar characteristics, although the Westie is always white, while the Cairn Terrier can come in many different colors.