Spirited and animated, with a strong sense of humour, a Cairn Terrier is an excitable, loving dog with a sweet disposition. They love getting involved in family life and make charming pets.

114-cairn-terrier

The Cairn Terrier’s reputation as ‘best pal in the world’ is well-deserved. They are sweet, animated and full of love. Known to handle rough play and have a wonderful sense of humour, this spirited, cheeky dog is great with children. They are lively and spirited and will befriend other dogs, however they must be socialised to befriend any cats around the house. Teach your Cairn Terrier to accept other pets from a young age otherwise they will be fixated on chasing them.

They have a strong personality and tend to have a stubborn streak. Train your Cairn Terrier with a gentle yet firm hand and they’ll soon be sitting and high-fiving on command. With moderate energy needs, your Cairn Terrier needs daily exercise. A daily run and games of fetch will keep them happy. Your Cairn Terrier will even enjoy a swim on a hot day. Is gardening a favourite past-time? Think twice about a Cairn Terrier as they are known diggers.

Fun fact: Toto, the beloved dog in The Wizard of Oz,

was a Cairn Terrier.

Quick to announce guests, you can rely on your canine as a watchdog and they are both friendly yet reserved with strangers. They suit apartment living if exercised enough. Cairn Terriers are hypoallergenic and shed an average amount. Groom your pet by brushing their coat weekly. Twice a year, during moulting season, their coat needs to be professionally groomed. Expect your Cairn Terrier to live for 14-15 years.

Scheduled six-monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. It’s important that together with your vet a preventative healthcare program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Cairn Terriers are prone to bone developmental issues such as patellar luxation and eye problems.

Size

They are a small-sized breed weighing 6-7.5kgs with an average height of 28-31cms.

Space

These small dogs can adapt to apartment living if exercised enough.

Energy Levels

They have moderate energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy.

Difficulty Of Training

They are intelligent dogs and can learn quickly, but show signs of stubbornness.

Family suitability

Great family pets, loyal companions and good watchdogs. 

Suitability to other pets

If socialised from a young age, your dog will befriend other pets.

Need for company

They have a high need for company and enjoy being by their humans side at all times. 

Hypoallergenic dog breed?

Yes

Coat and grooming needs

This breed requires low maintenance. Brush weekly and hand strip the coat twice a year during moulting season. They have a short medium coat in cream, wheaten, red, grey or nearly black with brindling in all colours.

Shedding

They shed moderately.

Tendency to bark

They have a low tendency to bark so don’t expect much noise.

Similar pets you may like

Australian Terrier

Border Terrier

West Highland White Terrier