Over 200 years ago in Scotland, the Cairn Terrier was first bred. This pal is a small working terrier that most farmers control to keep vermin off their land. When you want to eradicate pests in your backyard or land, you certainly need a dog with courage, persistence, and intelligence, all of which are still present in today’s Cairn.
This dog breed is intelligent, brave, and capable of surviving through tough situations. When you select a Cairn Terrier as your pet, you are likely to have a lovely companion who is active, friendly, enjoys playing games, and is easily motivated. Small but rugged, this dog is a loving buddy and family member. Even so, is this the right dog breed for you?
Cairn Terrier Breed
Personality Traits
The Cairn Terrier possesses all of the characteristics of a pleasant companion that you wish you could have. This dog breed is known for its friendly demeanor, which makes them an excellent family pet.
Moreover, the Cairn Terrier is highly affectionate toward children and is generally respectful of them. In fact, he takes pleasure in the commotion and noise that comes with having children around. If they are appropriately trained, they will definitely be great friends with other pets.
This furry pal, however, can be really, really active! Thus, you might need to allot most of your time training them in the backyard to ensure that they will be in the best shape possible. Also, if not, they can be mischievous — more aggressive. Nonetheless, they are incredibly trainable with their wit and intelligence, primarily when provided with positive reinforcements such as treats and encouragements!
Also, they can be a great guard in one’s household. Despite his small size, he is very independent and a powerful dog. He is a feisty, strong-willed small terrier. He is very aware of his surroundings and will alert their owners to any novel activity quickly. They can either be friendly or reserved to unusual faces, but they are very welcoming with guests.
Appearance
This canine breed is dynamic and, to some extent, intimidating, as it is always on the hunt for a new adventure. The species is friendly and faithful to its neighbors, yet it is also courageous and remarkable. It is why its appearance is also an addition for you to love the cairn terrier even more.
Based on the Cairn terrier’s looks, its skull is big, and its ears are small and erect. Their body is small, their legs are tiny, and they have a natural, high-carried tail. It is a small dog that stands nine to ten inches tall, is about 15 inches long, and weighs 13 to 14 pounds. Cairn terriers have a soft undercoat, and its shaggy, water-resistant outside coat gives them a sassy look.
When you look into its general appearance, the cairn terrier is an active, small working terrier of the short-legged class. When you have to get along with this dog, make sure you have a lot of energy because it is very accessible in its movements. Its head is short; it has a hard coat, the body is solid and firm but not heavily built. The canine breed is beautiful and curious, fast, and eager to learn new things.
Grooming And Maintenance
The edges of your cairn terrier’s hair will begin to appear goofy as the length of his coat grows longer. As a pet owner, you may need to brush your pet’s coat when necessary to ensure that there are no mats to cause problems. Once his coat grows longer, he’ll most likely need to be trimmed every now and then to keep him looking fantastic!
Although they tend to have long fur, they are not as high maintenance as you might think. Their dense double coat sheds very little, and it definitely won’t go to places, unlike other hypoallergenic breeds. If you want a dog, and you might ask, is Cairn Terrier hypoallergenic too? Well to answer that question, yes! They produce a small amount of dander that, for the most part, will not cause allergic reactions in people who suffer from allergies.
Further, these tiny terriers require a lot of physical activity to meet their activity requirements. It is highly recommended that they walk for 20-30 minutes twice a day to maintain a high quality of life. Their inquisitive nature will have them scrambling off to find something to do. They should be kept on a leash at all times but should not be left alone for an extended period. If you are considering getting a terrier for yourself, make sure that you are prepared to devote sufficient time to them.
Pet Health Care
Unfortunately, like any other dog breed, the Cairn terrier is susceptible to the dangers of living a solitary and unhealthy life, which should be avoided at all costs. If you decide to adopt this adorable pup, make sure that you can prioritize their health by providing them with the necessary vaccinations and taking them to the veterinarian regularly to ensure that they are in the best possible health.
Usually, in their golden years, most terriers suffer from heart failure. Also, they can be vulnerable to cataracts, glaucoma, atopy, and a lot more. All of which can get costly, and you might need to think twice if you can’t handle it financially. Nevertheless, choosing the right breeder can help you avoid these potential negatives if you want this canine breed as a pet. Always check out the breeder’s online and offline reputation and ask for the health history of the dog you’re getting.