Cairn Terrier
General
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds and originated in the Scottish Highlands and were used by farmers, crofters and shepherd for pest control such as foxes, rabbits, badgers and rats and mice . The name came about due to the dogs main function which was to chase prey between the cairns in the Scottish highlands and for sporting.
They are well known for their 'gameness' and the ability to ignore pain and keep on going. An interesting point is that they are predominately left pawed. It is believed that dogs that tend to be left pawed, are usually far better in any task related to scenting.
These are lovely little dogs that are very friendly to people and other dogs. They are independent, can be a little bossy and stubborn when it comes to training,
The British breed club’s motto, “The best little pal in the world,” describes the true nature of a Cairn Terrier today.
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds and originated in the Scottish Highlands and were used by farmers, crofters and shepherd for pest control such as foxes, rabbits, badgers and rats and mice . The name came about due to the dogs main function which was to chase prey between the cairns in the Scottish highlands and for sporting.
They are well known for their 'gameness' and the ability to ignore pain and keep on going. An interesting point is that they are predominately left pawed. It is believed that dogs that tend to be left pawed, are usually far better in any task related to scenting.
These are lovely little dogs that are very friendly to people and other dogs. They are independent, can be a little bossy and stubborn when it comes to training,
The British breed club’s motto, “The best little pal in the world,” describes the true nature of a Cairn Terrier today.
Is this the right dog for you?
Although this breed is extremely friendly, they are also full of beans and a daily walk is necessary. They do not do well being left alone and are prone to separation anxiety, so early training of Alone Time training is a good idea.
They can be stubborn and rather bossy (as with many working dogs as they are bred to be independent), so training can be a bit of a challenge. Only positive reinforcement methods should be used, with plenty of praise being given.
Being terrier they are prone to chase and also to dig. A good idea is a digging pit which is stocked daily to keep them busy, which will safeguard your garden, especially if the dog is bored or frustrated.
They can be reactive towards other dogs, so early and continued socialization is necessary and one must be careful with them when meeting new dogs - always on neutral territory.
As with many of the other terrier breeds, they do tend to be barkers, especially when hearing noises and when people arrive, when left alone as well. It is a good idea to train the dog not to bark, on cue when it is still young.
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
On average the Cairn Terrier is not particularly friendly towards other dogs, regardless of their size. It is far better to bring the Cairn into the home environment as a pup.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
On average the Cairn Terrier is not particularly friendly towards other dogs, regardless of their size. It is far better to bring the Cairn into the home environment as a pup.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
This breed can be really scrappy with other dogs, but will co-exist with them more readily than some other terriers. However, strange animals may be a different story.
This breed can be really scrappy with other dogs, but will co-exist with them more readily than some other terriers. However, strange animals may be a different story.
Do they get on with other animals?
This dog was bred to hunt and will go after anything that moves, regardless of the size, so small animals around is not recommended.
This dog was bred to hunt and will go after anything that moves, regardless of the size, so small animals around is not recommended.
Are they good with children?
Though they make love family dogs, small kids and the Cairn are not a good match. They are not known to be patient and small children may annoy them to the extent they may last out.
Though they make love family dogs, small kids and the Cairn are not a good match. They are not known to be patient and small children may annoy them to the extent they may last out.
Health
The following conditions are commonly seen in Cairn Terriers:
Allergies, Globoid cell leukodystrophy (a hereditary disease), atopy, cataracts, congenital polycystic liver disease, cryptorchidism, globoid cell leukodystrophy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, ocular melanosis, patellar luxation and PRA.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
The following conditions are commonly seen in Cairn Terriers:
Allergies, Globoid cell leukodystrophy (a hereditary disease), atopy, cataracts, congenital polycystic liver disease, cryptorchidism, globoid cell leukodystrophy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, ocular melanosis, patellar luxation and PRA.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place and as this breed can be reactive to strange dogs, must be ongoing.
- Give daily, regular exercise which this breed really needs.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Supply mental games such as behaviour games, scenting games etc in the garden to mentally stimulate this breed.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop