Cairn Terrier

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Scotland

Group: Terrier

Height: 10-14 in.

Weight: 13-18 lbs.

Life span: 12-15 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: yes

Good with other pets: strong prey drive, will chase small animals

The Cairn Terrier comes from Scotland and has been around since the 1500s.It is named for the piles of small stones used to mark Scottish borders or graves. The Cairn would burrow into the stones to flush out any small animals making a home there.

What does the Cairn Terrier look like?

The Cairn is a short dog, about 14 inches and weighs about 13-18 lbs. Its coat is shaggy with a soft undercoat. It has a broad head with dark hazel eyes and small, erect ears.

What is the Cairn Terrier’s temperament?

Cairns are active little dogs, friendly, lively, very curious and bold. They are playful especially with children. They can be independent. Cairns need strong but gentle training or they can become destructive. They can develop other behavior problems – snapping, biting – if allowed to be the leader of the family.

What are the uses of the Cairn Terrier?

Since Cairn are such active little dogs, they need daily walks. Always leash the Cairn outside unless it’s in an enclosed yard. They are avid hunters and are competitive in agility and obedience trials. And of course they make great companions.

Possible Health Issues

Allergies, eye problems, hypothyroidism, Legg-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, von Willebrand’s disease, renal dysplasia, seizures and epilepsy.