Cairn Terrier

The Cairn is known for being robust, independent, friendly, and fun-loving, and for good reason! This adaptable little family dog is often regarded as one of the most lovable breeds around. They enjoy the company of their humans, but they thrive on being active. This small breed is not suited to be a lapdog, but that just means you get to enjoy them even more! Your Cairn Terrier needs considerable exercise and training, but grooming is fairly simple, depending on your preferences for trimming the coat.

Exercise

While he doesn't need extensive exercise, the Cairn Terrier still needs a moderate amount of activity each day to stay happy and healthy. Plan on 30 minutes to an hour of exercise, which can be accomplished through several daily walks or backyard playtime.

Because of their playful nature, Cairn Terriers often get along well with children. Participating in games with children is a great way to keep your dog entertained, along with activities like digging outside. If your dog's digging becomes excessive, consider installing a sandbox in the yard to restrict digging to a designated area.

Grooming

This hypoallergenic breed does not shed excessively. A weekly brushing should be enough to keep your dog's coat in good condition. Because their coat grows quickly, it can obstruct their vision and tangle easily if kept for long periods of time. Some owners choose to hand-strip their coats to keep them tidy and comfortable. This technique, rather than clipping, ensures that the coat maintains its condition and texture.

Training

Cairns are very smart little dogs, but their independent temperament means they can be strong-willed. This breed can be prone to excessive barking, so some owners train against this particular behavior. Ongoing positive reinforcement training is necessary to keep Cairns out of trouble; basic obedience lessons can begin when puppies are about eight weeks old. Their intelligence, tenacity, and energy levels help them excel in dog sports such as agility training to burn off energy and build a strong bond with their owners.

While Cairn Terriers can live well in a multi-dog household, caution should be exercised when living with small animals such as hamsters or rodents. Their heritage as rat catchers has instilled a strong hunting instinct in this breed. Because of these tendencies, owners may need to put in extra work to achieve a solid recall.

Problems

Cairns are generally considered to be a healthy breed that can live to a ripe old age. It is not uncommon for this breed to live past 15 years of age. However, like all purebred dogs, Cairn Terriers are susceptible to inherited health conditions. Adopting from a responsible breeder who performs genetic testing on prospective parents can help ensure a healthy life for your puppy.

Diet and Nutrition

Feed your Cairn Terrier high-quality dog food twice a day. Because this breed is prone to obesity, owners should monitor treats and meal portions to ensure that your dog doesn't gain too much weight.

Like other breeds, your Cairn will need different nutrients at different stages of life. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best nutritional plan for your dog based on his age, weight, and activity level.