Cairn Terrier
Also known as Cairn
- Height at the withers
- 28 to 31 cm
- Weight
- 6 to 7.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Scotland
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- a home with cats
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A small, sturdy working terrier with a shaggy, weather-resistant coat and an alert expression, from the Scottish Highlands and known for its brave, cheerful temperament.
History and origins
Developed on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, it is one of the oldest terrier breeds. It was first used by Highland farmers to hunt foxes and vermin and drive them out of cairns (piles of stones), hence its name.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Craniomandibular osteopathy
- Portosystemic shunt
- Pigmentary glaucoma (ocular melanosis)
- Atopic dermatitis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Cairn Terrier FAQ
How big does the Cairn Terrier get?
The Cairn Terrier stands 28 to 31 cm at the withers and weighs 6 to 7.5 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Cairn Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide.
Can the Cairn Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Cairn Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Cairn Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Cairn Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and craniomandibular osteopathy.
