Cairn Terrier

also known as Toto Dog, Cairn

Pros History


The Cairn Terrier is a small dog breed that originated in Scotland, where they were used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and rats, in the rocky terrain known as cairns. The breed is thought to have descended from the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier, both of which were used for similar purposes.

The Cairn Terrier first gained recognition as a distinct breed in the early 20th century, when they were shown in dog shows in Britain. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913, and has been a popular companion breed in both the United States and Europe ever since.

One of the earliest references to a small, terrier-type dog used for hunting in the Scottish cairns can be found in the writings of Sir Walter Scott, who mentioned such a dog in his novel "Guy Mannering" published in 1815. It is believed that these early Cairn Terriers were a mixture of different terrier breeds, including the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier.

The Cairn Terrier was first shown as a distinct breed at a dog show in Britain in 1909, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913. In the early 20th century, the Cairn Terrier was a popular choice for a working farm dog, and they were often used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and rats.

During World War II, the Cairn Terrier gained popularity as a companion dog, and they became more of a household pet than a working farm dog. In the post-war years, the breed's popularity continued to grow, and they have remained a popular companion breed ever since.

In addition to their role as a companion breed, the Cairn Terrier has also been successful in the show ring, with many individuals winning top honors at major dog shows. The breed has a strong and sturdy build, with a rough, weather-resistant coat that is typically a shade of gray, brown, or black. They are intelligent and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and attention.

Breed Information


Type

Is Cairn Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Cairn Terrier name? How do you say Cairn Terriers?

kurn ter-ee-er

Purpose

What were Cairn Terriers originally used for?

Hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Cairn Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Cairn Terrier? How long can Cairn Terriers live?

12-15 years

The average Cairn Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Cairn Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Cairn Terrier?

What is the average height of a Cairn Terrier? How big is a Purebred Cairn Terrier height? Cairn Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-11 inches (25.4 - 27.9 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 8.0 inches (20.3 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm)
Female 9-10 inches (22.9 - 25.4 cm) 5.5 inches (14 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Cairn Terrier? How much should Cairn Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 12-14 pounds (5 - 6 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg)
Female 10-12 pounds (5 - 5 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Cairn Terriers get fat easily?

The Cairn Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Cairn Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Cairn Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Cairn Terrier personality? What are Cairn Terrier dogs best known for?

Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Assertive
Fearless

Shedding Level

Are Cairn Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Shed?

Cairn Terrier dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Cairn Terrier. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Cairn Terrier dog?

Cairn Terriers are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Cairn Terrier is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Cairn Terriers come from?

Scotland

Ancestry

What are Cairn Terriers descended from?

Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Skye Terrier

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Cairn Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

Date of Birth

When were Cairn Terriers first bred? How old is the Cairn Terrier breed?

1500s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Cairn Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1913 & UKC)

Cairn Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Cairn Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Cairn Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Cairn Terrier coat be naturally?

Cream
Black
Brindle
Gray
Red

Coat Length

How long is a Cairn Terriers coat?

The coat of a Cairn Terrier falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Cairn Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Cairn Terrier?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Cairn Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Cairn Terrier have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Cairn Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Cairn Terrier dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Cairn Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Cairn Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Cairn Terrier?

Flea Allergy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Cairn Terriers?

Weight Gain

Occasional Diagnoses

Patellar Luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Cairn Terrier breed?

Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Cairn Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Cairn Terriers have a lot of energy?

Cairn Terriers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Cairn Terriers need socialization? How social are Cairn Terriers?

Cairn Terrier have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Cairn Terriers get?

The Cairn Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Cairn Terrier have? Do Cairn Terriers sleep a lot?

Cairn Terriers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Cairn Terrier drool a lot?

The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Cairn Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Cairn Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Cairn Terrier dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Cairn Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Cairn Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Cairn Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Cairn Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Cairn Terrier busy?

Socializing, Eating Snacks, Walking, Fetch, Playing, Running, Chasing, Barking, Snuggling, Walk, Play with ball, Jump, Run, Chew, Sniffing, Marking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Cairn Terrier? How much energy does a Cairn Terrier have?

Medium

Cairn Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Cairn Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Cairn Terrier walk every week?

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cairn Terrier, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Cairn Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Cairn Terrier need?

60 minutes

In general most Cairn Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Cairn Terrier?

The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Cairn Terrier?

Monthly

In general Cairn Terrier should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Cairn Terriers?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Cairn Terrier eat?

1.3 cups

For an average 12-14 pound (5 - 6 kg) Cairn Terrier feed 1.3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.80 / day

The average cost of a Cairn Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Cairn Terrier Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Cairn Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Cairn Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Cairn Terrier?

The Cairn Terrier breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Cairn Terrier dog?

Cairn Terrier dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Cairn Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Cairn Terrier do well in apartments? Are Cairn Terriers good indoor dogs?

Cairn Terriers are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Cairn Terriers good with kids? Are Cairn Terriers good around children?

Cairn Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Cairn Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Cairn Terriers good with cats? How friendly Cairn Terriers are toward cats?

Cairn Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Cairn Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Cairn Terriers OK with other dogs?

Cairn Terriers are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Cairn Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Cairn Terriers friendly with strangers?

Cairn Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Cairn Terriers like to play? Are Cairn Terriers playful?

The Cairn Terrier is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Cairn Terrier is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Cairn Terrier easily trained?

Cairn Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Playful and energetic
    Cairn Terriers are playful and energetic dogs that love to be active and have fun. They are great for people who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
  • Office Friendly
    Cairn Terriers are generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Intelligent and trainable
    Cairn Terriers are intelligent dogs that are generally easy to train. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Because of their hypoallergenic nature, Cairn Terriers may cause fewer allergic reactions than other breeds.
  • Good with children
    Cairn Terriers are generally good with children and make great family pets. They are patient and gentle, and are known for their affectionate and loving nature.

Cons

  • High energy
    Cairn Terriers have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They may not be suitable for people who do not have the time or energy to keep up with their needs.
  • Barking
    Cairn Terriers may bark excessively if they are not properly trained and exercised.
  • Health concerns
    Like all breeds, Cairn Terriers are prone to certain health issues, such as Flea Allergy and Weight Gain, and ear infections. It is important to work with a reputable breeder and be proactive about maintaining your dog's health to minimize the risk of these conditions.