Cairn Terrier

From Scotland’s Highlands and the Isle of Skye, the Cairn Terrier worked rocky cairns, farms, and stables to control vermin and bolt fox. Selected for courage, agility, and a weatherproof coat, the breed later charmed the world (famously as “Toto” in The Wizard of Oz). Today, Cairns remain lively companions and excel at earthdog, agility, rally, and scent work.

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A small, sturdy, shaggy terrier with a foxy expression and natural tail.

• Weight: ~13–18 lb (6–8 kg)
• Height: ~9.5–10 in (24–26 cm)
• Coat Type: Harsh, wiry double coat (hard outer coat over soft undercoat)
• Coat Colors: Cream, wheaten, red, gray, or nearly black—often brindled; not solid white
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Broad head, small dark eyes under expressive brows, erect ears, strong forechest, compact body, high stamina for size

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Low shed when maintained correctly; the coat is designed to be hand-stripped.

• Brushing/Combing: 1–2×/week to the skin to prevent felting
• Hand-Stripping: Every 8–12 weeks (or roll the coat weekly) to keep texture harsh & low-shedding
• Pet Clipping (option): Every 6–8 weeks; easier upkeep but softer coat/more visible shed
• Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks; avoid over-bathing (strips natural oils)
• Face/Feet/Tidy: Light tidy of feet/sanitary; keep furnishings neat (don’t “plush” the outline)
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Shedding: Low to moderate (lowest with hand-stripping)

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A compact athlete with classic terrier drive.

• Daily Exercise: 45–60 minutes (split walks + free play/training)
• Great Activities: Earthdog/go-to-ground, nose work, agility, fetch, long-line “sniffaris”
• Suitability: Excellent for houses or apartments with daily outlets; secure fencing advised (prey drive)

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Bright, game, and people-oriented—with a dash of independence.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement; short, varied sessions; mix food/toy rewards
• Focus Areas: Recall around wildlife, impulse control (“leave it,” door manners), polite greetings, quiet on cue
• Outlets: Provide a dig box and scent games; teach a strong “drop” for found treasures
• Socialization: Early exposure to people/dogs/surfaces/sounds to channel boldness into confidence

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Feed for lean muscle and lifelong soundness.

• Food Type: High-quality small-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~1–1.5 cups/day total, split into two meals (adjust to age/activity)
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; count training treats; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/coat; use dental chews + brushing for oral health

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Choose transparency on health and coat care—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Seek CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide patella/eye results, discuss COMS, teach hand-stripping, and offer lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Terrier/earthdog rescues and Cairn breed clubs often rehome adults
• Canadian Resources: CKC breeder directory; Cairn Terrier Club of Canada; earthdog/nose-work clubs in ON/BC/QC/AB for training and community

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Generally sturdy and long-lived, but a few breed-linked issues warrant attention.

• Orthopedic: Patellar luxation, Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCP)
• Eyes: Cairn Ocular Melanosis (COMS)/pigmentary glaucoma risk, cataracts—annual ophthalmologist (CAER) exams
• Developmental Bone: Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) in some lines
• Dermatologic/Allergy: Atopy/contact allergies; check skin under dense coat
• Other: Dental tartar (toy/small breeds)
• Life Expectancy: 13–15+ years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Patellas, hips as available, annual CAER eye exams; disclose family history of COMS/CMO/LCP

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Are Cairn Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes—compact and adaptable with 45–60 minutes of daily exercise and bark training.

Do Cairn Terriers shed?
Low to moderate. Hand-stripping every 8–12 weeks keeps shedding minimal and the coat harsh.

Are Cairn Terriers hypoallergenic?
No breed is truly hypoallergenic. Cairns are lower-shedding when hand-stripped.

How much grooming does a Cairn need?
Brush 1–2×/week, hand-strip every 8–12 weeks, tidy feet/sani, and maintain ears/teeth/nails.

Do Cairns bark or dig a lot?
They can—both are terrier traits. Teach “quiet,” provide a dig pit, and add scent games for outlets.

How much exercise does a Cairn Terrier need?
Plan for 45–60 minutes daily plus brain work (nose games, tricks, training).

Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier—what’s different?
Close cousins; Cairns come in many colours (not solid white) and often have a shaggier, more natural look; Westies are solid white with a more sculpted trim.

Are Cairn Terriers good with kids and other pets?
Generally affectionate with early socialization; supervise with small pets due to prey drive.

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