The Scots have a heart for terriers and bred the Cairn Terrier among other breeds. The dog should be versatile, attentive, courageous and yet friendly to its own family. The fuzzy Scotsman meets all these requirements and convinces with a successful mixture of toughness and devotion. The Cairn Terrier is a good choice for families who want “a lot of dog” with a small size.

ProfileCairn Terrier

A terrier with a great will to please

A harsh climate determines life in the Scottish Highlands. As early as the Middle Ages, dogs supported people in hunting, kept the farm free of rats and foxes and reported strangers and visitors at an early stage. The Cairn Terrier comes from the Highlands and has adapted to a frugal life with long, active days. These terriers were and are valued and beloved family members who take on a fixed role and task on a farm. In Great Britain today, the breed is often kept as a family dog.

The character of the Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is a “tough dog” in the truest sense of the word. He bravely faces all dangers, be it martens, foxes or rats. This terrier does not know fear – accordingly, he is very independent and decisive. In everyday life, this can lead to the companion dog taking decisions off its owner’s hands. Compared to other terrier breeds, however, the Cairn Terrier is quite moderate and easy to train. His close ties to the family and his willingness to cooperate are firmly anchored in his heritage. He loves to spend time with his humans – be it playing, long tours through nature or comfortably on the sofa.

Education and keeping of the Cairn Terrier

Because the Cairn Terrier has quite short legs, he should not climb stairs or jump down from heights such as the couch in the first months of life. Apart from that, like most small dogs, he is precocious and quickly develops a noticeable self-will. He needs clear rules and consistent leadership from the very beginning. Many Cairns like to dig and are true escape artists. Therefore, be sure to make your garden dog-proof!

Typical of a terrier, the Cairn also has a clear hunting instinct. However, since it is also equipped with a generous portion of Will to please, it is easy to work on. Make sure from the beginning that he is not successful in hunting. A tow leash is a valuable aid for free running in the first few months. Only when the recall is reliable is it time for your four-legged friend to explore the world without protection. With racing, tugging and prey games, you give your dog a suitable substitute for hunting and at the same time strengthen your bond with each other.

Caring for the Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers have a rough, but not shaggy coat. If they are brushed regularly, they hardly lose any hair. Their trimming coat must be professionally trimmed by hand about three to four times a year. It must not be sheared! You should check your ears, eyes and claws at least once a week. These likeable small dogs can live up to 17 years.

Also check out these smaller terrier species:

• Manchester Terrier: The Manchester Terrier is considered one of the most original British dog breeds. His passion and task was rat hunting. To this day, this hunting instinct is in his blood, which is why the elegant, black-brown terrier needs a very good education.
•  Jack Russell Terrier: He is small, nimble and inspires with his droll nature: The Jack Russell Terrier is a charming clown and extremely smart. This should not hide the fact that the little dog needs consistent training and an experienced owner.
• Norfolk Terrier: The Norfolk Terrier makes an incredibly sympathetic first impression with its wavy, long fur and funny face. It lasts just long enough until the terrier discovers a cat and rushes away chasing away despite all calls.
• Norwich Terrier: The Norwich Terrier is one of the smallest terrier breeds. In recent decades, it has developed from a hunting dog to a family and companion dog. Nevertheless – the terrier heritage cannot be denied: The Norwich Terrier is up for any fun.
• Parson Russell Terrier: Are you looking for a sporty and cheerful dog, are you an active person, maybe with a family and children? If you also have a little dog experience, then the Parson Russell Terrier is your ideal candidate.
• Patterdale Terrier: With a Patterdale Terrier by your side, life with a dog never gets boring! The lively four-legged friends bring all their energy and joie de vivre into an active everyday life. After a long day in the fresh air and lots of exercise, they enjoy time with their family.
• Welsh Terrier: The Welsh Terrier is one of the rarest terrier breeds in the world. Its roots could go back to the Celts. In recent decades, its task has changed from hunting to companion dog. The intelligent small dogs are lovable family members.
• West Highland White Terrier: In the 1990s, the West Highland White Terrier became a fashion dog. The snow-white fuzzy head with the button eyes became a popular family companion. But hand on heart: It’s also hard not to fall in love with the Westie.
• Yorkshire Terrier: Cute button eyes flash out from under the bow, which don’t miss anything. That’s how you know the Yorkshire Terrier from TV. You could think of him as a cuddly toy, but far from it: The Yorkshire Terrier is an agile action dog with a strong character.