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Cairne-Terrier

Meet Cairn Terrier

If you’re devoid of a companion, this robust canine will fit in quite nicely. The Cairn terrier is known as the last of the terriers but it is quite a sensation. It was originally bred for its skills when it comes to hunting but they have been adapted to wonderful pets.

About Cairn Terrier

A Cairn Terrier played the iconic role of Toto in the classic 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” making it one of the most famous dog actors in Hollywood history.

History

The Cairn Terriers originally were used for trapping foxes. They were not killers or anything but they aided the farmers in their work. They were considered a breed in 1912 and in 1917 they were accepted by the American Kennel Club.

Temperament

The Cairn Terrier is a playful and very friendly dog that loves meeting new people. They are very good family dogs but they are also terriers with an independent streak. They are tough and alert and will let you know when a visitor arrives. 

They are good watchdogs and love digging, barking and chasing smaller animals. They are sensitive and very devoted to family members. They will follow you everywhere and they love to be indoors playing with children.

Environment

This dog breed can live indoors and is suitable for apartment living. You could also do a fenced yard for them so they get to run around conveniently. If you have a garden, you would be better off if it was off-limits to your dog. 

Since this dog breed is more prone to be followed by fleas, you should keep your home rodent-free so the chances of this happening are slim. You should not leave them unattended in an unsecured yard as they tend to get very curious. 

Exercise

This dog breed is prone to weight gain without its daily dose of exercise. So, you should make sure to take the dog on long walks or better still give him 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous playtime every day. This is necessary to keep him in good health and alert.

Grooming

The Cairn Terrier has an outer and inner coat and this is quite easy to groom. Brush his coat daily and bathe him occasionally or as necessary. It is advisable not to bathe him too often as it softens the coat. Brush his teeth twice a week so that you clear all the bacteria buildup and for fresher breath. 

Cut his nails too if they are not worn down naturally. Check his ears weekly for redness or signs of infection just so you catch it early. When grooming, you should examine your Cairn Terrier closely. Look for sores and rashes and allergic reactions or anything else that might indicate a problem.

Ten Frequently Asked Questions about the Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is susceptible to the following, cataracts, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, diabetes mellitus, etc.

Bathing a Cairn Terrier too often will dry out the skin and cause it to break or take out all the body oils and you don’t want this. So, bathe him only when it’s necessary.

Yes. They were initially grown or bred for hunting purposes but they are gradually becoming pets. They will respond to positive training at a young age. 

The Cairn Terrier’s average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

The Cairn Terrier is a playful and very affectionate dog breed that loves playing games with children. They even get to invent some of their own rumble and tumble games. They do love to cuddle.

They could be. Generally, they are very friendly dogs and they could be curious but they are stubborn. They, however, respond to their owners. They only need to be socialized and trained early. 

Not in every sense of the word. They are small and can be very affectionate but they were not made to be lap dogs as they have a mind of their own and are very independent.

The odor is a part of them, though in some cases, it is an indication of an infection. You could bathe your dog more often and see a vet if it persists.

A Cairn Terrier is a small dog and as such should weigh between 6 and 8kg both for male and female.

Yes, they do but in some cases, they could be scrappy. They could also get along with cats but definitely not with rodents as that is a poor choice.

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