Cairn Terrier Dog
This small working dog is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser. His high intelligence and complete loyalty allow him to excel in all areas of doggy life. A wonderfully friendly dog who is courageous as any little Scottish heart should.
Cairn Terrier At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | Friendly, hardy, and fearless |
| Suitable | Family friendly but can have an instinct to chase small animals |
| Health | Generally a healthy breed of dog; however, they can suffer from breed-related issues |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $2,404.00 |
| Clinical Conditions | $669.83 |
| Diabetes | $491.30 |
| Ear Conditions | $189.99 |
| Eye Conditions | $27.65 |
| Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions | $752.49 |
| Heart Condition | $780.01 |
| Ingestion Foreign Body or Toxin | $4,849.61 |
| Liver/Gall Bladder/Biliary Tract Condition | $210.00 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Training – Cairn Terrier
This little Scottish wonder has been known to be challenging to train, why you may ask? Because they are so intelligent! This means that if training is not consistent, fun, entertaining, and enjoyable, your wee Cairn Terrier will just switch off. For this reason, he can be a challenge to train, so it’s best to get advice from those in the know if you are a first-time Cairn owner. Your pup will need early socialisation. Puppy preschool is a wealth of knowledge regarding early training, the significance of consistency and all the basics like toilet training and crate training. It’s also a good idea to book into an obedience school so when your pup is 16 weeks old, they can begin to work on their training with distractions (AKA other dogs!). It’s essential to remember that this little dog will become your leader if he feels you are not leading him well enough, so training is paramount. If you do not have the time to train your dog or attend obedience school, this might not be the right breed for you. Like all breeds, they do not respond well to harsh training methods, and training must be entertaining for good results. With the correct training and understanding, they can absolutely thrive (think of Toto from The Wizard of OZ).
Grooming
This double-coated breed is relatively easy to maintain and will only require a good brush once a week with minimal bathing – unless, in true terrier fashion, he’s found something pongy to roll in! If you over-bathe him, he will start to resemble a powder puff and lose his lovely wiry look. Like with all breeds, it’s essential to begin nail-clipping at an early age, and as this breed can tend to jump, this can prevent injury. Getting your puppy used to having their feet, face, and ears touched is also a great way to vet-proof your grown dog for future check-ups.
Protect Your Pet Today
Your pet’s health is priceless. Don’t leave it up to chance.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
Common Health Complaints – The Cairn Terrier
A small and sturdy dog with a relatively long lifespan, however, as with many purebred dogs, the Cairn Terrier is known to suffer from breed-related health conditions, including:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO): A bone disease common in many terrier-like breeds. Also known as ‘lion jaw’, this condition affects the bones of the skull, including the mandible (jawbone). The condition causes excessive bone growth, leading to pain and difficulty eating. Treatment usually consists of steroids, while some dogs will grow out of this condition when they reach adulthood.
- Eye Problems: The Cairn Terrier is also prone to eye conditions, including Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Cataracts cause a clouding of the eye that can lead to vision impairment. Treatment can involve surgery to correct the lens. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a typically genetic condition where the retina deteriorates over time, leading to vision impairment or blindness. There is no current treatment available for PRA.
- Patellar Luxation: A condition when the dog's kneecap moves out of place, leading to lameness and pain. A common condition in many small breeds. Treatment can involve surgery or anti-inflammatory medications. Weight management and exercise restriction is also advised.
- Hip Dysplasia: Though often associated with larger breeds, Cairn Terriers can also suffer from this painful condition. The condition can lead to lameness and pain caused by misalignment of the hip joint and thigh bone. Many dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia will also go on to develop arthritis. Treatment can include physiotherapy, weight management and anti-inflammation medication. In severe cases, surgery can also be required.
- Hypothyroidism: A disorder of the thyroid gland that can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and other issues. Treatment includes thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
- Atopic Dermatitis: A common allergic skin reaction that can lead to itching, redness, and discomfort in dogs. Mainly caused from environmental allergens such as pollen and grass. Treatment usually consists of medicated shampoos, antihistamines, and steroids. Secondary infections are also a concern with Atopic Dermatitis. In extreme cases, a Veterinary Dermatologist can also perform Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT).
- Cryptorchidism: A typically hereditary condition when one or both testicles fail to descend correctly into the scrotum. Treatment can include desexing.
- Liver Shunt: This condition causes blood to bypass the liver, leading to toxins in the bloodstream. Also known as a portosystemic shunt, this condition can cause various symptoms, including seizures, lethargy, and stunted growth. Surgery is often required to correct this condition.
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL): A serious yet rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system. Symptoms can include weakness, tremors, and difficulty in walking. There is no treatment for this often fatal condition. Good breeding and screening are vital to protect the health and well-being of your dog.
- Dental Issues: As with many smaller dog breeds, the Cairn Terrier can also be prone to problems related to their teeth. Overcrowding and misaligned teeth are common. Regular cleaning and professional advice are recommended to correct any issues.
Exercise Requirements
As a working terrier, this little guy loves running, chasing, exploring, digging, and barking. In saying this, if you do not correctly entertain and exercise your beloved friend, he will exhibit these behaviours on his own (cue chewed shoes). He will require a good brisk walk and a decent off-leash romp daily. As a terrier, he will also excel in dog sport. But training is vital. Your terrier will love to give chase, and if this occurs off-leash and you do not have a solid recall command, you may be putting your pup at risk of serious injury.
Intelligence
The Cairn Terrier is a very intelligent breed of dog. Because of this, you must flex his muscles and his brain daily. Any terrier-like breed, when bored, will become destructive. Remember that destructive behaviour such as digging, barking, escaping, and chewing is highly entertaining for a bored dog. A few clever boredom-busting techniques can make a huge difference, such as rotating ‘home-alone’ toys, hiding treats around the yard, and treat/puzzle toys. As too adequate exercise before you leave for work. All terrier-like breeds love to run, dig and bark; you can train some of these traits away, but it is important to understand that these are common behaviours for these breeds.
Family Friendly
The Cairn Terrier makes an excellent choice for a family pet. He’s sturdy and hardy and will tolerate little people. However, like with all breeds, it’s vital you teach your dog to behave around children (think doggy manners) and teach children how to interact with dogs correctly. Adult supervision is a must with all child/dog interactions. The Cairn Terrier is a beautiful companion animal and will thrive in the shadow of those who love him. He’s loyal, loveable and very playful.
Indoor/outdoor?
This breed loves being with their owners, so long, endless days left outside alone will spell disaster and make your dog miserable. They love being in the warmth and comfort of your home and will adapt to life inside an apartment as long as they are exercised correctly. Like all breeds, they must have ample shade and shelter during the day. As they love digging, checking fences regularly for any escape routes is a good idea. Some owners of terriers agree that it’s impossible to train the digging out and instead incorporate some digging and non-digging zones. Think raised flower/veg boxes or roped-off areas so your pup can learn where they can and cannot dig.
Responsible Breeding
It is imperative to only source your new family member from a reputable dog breeder to ensure your puppy is healthy and has been screened for any possible hereditary concerns. Ask all the important questions about genetic problems known to the breed and ask to see Mum and Dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly screen their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. Securing a puppy may take a little more time, but it can save you and your family from the heartache a sick puppy and dog can bring.
Contact PIA for Cairn Terrier Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Cairn Terriers. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
