The Cairn Terrier can best be described as a very affectionate and loving partner in crime that comes with a mind of its own.
This breed is the perfect companion dog that can adjust to family living or a single household if given a lot of attention and time with their humans.
Cairn Terriers are smart and are fast learners - of good habits as well as the not so good ones. But with a consistent and loving upbringing, as well as a clear understanding of who is in charge, this little dog will thrive as a human companion.
Training should be started early and be regular to make sure your adorable Cairn Terrier puppy doesn’t become a nuisance in your house and the neighbourhood.
Cairn Terriers are very confident dogs and it can easily be “my way or no way” with this breed. Their combination of curiosity and confidence can mean that they are sometimes more interested in pleasing themselves than you. But once they are trained and family rules established, Cairn Terriers can be very obedient and a delight to live with.
This breed is not recommended for novice dog owners, and they require lots of training throughout their lifetime.
Weight: | 6-8 kg |
Health risk: | Low |
Life expectancy: | 12-15 years |
Coat: | Short |
Grooming intensity: | Medium |
Monthly cost (food): | low |
Trainability: | Low |
Activity level: | Medium |
There are many sources to get your Cairn Terrier from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding a Cairn Terrier to adopt:
To help your rescued Cairn Terrier to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Cairn Terrier from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
The following organisations will be able to help you find breeders in your state in Australia. They will also be able to connect you with your local breed clubs, which are always a great source of information in regards to finding good breeders and rescue organisations.