Grooming
Compared to, say, an Old English Sheepdog, keeping a Cairn Terrier’s appearance in tip-top shape requires minimal grooming. Since they are a double-coated breed who sheds minimally, they only need a weekly brushing with a soft pin brush to keep their wiry fur in good condition. They have a weather-resistant coat and should only be bathed about every three months—too-frequent bathing can strip the oil from their coats. Hand stripping their coat every four to six months, either yourself or by a professional groomer, is also key to keep their haircuts from getting too straggly. (Hand stripping is when you pluck the dead hair by hand instead of using shears; this promotes new growth.)
Good dental hygiene is especially important for Cairns, as small breed dogs tend to build up tartar more easily because their mouths are smaller and their teeth get crowded. So, it’s important to brush your pup’s teeth every day, and be sure to get them professionally cleaned once a year by your vet. Start brushing your dog’s teeth while they’re young, so they’ll be used to it as they get older. A good quality dental chew can also be helpful in keeping their pearly whites, well, white.
Let’s not forget those nails! They’ll need to be trimmed about every four to eight weeks. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for that home pedicure you promised. Or you can leave it to your groomer. You know which will be more fun.
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Training
Cairn Terriers have a strong-willed streak, so consistent training is crucial. (No days off for you!) They were bred to be solitary hunters, so these independent types are not used to looking to anyone for direction and prefer to make their own decisions. Their instinct to chase squirrels, rabbits, other dogs, and basically anything else, is one of their traits you’ll find nearly impossible to train away. But don’t blame them; they come by it honestly (see above, re: hunting). So, never let your pup off-leash unless you’re in a fenced yard.
Fortunately, they are smart and quick to learn. With positive reinforcement training—treats, toys, and lots of praise for a job well done—even a 10-week-old puppy can begin to learn basic commands. As they get older, they will do best with several short training sessions of five to 10 minutes each day, as opposed to one long session. The most important thing is to be consistent and make sure they know you’re, in fact, the top dog. Otherwise, your adorable Cairn Terrier could become a rather less enticing Cairn “Terror.”
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Diet
The Cairn Terrier breed needs a complete and balanced diet for optimal health, and typically does best on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure the food you choose meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and that you factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult or senior dog). Consult with your vet on the feeding chart best for your dog. They can guide you on how much and how often to feed your Cairn based on their specific diet needs.
And what about treats? Since Cairn Terriers are prone to obesity, it’s probably best to go easy on the treats. But again, your veterinarian will know best and can help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs.
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Exercise
Cairns thrive on activity, and while their exercise needs may not include a five-mile walk every day, they do need to run. They do best with short bursts of full-out speediness several times a day. So while, yes, you may have hated running suicides in high school gym class, these little balls of energy can’t think of anything better. Take them out in the yard and play fetch with them for 20 to 30 minutes every day. Or have them play with a chase and tug toy.
Looking for a way to burn off physical and mental energy? Their intelligence and high energy level makes them a natural for dog sports such as agility, herding, Earthdog events (where a pup hunts underground) and lure coursing (where the dog chases a mechanical lure around a track).
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Environment
Cairns are adaptable little terriers who can thrive in any setting from a tiny city apartment to a country estate, as long as they get enough exercise. As long as they’re properly socialized and trained, they are a great dog for an active family. Just remember, they do expect to be included in all the family activities. For these sensitive pups, FOMO is real. They enjoy having other dogs in the family to play with (although they can be bossy), and can get along with cats as long as they are introduced at a young age. Because they are such a flexible breed, Cairns would be a good fit for first-time pet parents.
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