Cairn Terrier
Breed Profile
Group: Terrier
Origin: Scotland
Colour: Cream, wheaten, red, grey or nearly black
Lifespan: 14 to 15 years
courageous • tenacious • sensible • confident • feisty • stubborn
Owner's Guide
Intense and inquisitive, Cairn Terriers are confident, feisty and playful. They are usually friendly to all, but quick to defend themselves if they feel threatened. Busy and active in the house, they will always be curious about what their owners are doing.
Originally bred to hunt and kill foxes, otters and weasels in rock piles (cairns) on Scottish farms.
Special characteristics
This terrier is alert and curious, and has a hard bite.
Exercise requirements
Medium. Busy at home and outside.
Attitude to
owners affectionate, devoted
children good if raised with them
other pets may kill small pets, may injure cats unless raised with them
strangers good
unfamiliar dogs good if socialized
Perfect owner
Patient, fun-loving owner with tolerant neighbours who has time to play and exercise this active dog.
Potential problems
Tendency to bark excessively. Lack of exercise may lead to digging. May display possessiveness over toys and food.
Articles
-
- Pet Insurance - Do You Really Need It?
- Today, there are an ever-increasing number of insurance companies offering pet insurance and it is now possible to insure most pets from dogs to cats, rabbits to tortoises and birds to horses. More »
-
- DFS Crufts 2010: The World's Most Amazing Dog Show
- One of the largest and most well-known dog shows in the world will take place at the beginning of March at the NEC in Birmingham. More »
-
- Correcting Jumping Problems In Dogs Of All Sizes
- Dogs that jump up, regardless of their size, are a real problem for most people. Dogs jumping will definitely frighten people, and can potentially cause injury when they knock people over with their enthusiastic greetings. More »
-
- Dog Breeds in the Terrier Group
- Bred to catch and kill animals considered to be vermin, or for sport. Most were bred to 'go to ground' to dig out animals from their lairs and so are natural diggers. More »
Breed Index
Petside: Get Started
-
- Kitten Life
Learn about the different life stages of your Kitten and much more!
-
- Puppy Life
Everything you need to know about raising a Puppy, all in one place! Check it out.
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
