Cairn Terrier

Before giving a Cairn Terrier a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for Cairn Terriers, speak to your local vet. Some practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These tell you about potential health conditions, management options and an idea of financial costs.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can advise you on finding a responsible breeder and testing for genetic diseases.

Any breed of dog needs basic preventative healthcare like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. Pet insurance is also important to help cover your vet bills. 

There is no set amount for how much food your Cairn Terrier need. This depends on their: 

• age
• size
• activity levels
• fitness
• weight. 

The information on dog food packets can be a helpful guide, but you still need to adapt the portion size to your dog’s individual needs. 

It’s helpful to know your Cairn Terrier’s body condition when deciding how much food to give them. You can find out about body condition scoring through the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA).

Check with your vet to find out more. 

Cairn Terriers are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.

Cairn Terriers, like all dogs, need training and daily enrichment. When exercising your Cairn Terrier, consider their:

• age
• health
• personality.  

Young or growing pups, for example, might need a few short walks instead of one long one. Exercise plans for older, injured, or ill dogs may need to be adapted based on advice from your vet. Quiet, peaceful walks may suit some dogs, where others may require something more sociable.

Ask your vet for advice on exercising your dog. 

Cairn Terriers shed very little. To ease your dog into handling and grooming, introduce it step by step and in a positive way. Your dog feeling relaxed and confident will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone involved.

In their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

• sit and stand at their full height
• turn around without touching the edges
• lie down at full stretch
• comfortably wag their tail.  

One step at a time, build up the time your dog spends in their crate, so they feel confident with it. The aim is to help them see it as a fun and safe space. 

Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.

Two Cairn Terriers, for example, may have very different ways of reacting to certain situations. They also have different likes and dislikes.

Some dogs might love socialising with other puppy pals while others may not. One might crave excitement while another finds a more relaxing atmosphere enjoyable. 

You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can use it as a reward during training to help them enjoy the learning.

Make sure to work on useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling with your dog. This will help you both feel relaxed and confident in tackling your daily life together. 

Each dog’s personality is shaped by their experiences of the world and they respond differently to certain situations.  

But there are some universal ways to treat any dog, including Cairn Terriers, respectfully and behave safely around them. This is an essential skill for the whole family; adults and children.  

Why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? Our family workshops on are suitable for children aged 7 to 11. Booking one of these sessions could help your situation.