This breed is a fantastic little dog! They are not couch potatoes and you will never be bored by the presence of a Cairn Terrier! It was the breed of dog featured in the “Wizard of Oz”. Yes, Toto was a Cairn Terrier that spent time at Dorothy’s side! They are very active, inquisitive little dogs. With their strong, short little front limbs, they were used as rodent chasing dogs in Europe. In the U.S. the breed is primarily a fun-loving family pet.
The Cairn Terrier is great with children and is not fragile; so they tend to not develop the medical issues associated with young children dropping them. Call them little Sherman tanks! They are relatively small so the breed is adaptable to practically any environment. They should be walked on a leash. If left to their own devices, the Cairn Terrier would run and chase after whatever that might catch their eye. One of the most important ways to prevent hit by car accidents is to always use a leash when an animal is outdoors. A fenced in yard or one that is protected by Invisible Fence® is also adequate. The coat of a Cairn Terrier is very wiry and thick so grooming attention is important. Like most terriers, the breed can be on the stubborn side but otherwise are sweet family pets.
This breed is very healthy. I have treated several for Canine Melanoma. There also is a Canine Melanoma vaccine available. It is known by Oncept® and manufactured by Merial. I smile every time I get to work on a Cairn Terrier! A fabulous little dog with a big heart! Read more about the Cairn Terrier at Animal Planet’s® Dog Breed Selector.
***Photograph Courtesy of Dave Veldman- Sport Dog Photography.