Dog Breed of the Week: Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a confident, alert and active little dog with a "ready-for-anything" kind of personality. They are sweet and affectionate dogs that do well in all kinds of households. However, despite their teddy-bear appearance, Cairns are also tough, fearless and athletic. This is not your average lap dog, but a free-spirited and independent canine. That being said, Cairns are still affectionate companions.
Cairn Terriers are like big dogs in little packages, and perfect for those with active lifestyles who want a small dog that can keep up. With proper exercise, Cairns can do well in apartments. They also do exceptionally well with children when properly trained and socialized. If you love the darling Cairn Terrier, please tell us about your experiences. As always, send in your favorite photos of Cairns.
Photo © dregsplod on flickr
Comments
“The 300 pound canine, in a 14 pound package”!
Being a 17+ year breeder of the fantastic Cairn Terriers, I can agree with this article 100%!
Whenever we’re asked questions about the Cairn, by our prospective adopting families, as to “What kind of dog, is the Cairn?”, we simply reply……….. ‘
“Well, if you WANT A DOG, that “sheds, hates children and everyone they meet” and also “takes up the entire sofa”…………… then DO NOT adopt a Cairn Terrier!”
Anyone looking for a loyal, loving, “I’m ready, where are we going, today?”, clownish and all around “has it all”, type of Fur Kid, definitely should consider this breed!
Hamish Mac Duff, or Duffy as we lovingly call him, is our 18-month old, dark brindle Cairn. He is a delightful little guy and the apple of my husband’s eye. Duffy is the 7th dog we’ve had in the 32 years we’ve been married.
The first dog I ever had that was “my” dog was also a Cairn.
Her name was MacTavish and she came with me when I got married. She was my husband’s first pet of any kind. She lived to be 15 years old.
When our last dog had to be put down in 2007, we realized that we didn’t have a dog for the first time since we’d been married. We both wanted a smaller dog and my husband had so loved MacTavish, so I found a breeder of Cairn Terriers. Of all the dogs we’ve had in our dog/cat household, Duffy is the only one who’s been my husband’s dog.
He and Duffy bonded immediately and they have loads of
fun together. Duffy loves me and minds me more than he minds my husband, but he adores him.
If you are looking for a small, but tough enthusiastic bundle of energy who will also lie at your feet (or in your lap), who will thrive with medium exercise and who will love you utterly, a Cairn is the dog for you. Duffy loves tennis balls, actually anything that moves and squeaks.
Cairns can be stubborn because, after all, they’re terriers, but they love to please you and can learn many different behaviors. They are loyal, refreshing, loving little dogs – a joy to be with.
im on my second set of cairns this time both boys 1 blonde and 1 brindle my last set was a brindle female and a blonde male. im 63 and have had many dogs in my life wish i was younger cause i would love to have a dozen cairns they are funny full of suprises happy little dogs i just love them so so much. if you like a smile on your face own a cairn they are a world of pleasure.
Five years ago I asked my family for a Labrador for a birthday present. What I got was a Cairn terrier!!! Not quite sure how they got the breeds mixed up but they did.
I had never owned a small dog, never had an inside dog, and live on a farm where we breed thoroughbred horses. In my wildest moment I would never have chosen a Cairn. After what seemed like years of endless obedience classes and piddles on the carpet, my Cairn turned three and became the most adorable dog I have ever owned. Happy, exuberant, loyal, funny, energetic…. I could go on and on about my little buddy. He went everywhere with me…. in the car, out into the paddocks with the mares and foals, digging in the garden etc. His name was Duffy and he was a dark brindle. To my horror, while I was in Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup, my vet ran him over on our property, killing him instantly. I can’t tell you what a hole it has left in my life. He was such a little character and so well known in our little town that people stop me in the street for a hug and a word of sympathy. I WILL get another Cairn but just not quite yet.