Cairn Terrier

Like every breed, the Cairn Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use fun, reward-based methods to keep them motivated.
• Be patient and persistent.
• Train a reliable recall, but keep them on the lead unless the area is secure.
• Socialise early with other animals, including cats and livestock.

• Children

  Often good with children, with supervision.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Patellar luxation

  The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.

• Glaucoma

  Increased pressure within the eye.

• Cataracts

  Clouding of the lens of the eye, giving it a cloudy appearance.

• Atopy

  An allergic sensitivity to things in the environment, causing sore, itchy skin.

• Portosystemic shunt

  An abnormal blood circulation in which blood bypasses the liver, leading to a build-up of toxins.

• Von Willebrand's disease

  A blood clotting disorder that can result in excessive bleeding.

• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

  The blood supply to the head of the thigh bone is reduced, causing the bone to break down.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Cairn Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Cairn Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Cairn Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Cairn Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.