Cairn Terrier

• ExerciseModerate

  A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment13–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Patellar luxation · Legg-Calvé-Perthes · Hypothyroidism

The Cairn Terrier — Toto from The Wizard of Oz — is a small, shaggy, hardy Highland working terrier bursting with pluck, curiosity and good cheer. Bred to hunt vermin among rock cairns, it retains a true terrier character: bold, busy, independent and a dedicated digger with a strong prey drive, so it needs a secure yard, daily exercise and mental stimulation, plus consistent, patient, positive training and early socialisation. Sturdier and more adaptable than many terriers, it makes a lively, affectionate companion for owners who enjoy a spirited little adventurer rather than a placid lapdog. The harsh, weather-resistant double coat needs regular brushing and hand-stripping to keep its texture and shed little. Health-wise the Cairn is generally hardy and long-lived, but buy from a breeder who screens, and be aware of patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes hip disease, hypothyroidism, allergies and skin conditions, and a liver condition (portosystemic shunt) that can appear in the breed. Give a Cairn exercise, a job for its busy mind, secure containment and dental care, and this cheerful, courageous terrier will be a devoted companion for thirteen to fifteen years.

• How much exercise does a Cairn Terrier need?

  Moderate. A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• How much grooming does a Cairn Terrier need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Cairn Terrier suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Cairn Terrier a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Cairn Terrier live?

  13–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Cairn Terrier?

  Keep an eye out for Patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, Hypothyroidism. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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