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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+11
Dogs
# The Cairn Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United Kingdom
A small rustic Scottish terrier, lively, affectionate and always ready to explore.
Size SmallLife expectancy 14–14 yearsBudget ≈ €81/monthPuppy €800 – €1,000
[Find a breeder 29](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=cairn-terrier)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Good
Other pets Fair
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Robust: Its selection and double coat allow it to withstand bad weather well.
- Lively and playful: Its energy and love of play make it a dynamic companion.
- Intelligent: Curious and cunning, it enjoys varied activities that stimulate its mind.
- Affectionate: It readily seeks the closeness of its owner and its family.
- Strong-willed temperament: His stubbornness requires early, firm and consistent training.
- Variable canine compatibility: He can be conflictual with other dogs, especially of the same sex.
- Hunting instinct: His curiosity and taste for pursuit can encourage running away.
- Vocal: Some individuals frequently express their emotions through barking.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active people: He enjoys long walks, games, and dog sports such as agility.
- Experienced owners: Consistent guidance helps to channel his terrier temperament.
- Families with fairly grown children: His playful nature is better suited to children who are able to respect his limits.
- Life in the countryside: Wide open spaces meet his need for exploration and exercise.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary households: Its daily need for activity and stimulation is significant.
- Families with very young children: Its turbulent temperament can cause accidental jostling.
- Households with small animals: Its hunting instinct can complicate cohabitation.
- People looking for a very docile dog: Its independence and stubbornness require patience and consistency.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
29 cmCairn Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 26–31 cm
- Weight
- 6–7 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, harsh and dense
- FCI group
- 3
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Cairn Terrier in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Cairn Terrier is among the oldest terrier breeds. Originating from Scotland, it is mentioned as early as the 12th century and is said to have descended from West Highland terriers crossed with dogs introduced by the Vikings, including the Swedish Vallhund. Documents from the 18th century attest to its existence. Long considered too rustic and primitive to be officially recognized, it was bred to flush out badgers, foxes, rodents and other pests in the cairns, those piles of stones that gave it its name. It then became an appreciated companion dog. The breed standard was established on 24 June 1987.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
Small, strong, compact and rustic, the Cairn Terrier is short on legs without being a basset. Its muscular body has a straight back of medium length, a strong and supple loin and well-sprung ribs. Its head is broad in proportion, with a marked stop, dark hazel eyes set well apart and small erect triangular ears. The topcoat is harsh, thick and abundant, doubled with a short, soft and close undercoat that protects it from bad weather. The coat can be cream, golden, red, grey, almost black or brindle, with sought-after dark extremities. The tail, short and well furnished, is carried gaily without curling over the back.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Very active, playful, intelligent and affectionate, the Cairn Terrier has a strong personality. Curious, cunning and cheerful, it readily stays on the move and naturally shows friendliness towards humans, including strangers. Its stubbornness, its pronounced hunting instinct and its temperament sometimes conflictual towards dogs of the same sex nevertheless require consistent supervision. Some individuals are quite barky and its turbulent nature calls for caution with very young children.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The Cairn Terrier seeks the presence of its owner and family, but easily expresses its moods by voice. It likes to explore, follow a trail and play, with a possible tendency to run away if the environment is not secure. Not very inclined to guarding despite its vigilance, it thrives above all when it benefits each day from active outings and stimulating activities.
Training
## Training and socialization
His training must begin early, with firmness, consistency and gentleness, without rushing him. Limits must be clear in order to channel his exuberance and stubbornness. Early and ongoing socialization is particularly important to facilitate living with other dogs and animals. Intelligent but not very obedient by nature, he makes better progress thanks to short, varied and motivating sessions.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Cairn Terrier
The purchase price varies depending on the breeder, the line, the pedigree and the puppy’s intended purpose. Annual upkeep is estimated at around 900 to 1,000 euros, excluding exceptional veterinary expenses.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cairn-terrier/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Cairn Terrier is an overall robust dog, selected to withstand difficult climatic conditions. It does not present any particular major health problem, but its skin and coat must be monitored with age.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cairn-terrier/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
Its diet must be complete, balanced and adapted to its age, its weight, its activity level and its state of health. The daily ration must support its active temperament without promoting overweight.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/cairn-terrier/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The breed name comes from the cairns, Scottish piles of stones in which this small terrier once flushed out foxes, badgers and rodents. A litter generally has 2 to 6 puppies. Despite its small size, it retains the temperament of a true working dog and is particularly at ease in agility.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Cairn Terrier
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Cairn Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, provided it gets active walks, play and mental stimulation every day. However, it prefers large natural spaces and its level of vocalization must be taken into account in shared housing.
### Is the Cairn Terrier suitable as a first dog?
It may suit a well-informed first-time owner, but its assertive character, hunting instinct and need for socialization make educational guidance highly recommended.
### Does the Cairn Terrier get along with other animals?
Living together can be delicate, especially with dogs of the same sex and small animals, due to its temperament and hunting instinct. Very early socialization improves the chances of getting along.
## Find a Cairn Terrier breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Cairn Terrier breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Cairn Terrier breeders in Brittany9](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/brittany) [Cairn Terrier breeders in Hauts-de-France5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/hauts-de-france) [Cairn Terrier breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Cairn Terrier breeders in Normandy4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/normandy)
### Cairn Terrier breeders by country
[84 breeders of Cairn Terrier in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/germany) [33 breeders of Cairn Terrier in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/denmark) [29 breeders of Cairn Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier) [21 breeders of Cairn Terrier in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/netherlands) [9 breeders of Cairn Terrier in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/united-kingdom) [7 breeders of Cairn Terrier in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/italy) [4 breeders of Cairn Terrier in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/austria) [4 breeders of Cairn Terrier in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/finland) [3 breeders of Cairn Terrier in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/switzerland) [1 breeder of Cairn Terrier in Belgium](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier/belgium)
[All breeders of Cairn Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier)
## Ready to welcome a Cairn Terrier?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-cairn-terrier)
## Compare Cairn Terrier with other breeds
- [West Highland White Terrier vs. Cairn Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/west-highland-white-terrier-vs-cairn-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
[Dandie Dinmont Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dandie-dinmont-terrier)
[Scottish Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/scottish-terrier)
[West Highland White Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/west-highland-white-terrier)
[Skye Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/skye-terrier)
[Bedlington Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bedlington-terrier)
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