Cairn Terrier
Spirited, clever, and endlessly curious, this small breed thrives on adventure and companionship. Always ready to entertain, Cairn Terriers bring joy and energy to any home.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
28–31 cm (male)
28–31 cm (female)
WEIGHT
6–7.5 kg (male)
6–7.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
13–15 years
Cairn Terrier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Cairn Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Cairn Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Cairn Terrier is alert, cheerful, and independent, often displaying a curious and confident nature. They are known for being affectionate with family and generally good with children.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable and good with families
Quick to learn and solve simple problems
Very active and needs daily exercise
Enjoys games and interactive playtime
Adjusts well to new environments and routines
Strengths
- Alert and responsive to surroundings
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Adapts well to various living spaces
- Generally healthy with long lifespan
- Enjoys interactive play and activities
Challenges
- Prone to digging and chasing small animals
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- Requires regular grooming to prevent matting
- May be vocal or bark frequently
- Needs consistent mental and physical stimulation
Protect your Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terrier are active and energetic, but they can develop patellar luxation and allergies. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Cairn Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Cairn Terriers are intelligent and quick learners, but their independent streak can lead to stubbornness. Consistent, positive training methods work best for maintaining their focus and cooperation.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
45–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed is energetic and requires daily exercise, such as brisk walks and play sessions. Mental stimulation is important, as they enjoy interactive games and activities that challenge their problem-solving skills.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Cairn Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Cairn Terrier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Adaptable and intelligent, but needs consistent training and guidance from new owners.
Apartment Living
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit most apartment settings well.
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys play and activity, fitting well with energetic, active lifestyles.
Kids
Generally gentle but supervision is needed due to their excitable nature.
Multiple Pets
Tends to get along with other pets if socialized early and well.
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation anxiety or destructive habits.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Cairn Terriers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cairn Terrier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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