Cairn Terrier

Appearance
A middle aged, brindle Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terrier Puppy at 10 Weeks old
Cairn Terrier physique
Weight:     10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kg)
Height:     9–13 inches (23–33 cm)    
Coat:     Abundant shaggy outer coat, soft downy undercoat
Litter size:     2-10
Life span:     12–17 years

The Cairn Terrier has a harsh weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colours. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs. While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917 the American Kennel Club required them to be registered as West Highland White Terriers. A notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change colour throughout their lifetime. It is not uncommon for a brindled Cairn to become progressively more black or silver as it ages. The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. A well-groomed Cairn has a rough-and-ready appearance, free of artifice or exaggeration. A trait that isn't in the majority of breeds is their purple tongue. Since not many people know of this trait, a purebred can be confused for a mixed breed.[3] The cairn terrier was registered into the American kennel club in 1903.
Nine week old Cairn Terrier with Brindle coat.
Grooming
Close-up of a Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers are hypoallergenic and shed very little but should always be hand stripped. Using scissors or shears can ruin the dog's rugged outer coat after one grooming. Hand stripping involves pulling the old dead hair out by the roots. If done incorrectly this can cause discomfort to the dog, causing it to shy away from future hand stripping. Removing the dead hair in this manner allows new growth to come in. This new growth helps protect the dog from water and dirt.

Cairn Terrier ancestors are from Scotland, where the wire coat repels water and keeps the dog dry even in rainy or damp climates. Keeping the Cairn Terrier coat in its original state will prevent possible skin irritations. As dead hair is removed by stripping the coat, new growth comes in and the skin and coat will remain healthy. Clipper-cutting a Cairn might destroy the protective wire coat unique to this breed.

It is wise to have a pet examined to rule out heritable skin diseases if a Cairn is obtained from unknown sources (i.e. pet stores, rescues, or puppy mills).
Health

These dogs are generally healthy and live on average about 12 to 17 years.[4] Yet breeders, owners and veterinarians have identified several health problems that are significant for Cairns. Some of these diseases are hereditary while others occur as a result of non-specific factors (i.e. infections, toxins, injuries, or advanced age).
Healthy Cairn Terrier Puppy

Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are:[5]

    Cataracts
    Ocular Melanosis
    Progressive retinal atrophy
    Corneal dystrophy
    Krabbe disease (Globoid cell leukodystrophy)
    Hip dysplasia
    Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome
    Craniomandibular osteopathy (Lion Jaw)
    Von Willebrand disease
    Hypothyroidism
    Portosystemic shunt
    Luxating patella
    Entropion
    Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS)

Currently, the Cairn Terrier Club of America along with the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals[dead link] maintain an open registry for Cairn Terriers in hopes of reducing the occurrence of hereditary diseases within the breed. Breeders voluntarily submit their dogs' test results for research purpose, as well as for use by individuals who seek to make sound breeding decisions.
Living conditions

The Cairn Terrier will exist happily in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised.[citation needed] It is very active indoors and will suffice even without a yard.[citation needed]

Cairn Terriers should have a fenced in yard and ethical breeders will strongly suggest obedience school or some other type of training to direct Cairn Terrier's focus on the owner as the one in command. If allowed to take control of the household, behavior problems may develop that can only be resolved by hiring a professional dog trainer. Many breeders will only sell puppies to dedicated dog owners who agree to basic obedience school. Cairn Terriers have a strong hunting instinct and have been known to tear out sheetrock in a home to get at a mouse that may be hiding somewhere in the house.

Daily walks will help keep a Cairn Terrier happy and healthy. Curious by nature, an unsupervised Cairn Terrier running free, may meet an accidental death. Fenced-in yards are strongly recommended for safety and well being.
Exercise

These are active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off leash, such as a large fenced in yard.

According to Temple Grandin, in her book entitled "Animals Make Us Human", dogs need 45 minutes to one hour per day of Playing and Seeking. After fulfilling the Playing and Seeking, dogs become balanced and well-mannered.

Obedience school is often a good start to creating interactive play using words or commands for a dog to perform specific actions on cue. Teaching a Cairn Terrier tricks is also a clever way to direct their active energy into acceptable controlled dog games. 

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