How to Care for a Cairn Terrier

Groom your Cairn Terrier.

Every week, you should plan to groom your Cairn Terrier for about an hour. You should have a comb as well as a softer brush. Comb and brush your Cairn Terrier thoroughly every week to prevent shedding and keep his coat healthy. Give your Cairn Terrier a full bath about every three months.

The Cairn Terrier is a low-maintenance dog, needing just a weekly combing to keep shedding under control. Cairn Terriers don’t do well if they’re left alone for long periods, and are not happy as backyard dogs.

Alone Time

Though the Cairn Terrier can stay alone for four to eight hours per day, she prefers to have her people by her side as much as possible. Cairns may become destructive and are likely to bark if bored or not given enough exercise. Crate training may help prevent destructive behaviors.

Cairns are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Unlike some terrier breeds, they’re rugged little dogs that don’t need daily brushing or specialty grooming.

Some dogs can develop bacterial or yeast infections which give off unpleasant odors. If you suspect that your Cairn Terrier may be suffering from an allergy or skin infection, you should seek veterinary assistance. They have a particularly noxious smell which is reminiscent of rotten fish.

Cairn Terriers are highly intelligent, and like most Terriers, they will respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, their attention span is generally shorter than that of dogs belonging to another dog group such as the working or herding groups.

Cairn Terriers are sensible, independent, and friendly dogs who excel as family companions. Compact and affectionate, these dogs do well in apartments and large homes with novice pet parents and experienced dog lovers, alike.