Meet The Cairn Terrier Dog Breed: How To Train These Feisty Diggers
The Cairn Terrier is one of several connected breeds that first appeared in the 1500s on the rugged and windswept British Isle of Skye and in the Scottish Highlands— initially taken in to remove pests from farms (read more).
In the US, they have ranked 69th as the most popular canine breed. It is a breed that requires little care and moderate exercise, making them ideal for the ordinary family. This dog is little, hairy, and alert with its head, tail, ears up, and eyes gleaming with intelligence. However, they are also stubborn in nature and can get too energetic at times.
To know more about them, read on as we tackle this charming breed: The Cairn Terrier.
All About Cairn Terriers
- Temperament
These tiny terriers are loving and affectionate dogs who would make excellent companions. They are best at adapting to their surroundings and can be extremely friendly to just about anyone they cmeet They are also extremely alert and attentive, which, despite their small size, makes them excellent guard dogs.
Cairn terriers, like all terriers, are highly active creatures who require a great deal of mental and physical stimulation to thrive and develop properly. They aren’t the typical dogs that are cuddly and great for lap since they prefer playing than cuddling with their owner. If a Cairn dog doesn’t have an avenue for its energy, it can become loud and destructive. Usually, they bark a lot! But regular training might help them to be more obedient.
- Trainability
Cairn terriers were bred to be self-sufficient hunters, capable of clearing fields of vermin on their own effort. Breeding for Cairns was chosen for its ability to drive independently and for its skills. As you know, terriers are all intelligent dogs. In fact, the Cairn Terrier intelligence ranking is at the 35th spot. This innate intelligence and independence, on the other hand, has resulted in a dog who does not recognize teamwork.
Nevertheless, the fact that they have a high level of intelligence makes training them much more manageable. However, because they can be compelling, Cairns requires a confident owner and knows how to properly handle them. If not, they can be extremely stubborn and playful, which would almost certainly result in the dismissal of a training session in no time. That occurs when they do not respect you as their owner, and even the most basic commands will necessitate a great deal of patience, perseverance, and dedication on your part.
This breed will put your leadership abilities to the test! Since their attention span is generally shorter than many other breeds, you might need to reinforce positive training rewards during the training sessions. Nonetheless, they are exceptionally playful, so when doing an activity with them, make sure to use your creativity. Try fetch, tug-of-war, or a brisk walk to see what piques your Cairn’s interest!
- Grooming
It’s all about grooming your Cairn terrier’s hair regularly to keep them looking cute. Although this breed does not require frequent grooming, they do require regular maintenance to avoid matting and maintain their appearance neat and tidy.
The Cairn Terrier has a unique double coat. The coat is warm, water-resistant, and dirt-resistant. However, most Cairns now don’t require a hairy appearance and are easier to care for if groomed.
Grooming helps to prevent skin irritation and matting if done regularly. Stripping or clipping can be used for grooming. Unless your dog will be displayed in confirmation, this is a personal choice.
Weekly brushing and combing, as well as periodic hand-stripping, are necessary to retain the coat’s texture. Also, they are considered hypoallergenic because these Cairns do not shed a lot. This breed is appropriate for those concerned that their pet may cause an allergic reaction in them or those around them.
Grooming activities will be more accessible if you have a comb and a soft slicker brush on hand. Overly long nails can cause discomfort to the dog; thus, they should be cut regularly. Spending time together in grooming sessions with a new puppy helps normalize him to be worked with and strengthen your bond (learn more: https://www.wikihow.pet/Care-for-a-Cairn-Terrier).
- Health
The Cairn terrier breed is generally considered to be healthy, though individual dog health can vary. Look for reputable breeders who assess their animals’ health regularly and address any issues that arise. When adopting a Cairn, inquire about the breeder to determine whether the animal’s health and distinctive features have been taken care of well.
Furthermore, many diseases and health concerns in pets are inherited, which means they are linked to their breed. Therefore, according to canine genetic experts and veterinary practitioners, the disorders mentioned herein have a considerable prevalence and influence in this breed.
At home, it’s critical to look after your Cairn Terrier. Keep an eye on her diet. Ensure she gets plenty of exercises, brushes her teeth and coat regularly, and call a pet emergency hospital if anything looks out of the ordinary.
Carefully follow the examination and vaccine plan that is proposed for your pet. The vet will give him the requisite “check-ups” and test him for diseases and disorders common in Cairns. Signing up for pet health insurance is another crucial step in caring for your pet. It will require medical tests and procedures during his life, and pet health insurance will assist you in covering those costs.