Cairn Terrier Puppies

Purebred Cairn Terrier puppies are very small. Cairn Terriers reach the adult size at the age of 10-12 months. According to the AKC breed standard, the ideal wither height for adult Cairn Terrier dogs is 10 inches and for bitches it’s 9½ inches. Dogs should weigh around 14 pounds; bitches are about 13 pounds in weight. The body length in these dogs varies from 14½ to 15 inches. In Europe, Cairn Terriers are larger than in America.

Only well bred and healthy Cairn Terrier puppies correspond to the breed standard. If you buy a puppy from a pet store or puppy mill, the dog may grow up to be as large as 27 pounds, or as small as 7 pounds. Such dogs can only be used as pets; they cannot compete in shows for purebreds.

Prior to purchasing Cairn Terrier puppies, learn everything you can on the typical terrier personality. Though small, Cairn Terrier puppies are true terriers. They are agile, intelligent, happy, strong, but loyal. Like all terriers, Cairn Terriers like to dig and chase small animals. They have a strong hunting instinct and cannot be trusted with mice, guinea pigs, and other smaller pets. If not given early socialization and obedience training, Cairn Terriers tend to be disobedient, stubborn, and willful. Firm and persistent training can correct behavior problems, but the owner should be experienced and skillful with terriers. Small and affectionate, Cairn Terriers can be manipulating, possessive, and dominating with a permissive and inexperienced owner.

Cairn Terriers do well with children, but they are too agile to be quiet lap dogs. They enjoy active games and object to being kept indoors. This breed needs regular grooming that involves hand stripping, brushing, bathing, and ear cleaning. Though dogs of this breed are long-lived and reach the age of 15-17 years, care should be taken of their health. Many bloodlines of the Cairn Terrier are prone to hereditary health problems. The most serious among them are Cataract, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Entropion, Krabbe disease, hip or elbow dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome, Von Willebrand disease, Luxating patella, and Hypothyroidism. It takes much efforts and skills to produce healthy Cairn Terrier puppies.