The Cairn Terrier is often referred to as “scrappy,” and if you’ve ever owned one, you certainly know why! These are energetic and hardy little dogs that will certainly give you a run for your money if you let them. Even for terriers, they are highly athletic, hyperactive, and stubborn. Nine times out of ten, your Cairn Terrier will tire you out way before you’re ready to call it a day.
Cairn Terriers are a lovable breed and are often mistaken for potential lapdogs by those looking for a new pet. The Cairn Terrier will not and cannot be happy as a sedentary puppy. This breed needs lots and lots of exercise, and will act out constantly if not properly stimulated. A tired Cairn Terrier is a happy Cairn Terrier: If your dog doesn’t get enough physical activity in his day, he will no doubt resort to chewing, digging, or any number of other destructive behaviors.
The Cairn Terrier is also a small Houdini dog. This breed is known for escaping from the most complex situations. For this reason, you should take extra steps to “terrier-proof” your yard and home. They are excellent diggers and will find a way to get under the fence and escape, that is, if they don’t know how to get over it! Pouring cement at the base of a fence or gate is the easiest and most effective way to curb this behavior, but even that isn’t foolproof. It is very important that you never leave your Cairn Terrier unattended outdoors, even if it is only for a moment.
The Cairn Terrier, being a very intelligent breed, is also very stubborn. Because of this, it is imperative that one enrolls their dog in obedience training courses at a very young age. The benefit of using a course instead of training at home is twofold: it provides a regulated resource for learning new tricks and curbing negative behavior, and it also provides invaluable socialization with other people and animals. If your children are old enough, they should accompany you to obedience classes to learn how to properly handle and care for your new family pet.
Although Cairn Terriers are generally very happy and friendly, they are not recommended as pets for extremely young children. Cairns may not know how to act or respond around a baby or toddler, and active children from a young age are often too aggressive or rough for such a small dog. Regardless of age, your children should be taught how to handle their new dog on a leash or around the house with finesse. Cairn Terriers, while strong and playful, can be quite fragile in certain settings. A strong pull on the collar can cause complete tracheal collapse, which of course will kill the dog.
It is important to work with your children so that they understand the needs and weaknesses of owning a Cairn Terrier, which is why the breed is primarily recommended for families with older children who are capable of understanding this. The Cairn Terrier will make a loving and entertaining family pet, as long as it is treated with the care it deserves!