Part II. Most common questions about Cairn Terriers
Here are the most common questions people ask when they want to get a Cairn Terrier. You will never regret it, but just be prepared:
1. Are Cairn Terriers easy to train?
They are intelligent but independent and can be stubborn. Positive, consistent training works best. For dogs with a high prey drive, you will find it helpful to complete an e-collar training course. Search for a qualified dog trainer
2. How long do Cairn Terriers live?
Typically 13–15 years, and sometimes longer.
3. What health problems do Cairn Terriers have?
They are generally healthy, but watch for Legg-Calvé-Perthes, patellar luxation, eye issues, globoid cell leukodystrophy and liver shunts. Regular check-ups at vets help.
4. Are Cairn Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes, provided they get enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
5. Do Cairn Terriers like to cuddle?
Many do once their energy has been burned off. They are working dogs rather than typical lap dogs.
6. Can Cairn Terriers be left alone?
They can develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviour if left alone too long without proper training. Gradual training helps. But if you’re planning to leave your dog alone for the whole day, consider daycare or boarding.
7. Should I wash my Cairn Terrier?
You should not bathe your Cairn regularly. Their weather-resistant double coat is designed to clean itself. Over-bathing can ruin coat quality and cause skin issues. Only bathe if the dog has rolled in something truly awful. In that case, use a shampoo made for coarse coats (such as Chris Christensen) and rinse thoroughly. Better daily habits:
Brush with a soft pin brush
Hand strip regularly
Occasionally clean just the belly and legs if needed
8. When should I start hand stripping my Cairn?
We recommend starting from 3–4 months of age.
9. How often should I hand strip my dog?
Ideally every 2-4 weeks to keep the coat in top condition. Never shave the dog and avoid scissors or stripping knives that cut the coat. Handstripping is a dying art, and not many qualified groomers know how to do it. In most grooming salons, they only do handstripping with a knife (i.e. they do not do handstripping for the dog show). And it is both incorrect and can be dangerous for your dog.
Only at the dog show will you be lucky to find professionals who know how to do handstripping. We advise owners to learn the technique themselves if they have a Cairn Terrier.
Read our article: Why Handstripping is Essential for Cairn Terriers
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Still have a question? Drop us a message at mail@barrythebrave.com . We’re always happy to help fellow Cairn owners.