How to Identify a Cairn Terrier

A Cairn Terrier is a smaller breed of dog, and (as you might’ve guessed by the name) a member of the terrier group. Originating in the Western Isles of Scotland, Cairn Terriers were originally referred to as “Short-haired Skye Terriers”. [1] This wikiHow will show you how to identify whether or not a dog is a Cairn Terrier.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Examining the Body Structure

  1. Cairn Terriers are overall quite small in size, with males being around 10 inches (25 cm) in height and weighing around 14 pounds (6.4 kg), and females being only slightly smaller, at 9.5 inches (24 cm) in height and with a weight of approximately 13 pounds (5.9 kg). [2]
  2. A Cairn Terrier’s head is relatively broad, with the top being covered in hair (that can sometimes be softer than the rest of the dog’s coat). [3]
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  3. A Cairn Terrier has small ears that are pointed, set well apart, and carried well, without any long hairs. [4]
  4. A Cairn Terrier’s eyes are medium-sized, set widely apart, with a relatively sunken appearance. [5]
    • The eyes can either be hazel or dark hazel, depending on the dog’s body color. [6]
  5. All Cairn Terriers should generally have black noses. [7]
  6. A Cairn Terrier’s tail has a lot of hair but is not feathered. It is set at back level on the dog and carried in a cheerful way (though it does not curl over the back at any point). [8]
  7. This is one characteristic of a Cairn Terrier. [9]
  8. Cairn Terriers move very freely, are strongly built, and have a well-proportioned build overall. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

  1. A Cairn Terrier can be any color except white. [11] This includes colors such as black, silver, red, and brindle, to name just a few. [12]
  2. A Cairn Terrier may have dark ears, a dark muzzle, or a dark tip of its tail. [13]
  3. Its coat overall is weather-resistant, and its outer coat should be relatively hard, with its inner coat should be short, close, soft, and furry. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing the Dog’s Temperament

  1. Similar to other Terriers, Cairn Terriers are occasionally known to be stubborn, and they’ll need frequent training throughout their life to help correct this behavior. [15]
  2. Despite being stubborn, Cairn Terriers are also intelligent and quick learners. [16]
  3. Again, similar to other Terriers, Cairn Terriers like to be active. [17] Therefore, they'll likely need regular exercise through things such as games of fetch or going on walks.
    • Because they’re so active, they may occasionally be prone to digging and/or barking excessively. [18]
  4. Despite being stubborn, the Cairn Terrier can also be sensitive (therefore, a calm, friendly demeanor is generally best when interacting with them). [19]
  5. Cairn Terriers are an adaptable breed, since they can adapt to most living situations, including living in apartments and living with children. [20]
    • They can, however, become aggressive towards dogs and other small animals, so be sure to keep that in mind. [21]
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      Tips

      • If you’d like to know definitively whether or not a dog is a Cairn Terrier, and it’s your dog, consider a dog DNA test, since this will let you know for sure whether or not your dog is a Cairn Terrier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cairn-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cairn-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/cairn-terrier
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CairnTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/cairn-terrier#/slide/1
      7. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/cairn-terrier#/slide/1
      8. ↑ https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/cairn-terrier
      9. ↑ https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/cairn-terrier
      10. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_cairn_terrier
      11. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_cairn_terrier
      12. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_cairn_terrier

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