Buyer question
How long does a Cairn Terrier live?
Our Animal Library gives the Cairn Terrier a lifespan of 13–15 years.
Source: the Cairn Terrier page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Cairn Terrier in the Animal Library
The detail
One of the oldest Scottish working terriers, bred on the Isle of Skye to hunt foxes and vermin among piles of stones called cairns. Cheerful, curious and sturdy, the Cairn is a small, hardy dog with plenty of terrier independence and a love of digging.
- Best fit
- Families, small homes
- Temperament
- Cheerful, alert, busy
What to weigh
Cairns dig, bark and chase small animals, and they can escape low fences. They are independent, so recall needs work and should not be trusted near roads.