Buyer question
Is a Cairn Terrier good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Cairn Terrier 4 out of 5 for beginners (hardy and adaptable).
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.
- Temperament
- Cheerful, alert, busy
- Best fit
- Families, small homes
- Trainability
- 3 out of 5 (Bright, independent)
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (Daily walks and play)
- Grooming load
- 2 out of 5 (Weekly brush, strip twice)
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.