Is Cairn Terrier Dog Breed For You? Find Out Now!

We all want to have a companion in our lives, whether they are our family, friends, or partner. But one companion that would never leave your side is pets - dogs, to be precise. Dogs are known for their loyal nature as most of them love their human companion. There are many varieties to choose from, from aggressive breeds to the gentlest!

What are you looking for in a dog? Scary guard dogs that would protect you from any danger, or perhaps dogs you can cuddle in your sleep every night? There are many breeds around the globe but If you are looking for a cute, cuddly, and intelligent dog breed, let me introduce you to the Cairn Terriers!

Cairn Terriers are short-legged dog breeds that anyone would find adorable. Dog enthusiasts called the breed “Toto,” a character portrayed in the movie Wizard of Oz (read more) after it was played by a Cairn Terrier named Terry. But does this dog breed really for you? Find out in this article as we delve into details of what they are all about!

All About The Cairn Terriers

Cairn Terriers are one of the oldest known dog breeds. They originate in Skye islands in Scotland and are known as one of their earliest working dogs! They are small in stature, and they hunt numerous vermin between Cairn and Isle of Skye. Short-haired Skye Terriers were their first name, but there were controversies between the breeders and Kennel club about the title. Later on, Cairn Terrier was suggested and got widely accepted, ending conflicts and stapling them as an official dog breed.

The name Cairn Terriers was adopted in 1912. Their ancestors during those times were typically white. After gaining popularity in the United Kingdom, the breed was also well-received in the US after witnessing the dog starring in a hit movie Wizard Of Oz. Because Terry displays adorableness and smarts, the breed is now famous as the Toto dog breed amongst breeders and enthusiasts. Today, they can be seen in many varieties, with different colors and patterns!

Appearance

Toto dogs have a height of 9.5 to 10 inches tall and weigh about 13 to 14 pounds. They are short-legged with harsh weather-resistant outer coats that come in many colors such as wheaten, red, black, gray, sandy, and sometimes brindled with any of the colors. They are double-coated with a soft and dense undercoat. They also shed a little compared to other breeds.

Characteristics

Toto dogs are highly active dogs that always love to play. They are also intelligent and can quickly learn new tricks, perfect for dog shows that display cuteness and smarts! They are also friendly and independent, a fit for any household structure. They are affectionate to almost anyone, including other animals.

Cairn Terriers can adapt to many situations, such as living environments and cold or hot weather. Do not leave them alone, though. They love their human best friend that they could tolerate being away for a long time. This dog breed would not fit in as a guard dog because of their friendliness because they mostly find strangers as another playmate!

Toto dog breeds love to bark and chase around vermin like squirrels in the backyard. They also tend to howl a lot so make sure to cover your ears during bedtime. They are also curious breeds that love to go on adventures and learn about their surroundings.

Grooming

As I mentioned before, Cairn Terriers shed a few amounts of hair. That means you can take it easy from cleaning those pesky hairs around the house. But despite their little shedding, you should continue to brush them to untangle the long furs of their outer coats. You can also trim down their outer hair to your liking but note that you should strap them down first- they are too energetic to sit still!

If you want a more stylish hairdo, try visiting a groomer. They are well-versed in styling your dog’s hair. They also have necessary tools like straps to keep your furry friend still.

Health Problems

Cairn Terriers are typically healthy dogs that can live up to 17 years. But despite being healthy, there are still diseases that could develop. Most of these diseases are hereditary, which means they can come from their parents and their ancestors! For reference, here are some of the illnesses Toto dogs could inherit:

Von Willebrand Disease
Hypothyroidism
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA); and
Soft-tissue Sarcoma

Feeding

Toto dog breeds are active, but even though they burn many calories, they only eat about half a cup or one cup of dry food per day. These foods are split into two meals, which makes it ¼ to ½ cup per serving. Do not skip out their feeding time as they are easily nauseated (link: https://pets.thenest.com/feed-cairn-terriers-5091.html) if they have an empty stomach. Feeding them outside of the schedule could gain their weight fast, so avoid in-between meals!

Activities

You should add walking to your daily routine together with your Toto because you love to take walks. Their curious and adventurous peaks during the activity, making them happy! Even though they are playful, make sure not to unleash and play fetch as they would likely give chase to anything that tempts them. You can buy them adjustable leashes so they can play anywhere they want, but not out of your reach.

Final Thoughts

Cairn Terriers are incredibly easy to take care of. They are predictable, affectionate, friendly, and require less feeding and grooming. If you are a novice owner (or getting there), they are probably perfect for you! So, consider adopting one and enjoy your companionship with the breed.

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