Just Starting Research on Cairn Terriers

[GoSox!]

Hi!

Just joined about half an hour ago, so if I'm not in the right place for this topic or am doing it wrong, please let me know.

My husband and I are looking to add a doggie family member in the next year or so; we have an 18 year old going off to college and a 16 year old right behind.

My husband has his heart set on a golden retriever, but I'm starting to think, as we head into our 60s, that a small dog would be more practical and easier in a lot of ways. I've just started my research on the Cairn terrier, and I'm thinking a Cairn might be a good match. I'm vision impaired and don't drive, so I do a lot of walking, and I'd like to have a good walking buddy who can hang out and watch TV in the evenings.

We don't want a puppy, but a dog around 1-3 years old.

We're first time dog owners, except for having dogs when we were kids, and I'm a little wary of the things I've heard about terrier stubbornness. Also, though I'm looking forward to routine brushing as required, how hard is it to keep the Cairn in good grooming order, and is it difficult and/or expensive to find a groomer for the twice a year hair stripping (do I have that right)? Is a Cairn a good choice for a first time dog owner? My husband will be home with him/her, but I work all day and will mostly be around just in the mornings and weekends.

I thought this forum would be a good place to get some wisdom based on personal experience, so if you have any thoughts or comments, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks.

[pindrop]

Hi "Go Sox" and welcome to the forum. We just got our first Cairn almost 8 months ago as a puppy. I think a puppy is definitely a lot of hard work and if you prefer to rescue one that would be wonderful. There are many members here on the forum who have done just that and I know they will be coming along with their comments as well. When we got Layla, my husband was already retired and I had about 8 months before I too would be retiring. Now we are there - both of us are at home and raising a puppy. Insofar as stripping a Cairn, because we live in the back of beyond, there are no groomers who do that locally so we purchased a steel comb (which works wonders on getting rid of dead hair) plus a 10 blade Mars Coat King + a good pair of rounded ended scissors. I too wanted a smaller dog - as I find they don't take up as much room in the house and when I want a companion to sit beside me on the loveseat, a Cairn is just the perfect size. Small dog with tons of attitude - stubborn as all heck - and very independent. Not hyper-active - and not necessarily high energy. We walk her (or I should say I walk her) twice to three times a day and that seems to do the trick. Good luck with whatever choice you make.

[hheldorfer]

Welcome to the forum! You found the right place to get all the information you need on Cairn terriers. DH and I are in our mid-50's and adopted a 1-year-old Cairn from a shelter two years ago. Like you, my husband wanted a big dog but our house and yard are just too small for a retriever/shepherd/lab-sized dog. Also, like you, DH is home all day and I work Monday-Friday.

Buffy stole my heart and we took her home without having a clue about Cairns. We had terriers before, though, so we figured we knew the territory.

Buffy is twice as stubborn as any dog I've ever had but she's also twice as smart. She's energetic but not off-the-wall crazy, she learns commands quickly (even though she sometimes chooses to ignore them) and, as Pindrop said, she's the perfect size for keeping you company on the couch.

Cairns don't mature until they're older - 2-3, according to some folks. Buffy was still very puppyish when we adopted her and she settled down at around 2-2 1/2 years old. Buffy loves to walk and we take her for 2 walks a day (depending on the weather) and she goes to the dog park as much as possible.

As for grooming, I do the stripping myself. Buffy may not look like the perfect Cairn but she has a healthy coat. Pindrop's advice on stripping is great - you just need the right tools and a little patience.

One thing you should know is that, generally speaking (and there are exceptions to this rule, I know), Cairns should not be allowed off-leash except in a controlled situation (fenced yard, fenced dog park). They have a strong prey drive and will take off at the drop of a hat to chase a squirrel, rabbit, or any other critter that catches their fancy.

We added a second small dog when Buffy was 2 years old and she has become the Big Sister to him, keeping him out of trouble and showing him the ropes. She's very intuitive - know what you're doing before you do, sometimes - and is a wonderful companion. There were times of great frustration during the first 6 months or so but now I can't imagine life without a Cairn. These are special dogs that really make themselves part of your life.

Good luck with your decision and ask all the questions you want.

[Sam I Am]

I love terriers... especially Cairns and Scottish Terriers. Having said that they can be more challenging ( I know some will disagree with me)than perhaps some other smaller breeds. For sure an older dog would probably be a bit easier to deal with , especially given that this will be the first dog in your family. You might want to phone some of the reputable breeders in your area and see if they have a mature dog that has finished its show career or perhaps is not being used for breeding anymore. Rescue dogs are great also but you are taking a bit of risk because you dont know how they were treated and if they have some behavioural issues it could be more than you want to start off with.

[Lynn in TN]

Welcome to the forum! As others have said you came to the right place for honest information.

I brought Kelly home almost 1 month ago, she was 8 and a half weeks old. I'm 40 so a little bit of a difference there. I have a husband and 2 sons ages 14 and 8. I have found

her to be a complete delight so much so that I wish I had taken both girls when I had the chance. She is very stubborn(I'm more stubborn than she is though!) She is a lot of fun,

very very intelligent. She will do what ever I say except when she has something she wants to do more. She has been a great match for our family. I can't imagine our

life with out her. She is really just like us, except I believe she is smarter. She wants to do everything we are doing. Doesn't like to be ignored by anyone. She will whine if someone

walks by her and doesn't acknowledge her.

There is no one that does stripping in our area. I just stripped her puppy layer off and it wasn't hard at all. It may not be perfect like a show dog would be done but I'm not going to

show her. Be careful as to whom you get to groom these dogs because I have heard a lot of stories of dogs being shaved by a groomer that said she could strip.

We are first time dog owners and have had no problems with her other than biting and chewing and all puppies do that.( we had dogs when we were children)

Good luck on your selection and if you decide on a Cairn keep us posted.

[pkcrossley]

i would say, tool around this site and see what kinds of things people are discussing. it is really hard to summarize cairns and of course really hard to guess what people considering adopting cairns are looking for. i'm especially intrigued by the fact that you have never had a dog before. if you spend some time here, and go through some threads from beginning to end, you will get the best picture you can get of the cairn world.

deciding to skip the puppy phase is probably wise. the vast majority of problems that arise have to do with understanding and dealing effectively with puppies. normally i would encourage you very warmly to adopt a rescue dog. there are several cairn rescue organizations, full of very deserving dogs who could bring a great deal of happiness to many households. the rescue agencies would not place a dog who is dangerous in any way. but adopting a rescue, in my opinion, is a promise to deal with a issues of adjustment, attachment, and manners, and should be a commitment from the get-go. if your attitude is that the dog is just a try-out for a week or a month, you could be programming yourself to give up on a a dog that could be a fabulous companion for you, once the kinks are ironed out. most rescue dogs have kinks that can only be ironed out by a welcoming home and stable relationships. and it might take time to achieve that. if you have the time and emotional resources to deal with a dog who could need a period of adjustment, you could do a wonderful good turn for a deserving little soul and also for yourself. there is no reason why anybody's first dog should not be a rescue --it is only a matter of commitment. this should be understood before helping a rescue dog. having said all that, i do think that adopting a rescue dog is the highest order of pet ownership.

it is easy to find hundreds of owners who say that having had a cairn they will never have another breed, and hard to find anybody who refuses to have a cairn again. that may be surprising when you read the threads here and see how hard it can sometimes be to create a smooth relationship with these little dogs. their complexity, incredible intelligence, personality, and great strength of body and character make each day an adventure, and some adventures are more enjoyable than others. if you get a cairn you will never be bored, you might sometimes be pushed beyond what you think your limits are for perseverance, and in the end you will have a dog capable of giving companionship like you can't imagine.

[GoSox!]

Wow! What a great welcome! Thank you all for your replies and your insight.

I will definitely tool around the site to see what specifics I can pick up.

I am surprised to learn that you don't need a professional groomer to do hair stripping, and if we get a Cairn I would love to get the right tools and do it myself. Sounds like a great bonding time with the dog.

I've been reading about the strong prey drive the Cairns have, and that they're "bolters" when the front door is open, and you can never have them off-leash except in your own yard (and then I imagine you have to be careful about digging under fences. And just digging). That's a VERY good thing to know!

I am very interested in rescue-and thanks to this site I've just discovered Col. Potter's rescue, which seems like a great resource. I'd be a bit nervous getting my first dog right from a shelter, but a breed rescue where the dog's been in foster care for a few weeks sounds like a good choice.

I have put out feelers to a few reputable breeders in Southern California (got their names from the Cairn Terrier Club website) so we'll see where that leads.

I think I'm going to have to get my first born safely off to college in August before I can think about bringing home a new "child"...one project at a time, you know?

[janis]

Warning! The kids come back! Hi, welcome! I wanted to add that there was a great new segment on Dogs 101 today about Cairns! The focus of the program was on a man who rescues cairns because he trains dogs for Broadway shows. It was talking about how many Cairns he has trained over the years to be Toto. The dogs were trained to hand signals that would look like a natural part of the play! It was amazing. He couldn't say enough good things about the breed, loyal, smart! Kirby is my first cairn. He is turning out to be a wonderful dog. The grooming isn't that big of a deal. Sometimes he goes to the groomers, sometimes I trim him up. They are supposed to look a little unkempt so it doesn't have to be perfect. He doesn't shed, and unless he's been in the neighbors pond or rolled in poop he doesn't smell. We do let our outside off leash, but we live in the country. But, he may or may not feel like coming when called. Good luck with your rescue! Hope you get one as sweet as mine.

[josie&holly]

Holly was my first dog and first Cairn! I got her aged four and half - she was not rescue but retired by breeder [had been shown and then had two litters] and now had her 3 yrs. At first she was a little awkward as she had only lived in kennels with concrete run but soon learn that living in a house meant comfort, treats and affection. She is now my best friend and I would not be without her! OK she has her stubborn moments but most of the time she is so lovely to have around.

[Dempsy's Mom]

Welcome! I think you will be very happy with an older Cairn. Dempsy came to me at 1 and all I can tell you is at 1 there is plenty of energy, so you may want to go a little older. And remember they don't obey unless they want to - so leash. It is nice you walk alot and you will walk alot more if you let him off leash. You will enjoy them immensely - they are quite the stinkers.

Second thought: If off leash - you may take up running.

[lindasue]

Welcome! Our cairn Pegi is almost 2, and has been so much fun for our family (DH and twin 17 year old daughters). I've had goldens, and the cairns are much more stubborn, but they are highly intelligent and easily trained. As suggested above, many breeders to have older dogs available when they are done breeding or being shown.

Like Pindrop, I have the mars stripping comb and give Pegi a good comb every 10-14 days to keep her outer coat trimmed. I usually get a large ball of hair when I'm done. She goes to the groomer every 3-4 months for a good bath, nails, and face trim. Other than that she's fine - with the summer weather she has landed in the pool a few times to keep cool.

Have to ask about the name: GoSox. Being from Mass. I certainly hope that means Red Sox! Good thing I didn't name Pegi as she would have been called Yuk....not a very feminine name, but we already have a Fenway terrier in the neighborhood.

Good luck!

[Hawkeye]

Welcome! I have only had terriers and wouldn't have it any other way. One other important note would be to get proper training for the dog. Whether you go with a rescue or not, you may need to work on some training skills/manners, and going to some classes is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your new dog.

I'm still working and my husband works out of the house - kids long gone now. I was able to get a show dog reject when he was 10 months old and he has been the best dog. The breeder did all the hard work for me in training him. My second dog came as a puppy and was a real handful for the first year, but has settled down to be wonderful companion. As far as the grooming goes, many of us do our own and there are many topics on the forum to help get you started. Plus if you have a question, just ask we're a friendly bunch here.

So go get that first born off to college (very emotionally times) and in your spare time do your research and let us know how you make out. August is not that far away. Good luck with everything.

[hheldorfer]

Regarding your husband's wish for a bigger dog, I wanted to add this: As I mentioned earlier, my DH also wanted a big, manly dog. He quickly discovered that Buffy was a big dog in a small dog's body; tough as nails, in fact. She plays rough with the big dogs at the dog park without so much as a whimper; she has been pounced on and knocked over and shakes it all off, then goes back for more. So you can assure your DH that a Cairn isn't a frou-frou lap dog.

[janis]

og. He quickly discovered that Buffy was a big dog in a small dog's body; tough as nails,

Just wanted to chime back in to second what was just said. My husband said he didn't want a little whinny lap dog, Kirby isn't- very tough, rough and tumble. Friends on his terms, and remarkably my DH just loves him - this from a man who has only raised hounds.

[bradl]

A Cairn has a working history and genetics, is completely natural (no tail or ear cropping), is portable and utilitarian, and somehow manages to be both scruffily companionable and/or adorable at the same time, depending the perspective, interests, and intent of the viewer. They're sort of like the Mike Rowe or Sean Connery of dogs.

[hheldorfer]

A Cairn has a working history and genetics, is completely natural (no tail or ear cropping), is portable and utilitarian, and somehow manages to be both scruffily companionable and/or adorable at the same time, depending the perspective, interests, and intent of the viewer. They're sort of like the Mike Rowe or Sean Connery of dogs.

Just want to applaud Brad on the phrase "scruffily companionable". Perfect description of a Cairn.

[Jayme]

I LOVE my cairn! Big dog in a small dog's body. He's great with kids (I have a 7 and 9 year old). We've had him since he was 7 weeks old and he's now 14 months old. He's a great companion and gives us a great laugh daily! He's fun and pretty easy to maintain and train. You'd be good with a slightly older dog (1-3 years) so you can skip the puppy stages. I wish you well on your new adventure!

[Idaho Cairns]

Yep, it is always good to remember that Cairns are little rough farm dogs that earned their keep by killing varmints for their master. With the exception of the a few exaggerated grooming concerns, Cairns are a real no brainer kind of dog--usually healthy, rugged as the dickens, they are a go anywhere do anything canine. You'll find few if any challenges that will make a Cairn back up. They aren't as "sweet" as a Golden, or as eager to please but a Cairn will never knock a full glass of coke off the coffee table with its tail and you can keep all your black clothing as well. No Golden born has the "Here's spit in your eye" attitude of a Cairn so if big personality in a little package is at all interesting to you--think Cairn.

Our first Cairn was a six year old rescue (local Humane Society) and that really isn't a bad way to go for a first dog. Take a look at Cairn Rescue USA or CRUSA for short, they have dogs as well and I have seen some listed on pet finder.

[sheilatn]

I am hoping that a one year old rescue Cairn Terrier will be compatible with my 4 year old Cockachon when we meet at a Petco and the St. Ann Humane Society shows some of their dogs on Saturday. I can't imagine a dog being more stubborn and strong willed than my Cockachon Peyton was until recently. I am supposed to bring Peyton with me when I meet the Cairn Terrier. Peyton now likes just about all other dogs and people. I just feel he and I will both be happier with another dog in our family. I am widowed with no other pets, and have an invisible fence, which your forum gave mixed reviews on. The Cairn is a stray, house trained, and likes people and other pets, but when I chatted with the Humane Society officer she said he didn't like cats, and I have never had a cat so that is no problem. What "red flags" should I be aware of when I meet the Cairn, which I would call "Eli"?

[GoSox!]

...so I'm learning that Cairn owners are very good writers and seem to have quite a sense of humor. I'm guessing that's a requirement with a terrier.

LindaSu, I am most definitely a proud member of the Red Sox nation and might even name my dog Ellsbury. I live in LA but my heart is in Boston.

Brad, I think your capsule description of the Cairn is wonderful. The Cairn caught my eye because of his tough working heritage, small package and feisty personality. This is NOT a lapdog, which I think is what my husband is afraid of with a small dog. Also, I love their little faces.

I was actually originally looking at corgis but they apparently shed like crazy. Also a headstrong dog.

I figure, if my teenagers are off to college, I'm gonna need someone around to give me attitude.

[Malcolm's Dad]

Hi, welcome to the newcomers. Cairns are stubborn and independent, much like a cat. At first it is aggravating, but then it becomes humorous. For example, when I first got Malcolm from the shelter (he was 1 year old), they told me his name was Schroeder. I would call him but he ignored me. I was beginning to think he was hard of hearing. I would clap my hands loudly and he would look at me, so he could hear ok. But call his name and no reaction at all, he would just look the other way. So I thought they put down the wrong name. It's a very large and busy shelter, someone could have got the name confused. So I figured he needed a new name. Now he is known as Malcolm.

Then I found this forum and discovered he is not hard of hearing at all, he is just being stubborn. He was PURPOSELY! ignoring me. In the yard one night I called him and he just kept looking the other way. I burst out laughing. I couldn't believe it, he really was ignoring me. What a little stinker. Now when I want him to come in I call him, wait about 5 or 10 seconds, and in he trots. He has become obedient, he will do as instructed, but he has to think about it first. Now that I know what he is doing I think it is hilarious.

My parents always had a dog, and at times we had cats too. I grew up with the dogs and cats and thought I knew about them. Then I got a Cairn. Malcolm made me rethink everything I knew about dogs. Most dogs are eager to please their owner. A Cairn is willing to please their owner, they just aren't so eager about it. Sometimes it's like he is playing mind games with me, like he is thinking "Ok, I'll let the human think he is in charge so I'll do what he says, when I am ready".

The thing I enjoy most about Malcolm is his spontaneity. Most dogs settle into a pattern, and to some degree so does Malcolm. He wants to be fed about the same time every day and go potty on a regular schedule. But every day is a new adventure. He might want to play ball today, explore the yard tomorrow, go one way in the park today and another way in the park tomorrow. You never know what will strike his fancy.

sheilatn, I don't know what to tell you about meeting the Cairn. Malcolm is extremely aggressive with other dogs. He likes to hassle a Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff) a man walks in the park. The Corso is very mellow, he just wants to get away from Malcolm. Everyone in the park laughs at this little dog giving the giant Goliath a hard time. I would suggest you let the dogs be near each other for a while at first, don't try to force an introduction. Since Peyton is friendly with other pets and they say the Cairn is too, then let them decide when to greet each other.

I've had Malcolm for 2 1/2 years now. I'm not sure if I have him figured out or if he has me figured out. To me that is what makes this dog so much fun and a great companion.

Good Luck to GoSox and Sheilatn.

[utgaard]

I got a Cairn as my first dog. We got Loki three years ago from the local Cairn Terrier Club Rescue program when he was 11 months old.

Did I know what I was getting into when I decided to get a Cairn? Not by a long shot. Do I have any regrets? No. This little dog has made so many positive changes in my life that I will probably have at least one Cairn in my house until the day I die.

While Cairns work for me, this breed is not for everyone. If you can, go meet a Cairn or two with your husband before you adopt. Then ask yourself if you can be tougher, more stubborn, than the dog. If you let them rule, both you and the dog are going to be miserable.

No matter what breed you decide on I strongly recommend an obedience class. As a first time dog owner, I must have learned a dozen things each session, while Loki learned one or two lessons each hour. I still use some of the techniques they taught.

Best of luck on this.

[KShep]

Here's what I know about Cairns:

I've had a female Cairn, Ripley, since she was 7 weeks old. She is now almost 8 months. So, still just a puppy.

Let's start with grooming. I still have a lot to learn. She has been to the groomer twice in her 8 months. First groomer used a stripping knife on her body, shaved her belly, and trimmed around the head. Second groomer I believe used clippers (I plan on requesting more stripping next time, but her attitude was way better than the first lady). I brush her every other day. Recently attempted "rolling the coat" which is a partial hand-strip. I use a ceramic nail file to get a grip on those hairs (just pull-they come right out). I haven't done it very often and I usually just do what she will allow. Warning: It is not hard, but tedious, and it's hard to get a Cairn to sit still that long (Also, the may object to you plucking hair in certain areas like the face or around the ears). I found a less expensive Mars Coat King type stripper. It's no replacement for hand-stripping, but I have noticed a tremendous difference! It's already starting to come in a bit more wiry. Cairns hardly shed at all. I brush her every other day to remove the loose undercoat and bathe her no more than once every two weeks. In between baths, I have puppy wipes that take the dog smell out. I am just tinkering with her coat. I must admit that I don't really know what I'm doing! But I am learning, and it is definitely a good bonding time, and I really enjoy it. Sometimes she gets restless, but I feel like getting her used to handling is important.

Temperament: Intelligent, Stubborn, High Energy, Loyal, Funny, and SWEET! It took me a little while to adapt to her personality. She wasn't the calm lap dog I originally wanted. All she wants to do is play, play, play. She loves everyone she meets! She is a happy dog. She knows how to sit, lay down, play dead, sit pretty, and "leave it" (a very important command). "Come" is a command that I'm convinced no Cairn can learn! Whenever I say it, she looks at me as if to say "Nope....don't want to!". Extremely hard to potty-train. But now she actually uses a bell at the back door to let us know. She was a nipper as a puppy, but never an aggressive thing, always very playful as if she was using her teeth to communicate. Those little puppy teeth are like needles! If you do get a Cairn, just give him/her a chance. I'm sure you will fall in love.

[lindasue]

GoSox - Ellsbury is a perfect name! Jacoby was going to be my second choice for a name for Pegi, behind Yuk. My girls (17) both are huge Jacoby fans - have to admit he is a cutie! Good luck with your search, and getting son off to college. I'll be there next year when both daughters head off; visiting schools all summer.

What other members say about the puppy phase is very true; these dogs are a handful over the first few months. My DH was at wits end; I told him we need patience and lots of training, which has paid off. Pegi went to puppy socialization and two training sessions at a local Petco to learn the basics. The nipping phase, which several members of this forum are in now, is especially painful!

[finncaraid]

Hi & Welcome! Good for you GoSox! & Sheilatn- research & asking questions is the right way to go! As for a Cairn, I think you're getting some honest answers here. Like someone else said, they're not for everyone but you're getting a good idea of what life is like with one. We got Finn at 8 weeks: he just turned 1. I spent 3 months last year doing the research, buying training books, getting ready for him. It helped enormously but I think it's the kind of experience you can't fully understand until you have it. The single biggest shock & adjustment for me was the intelligence. I've lived with dogs my whole life, every breed group just about but never a terrier. I thought how much different could a Cairn be? they're still a dog. They may look like a dog, have doggie interests & needs, but that's where the similarity ends. Finn is smarter than a lot of people I know & it took me some months to appreciate that. I define smart as being able to figure a problem out even with little prior experience, learning quickly, remembering & being able to quickly retrieve information. Since the moment I understood all of this, life has been grand. I went from thinking I'd made a huge mistake to thinking it was the best thing I've ever done. Of course, we're both older & wiser now. He's gotten past most of the puppy rambunctiousness & I've gotten use to what I'm dealing with. It seems to me, if you get an older dog, you can focus more quickly on appreciating the "Cairness" of these amazing little dogs.-----------Someone told me in the early months that there are terrier people & dog people. I now know what that means. Don't know about other terrier breeds but a Cairn to me is the most charming character (emphasis on character) I've ever known. They've got a tremendous sense of humor, they can be gentle & affectionate one minute & an NFL linebacker the next, they can be the most sweet, endearing creature right now & turn around & make you bonkers 10 minutes later. They are serious daredevils so you might get grey hair. They are very gregarious so everyone is their best friend but they are excellent watchdogs- they sense the difference between what's okay, normal & when it's time to be cautious.------------ I'm far from being a Cairn expert so I can only talk from my experience. At 1, Finn has adjusted to life where he lives. He'll play when someone is available, otherwise, he's great at entertaining himself. He's always up for a walk, a cuddle, a training session, a power nap or just sitting in the window, watching the world. He was the easiest dog I've ever known to house-break (this doesn't neccesarily apply to all Cairns) & the easiest dog to train in basic commands & tricks. He's got his own life, interests & personality but he's part of the family. As a puppy, he made the energiser bunny look laid back but those days are behind us now, thank heaven. He can be tenacious but I've learned if something more interesting comes along, he easily redirects his attention. He'll do whatever I want as long as there's something in it for him or what I refer to as a reward. That something is generally praise in the form of "good boy". That single distinction is what really throws people & upsets them. If you want a dog with less self-interest, don't get a terrier. These dogs need a reason to do what you want: they aren't lying around waiting for you to tell them what to do next. That's where the intelligence comes in. They think. That quality is hard-wired & won't ever change. Some people might call this being headstrong, determined or stubborn. But when was the last time you did something for no reason?? As humans, there's always motivation, regardless of whether it's selfish or noble. That's where a Cairn differs from what we usually expect from a dog- motivation. The second you understand this, you'll have the most loyal, affectionate, personable & loving friend you'll ever know. And you'll be amazed that a non-human could ever be like this.------------If you're up for a commitment with big rewards, get a Cairn. It won't be a walk in the park every second in the beginning but you'll soon be wondering how you ever thought of dogs & even life the way you did before. It's truly an amazing journey!!