10 Things You Didn’t Know about the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn terrier is a small dog that only weighs about 14 pounds. What is so sweet about this little dog, however, is that it has not even one ounce of knowledge about its small size. This dog thinks it is so much bigger than it really is, and it’s just part of the charm of a Cairn terrier. It’s a dog that has so much to offer, but it’s also one that has a lot going on you might not be familiar with. Most people who have this breed at home are very familiar with it, but some of the facts about the Cairn terrier might still surprise even those who think they know everything about this lovable, brave, adorable little dog. Read on to find out if what you know about the Cairn terrier is pretty impressive or completely off the mark.
They Live a Long Time
Ask the next person you see what they think the average life span of a dog – any dog – is, and chances are good they’ll say about a decade. While it’s true for some breeds, the Cairn terrier really does live a long time. The breed has been known to live as long as 15 years, though that’s pretty average. Some live longer and some live less, but it’s still a long time for a small dog.
They Are Okay with Cats
So many small dogs are not fond of cats – or maybe cats are not fond of them. However, this is a breed that is not really one way or the other. It seems to think that cats are pretty all right. Some might be very friendly depending on individual personality and how it was raised with cats, and others might not like the introduction of a cat at all. But since they’re not too much smaller than this breed, it doesn’t view it at a threat or an issue in any way.
They Shed Less Than You Might Think
It doesn’t have a long coat, but it’s not short either. It’s one that looks like it might shed more than you think, though. It’s a shedding dog, like most are, but it’s not one that’s going to make you feel that it’s too much work. If you keep it brushed regularly, most of the hair will come out in the brush and you will notice very little of it in your home and on your furniture.
They Bark
The Cairn terrier is a barker. Don’t let this deter you from having one of your own, but know that it might not be the best dog to have at home with a brand new baby or an infant you want to sleep throughout the day and night. This is a happy dog that makes a lot of noise, so be prepared for that kind of lifestyle with this animal.
They’re Good with Kids
Very affectionate, this is a dog that loves to play with kids. It’s not always going to be as gentle as it should, but it’s always happy to be around a child. Friendly and playful, kids love this little dog because it doesn’t intimidate them or scare them in any way, but it loves to play with them. If the kids are bored, the dog will help cure them of that fleeting thought.
They’re Playful
These are dogs that love to play. They want to run and fetch and play in general. They love being in the snow so they can hunt. They love being in the yard so they can dig. Show this breed a squirrel in your yard and watch as the dog happily tries to run it off. In fact, you’re not going to be able to tell whether or not the dog is actually trying to get the squirrel or just playing with it because it’s fun.
They Were Bred to Dig Rocks
When this breed was first created, it’s job was to dig beneath rocks. Today, however, it’s a family dog. The issue is that it does love to dig, however, so this could pose a problem for you if you let it in the yard too often without supervision. It’s a feisty dog that has no idea just how small it is, so while it’s bark is much bigger than it’s bite, it’s still a hardcore little dog.
They’re Good Watch Dogs
This is a breed that likes to be helpful, so it makes a good watch dog. It’s going to assume that when you are not around it is in charge, and it will alert you to people, animals and anything else that seems amiss in your home. It simply is not a dog that is going to bother with things it does not consider normal in any way, shape or form. It’s not going to attack anyone, but it is going to make sure that you know people are coming.
They do Have Health Issues
Small breeds tend to have more breed-specific health problems than other breeds. This is not one of the healthier breeds you might choose for a family. It has issues with its liver, it’s prone to bone issues and it is prone to a number of other health issues. This is not a guarantee that your dog will end up sick or suffer from any of the above mentioned illnesses, but that does not mean that it won’t, either.
They are Not Lap Dogs
Many people expect this breed to be more of a lap dog because it’s so small, but that could not be further from the truth. This is a breed that is too busy and too entertained by just about everything else in the world around them to be too concerned with being a lap dog. This breed would much rather be in the garden digging up your flowers and plants, so you’re going to want to train him immediately. Fortunately, this is a very smart breed that will do well with training.
You can also read:
- 10 Things You Should Know Before Buying an Akita
- What Is The Right Price For A Fawn French Bulldog Puppy?
- European Doberman Vs. American Doberman: Which Is The Better Canine?
- How To Choose Quality Irish Setter Breeders and Avoid Puppy Mills
- 10 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Morkie
