Cairn Terrier Dog Breed

Thinking of getting a Cairn Terrier Dog and want to know if a Cairn Terrier is suitable for your household?

Use the Cairn Terrier information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Cairn Terrier and more.


Cairn Terrier Breed Facts

Cairn Terrier Facts

  • Name: Cairn Terrier
  • Other Names: Cairn, Toto Dog
  • Origin: United Kingdom
  • Breed Group: Terrier (AKC:1913 & UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Cairn Terrier Dog Facts

Cairn Terrier Information

This is a working terrier, and it should be hardy, game and active. It is short-legged, and longer than it is tall, but not as low to the ground as the Sealyham or Scottish terriers. Its build enables it to fit into close quarters in pursuit of its quarry. Its head is shorter and wider than any other terrier, giving it good jaw strength. Its weather-resistant coat consists of a soft, close undercoat and a profuse, harsh outer coat. Furnishing around the face adds to its somewhat foxy expression.

The cairn is the essence of terrier; plucky, spirited, bold, inquisitive, hardy, clever, stubborn and scrappy. It is responsive to its owner's wishes, however, and tries to please; in fact, it is surprisingly sensitive. This breed can be a good house pet as long as it is given daily physical and mental exercise in a safe area. It enjoys playing with children and is tough enough to withstand some roughhousing. It can be aggressive with other dogs and chases small animals; it loves to sniff, explore and hunt. It digs; some bark.

What to do if you lose your Cairn Terrier

If your Cairn Terrier Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Telephone the nearby vet clinics to see if someone has handed in your missing pet.

4. Call the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Cairn Terrier

If you find a Cairn Terrier Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Call the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the animal to the local Animal Pound near to your area.

5. Take the pet to the local Vet who can scan the animal’s microchip and contact the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.