Cairn Terrier
A scrappy, cheerful little terrier made famous as Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Cairn Terriers are curious, hardy explorers with a big personality packed into a compact frame.
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Quick Stats
Weight
6–8 kg (13–18 lbs)
Height
23–33 cm (9–13 in)
Lifespan
13–15 years
Coat Type
wiry
AKC Popularity
#88
Good For
Families, Apartments, Seniors
Breed Ratings
Personality
Intelligence
4/5
Trainability
3/5
Playfulness
5/5
Energy Level
4/5
Social
Good with Kids
4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
Good with Strangers
4/5
Lifestyle
Apartment Friendly
4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
Watchdog Ability
4/5
Barking Level
4/5
Care
Shedding
2/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
Health Robustness
4/5
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price
$1,000–$2,000
Monthly Food
$30
Annual Vet
$400
Annual Grooming
$200
Est. First Year Total
~$2,460
Est. Annual Total
~$960
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Common Health Issues
patellar luxationcataractscraniomandibular osteopathyportosystemic shunt
Health robustness rating: 4/5. Cairn Terriers are generally healthy dogs with fewer breed-specific health concerns than average.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cairn Terrier cost?
A Cairn Terrier puppy typically costs $1,000–$2,000. The estimated first-year cost including food, vet visits, and grooming is around $2,460, with ongoing annual costs of approximately $960.
How long do Cairn Terriers live?
Cairn Terriers have an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Common health concerns include patellar luxation, cataracts, craniomandibular osteopathy, portosystemic shunt.
Are Cairn Terriers good with kids?
Cairn Terriers score 4/5 for being good with children. They are generally excellent family dogs and get along well with children of all ages.
Do Cairn Terriers shed a lot?
Cairn Terriers have a shedding level of 2/5. They are relatively low shedders but still need occasional grooming.
Are Cairn Terriers good for apartments?
Cairn Terriers score 4/5 for apartment friendliness. They adapt very well to apartment living and don't require a large yard.