Cairn Terrier: characteristics of the breed, content and choice of nickname

Cairn Terrier - a charming miniature doggie that can not leave anyone indifferent. Once these active creatures took part in the hunt. Today they become merry companions and faithful friends of dog breeders. Let's get to know this breed more closely and find out what the pros and cons of its representatives are.

The breed of cairn terrier appeared a very long time ago. Specialists attribute Scottish hunting dogs to her ancestors. In those days, animals took part in the hunt for burrows. Foxes and other small wild animals then lived in the mountains, stone blockages. "Kern" just means "stone" in translation.

Dogs did not have a common type, they were united only by hunting skills, dexterity and speed of movement. However, 4 main types began to stand out clearly among them. One of them included funny core-terriers. The breed received its official name in 1910. In 1912, she was registered in the club of dog breeders. This has contributed to an increase in the popularity and popularity of core samples throughout the world.

Although initially the working qualities of dogs of this breed were the main ones, their appearance was very charming. The appearance of small shaggy creatures with a friendly look perfectly reflects their restlessness and positive character. The height at the withers of boys is about 25 cm. Girls reach 23 cm. Deviation within 5 cm is allowed. A big difference is considered a flaw, such individuals are not recognized as purebred. The weight of the cores varies from 6 to 7.5 kg.

Let us consider in more detail the characteristics of the breed according to the standard.

• Head. The skull is small, slightly narrowed at the muzzle. The hair on the head is thicker and softer to the touch. Hazel eyes, expressive, framed by lush eyebrows. Look mischievous, curious. The jaws are strong, with large teeth.
• Bite - “full scissors”. The nose is black, mobile. The ears are small, in the form of regular triangles. A high set of ears provides animals with excellent hearing.
• Body. The physique is harmonious, strong, but not massive. The neck is short, wide. Withers weakly expressed. The back is straight, slightly elongated. The stomach is moderately tightened.
• The tail is short, pubescent, "looking" up. According to the standard, the tail is not docked.
• Limbs. Legs are strong, medium length. The front legs are slightly larger than the hind legs. This is due to the fact that such dogs used to dig holes.

The hair of the Cairn Terriers is thick, tough, slightly tousled. According to the standard, slight waviness is allowed. In this case, there is always a short soft undercoat. Since animals do not fade, coarse hairs need to be thinned regularly.

As for the color, it is diverse. Wool of sand, red, light and dark gray shades and their combinations are allowed. Usually, a muzzle stands out in a darker tone, sometimes paws. Individuals of completely white and black colors are not recognized as purebred.

Puppies of this breed are very playful. Adults retain in their character fun and enthusiasm. In this case, the dogs are very friendly. For them, constant contact with a person is important, they love attention, strive to take part in any events. Fuzzies get along well with children, but they do not tolerate careless attitude towards themselves. Therefore, if a small child tries to pull the dog by the tail or causes him discomfort by other actions, it’s best not to leave him alone with your pet.

It is important to begin the socialization of an animal from an early age. It is worth introducing him to strangers, taking him for walks to various places. Traveling in transport is also a useful experience. So the pet will grow up balanced, gain skills in different situations. Despite their small size and funny cute appearance, core samples consider themselves the defenders of the house. Excellent flair, keen hearing and sense of smell allow them to feel in advance the approach of strangers. They inform the owners about it with a loud bark. True, the protective qualities of pets end there.

In general, representatives of the breed are non-aggressive. Animals are friendly to people. But relations with other animals in dogs do not always develop. Cores usually find a common language with their own kind, but sometimes conflict situations also occur. Surprisingly, brave babies can fend for themselves, they never run from a fight. But cats, hamsters, ferrets and other small animals, dogs are considered as prey. Concerning Do not get these pets if you already have a little hunter. Also, do not let the dog off the leash while walking in busy places.

Cairn terriers become great companions. They are loyal, affectionate. The activity and playfulness of animals can be attributed to their merits.

• Firstly, even at a venerable age, dogs retain good mobility, which positively affects their health.
• Secondly, such a pet is able to cheer up anyone.He will constantly call the owner in search of adventure, will be happy to accompany him on hikes and any trips.

On the other hand, this can be regarded as a drawback. The dog requires attention to his person, he needs to walk for a long time daily, entertain, engage with him. If a pet is left alone for a long time, he will get bored and begin to bully.

Gnawed things, spoiled furniture - this is not the whole list of harm that a little naughty person can do. The curiosity of the breed does not allow its representatives to sit still. Everything is interesting to animals, but such behavior may seem to someone obsessive and too fussy. If you are a calm person who prefers a quiet rest, it is better to choose a dog of a different breed.

It is important to remember that representatives of this breed are better for people than for other animals. Therefore, if you still want to keep a cat or another dog at home at the same time as such a dog, you need to introduce the pets from the very appearance of the core in the house. Only in this way can you form a patient's attitude towards the other four-legged inhabitant of the house. As for guinea pigs and other rodents, it is better not to risk it at all.

Judging by the reviews of the owners, core-terriers are pretty smart and well trained. However, even obedient animals like to dig holes, this happens at the level of instincts. This point should be considered if you are going to keep a pet in a country house and let it out for a walk in the garden. Finally, the advantages of the breed include the compactness of animals. They eat a little, take up little space in the house.

However, this does not reduce the difficulty of caring for the dog. The fact is that the pet needs regular trimming, moreover, this procedure is mandatory, even if you are not going to take part in exhibitions. On the other hand, You can seek help from professionals who can do this quickly and efficiently.

Cairn terriers can be attributed to centenarians. Usually dogs live about 15 years. Animals are in good health. However do not forget about timely vaccination. It is also advisable to regularly drive a doggie for preventive examinations in a veterinary clinic. With the timely detection of any deviations to cure the animal is much easier.

Representatives of this breed are very mobile. Therefore, they need to be taken out as often as possible. Of course, the best place for such an energetic pet will be a country house with a fenced spacious territory. But even in a city apartment, the dog will feel quite comfortable, if it is often and for a long time to walk it, to play and run. In case of living in a separate house You cannot keep a dog in a booth on the street.

In the local area, she will be happy to frolic and run during the day, but a cozy place to sleep should be equipped in a warm room. In addition, it is important not to forget about the sociability of the pet. Do not leave him alone for a long time. Grooming is necessary for pets. Many people think that this is the name of a professional animal haircut, but this concept is more extensive. It includes a whole range of dog care procedures.

Cores do not smell and do not fade. It is believed that the breed is hypoallergenic. However, the lack of a pet's ability to get rid of excess hair naturally leads to the need to help him in this. Trimming - a process replacing a molt of a dog. Thanks to him, the wool is updated. Dead hairs are easily removed (plucked). Subsequently, they are replaced by new ones.

Shearing this process can not replace. Little of, It is impossible to cut cores. After shortening with scissors, the hair becomes thinner and weaker. A healthy shine is lost, the dog’s body protection from cold, wind disappears. Hair begins to roll, an unpleasant odor appears. This not only causes inconvenience to the animal itself and looks ugly, but also complicates the future trimming process.

You can shorten the hair only in the tail and on the toes of the forepaws. The rest of the "fur coat" is not touched with scissors. Then plucking occurs easily and painlessly. Anyone who neglects this rule and tries to save money by completely cutting the dog between rare trips to the master complicates the situation. The procedure for plucking short sheared wool is long, difficult for the master and painful for the animal.

If you are not going to take part in such events, you can learn the technique of trimming and perform the procedure yourself. The scheme is pretty simple.

• To find out whether it is time to carry out the procedure, you need to assess the condition of the dog's coat. It is necessary to capture a large bundle of hairs with your fingers and slightly pull. If the wool is left in the hand, then the time has come.
• First of all, you should carefully comb the terrier with a special brush, and then with a comb. Trimming should begin with the ears. They should be clearly visible. As a result, the external side should become similar in feelings to velvet. On the inside, not all hairs are removed.

During the procedure, you should hold your ear with your thumb and forefinger. You need to pluck the hairs with your hand.

• Then go to the head. A parting should be done between the ears. This will immediately show where the new wool grows. In show individuals, 40% of long hairs are removed.
• As for the eyebrows, they pluck out most of the hair that falls into the eyes. But at the same time leave a little wool for protection. In general, trimming is carried out so that a rounded head shape is obtained. The transition from ear to cheeks should be smooth.
• The neck, and then the rest of the body of the pet, is put in order. The appearance of the dog should be neat, but natural.

You need to feed the core 2 times a day. Representatives of the breed are not too picky in food. The main thing is that nutrition be moderately high-calorie and healthy. The diet must include lean meat in raw form. Oatmeal is also good for dogs. Good sources of vitamins are vegetables and fruits. It is also necessary to give the pet fish oil, brewer's yeast. You can opt for industrial dry feed.

You should choose based on the age of the animal and the composition of the product. Give preference to premium and super premium brands with a minimum of extraneous additives.

Pay attention to the protein content (it should be high). If possible, it is better to feed the pet with the food of the same company throughout life. Without serious reasons, it is better not to change the diet. Regardless of the type of feeding, the dog should always have access to drinking water. Do not pour tap water into a bowl unless you live in an ecologically clean area. The fluid must be spring or filtered.

Cairn terriers are pretty smart. They can and should be brought up, instilling in them the rules of behavior, developing hunting instincts (if necessary), teaching simple teams. Training should be consistent and regular. The socialization of the animal is very important. Otherwise, it can become uncontrollable, harm things, be aggressive towards other animals.

Therefore, it is important from childhood to entertain a pet with fun games, show him his love, introduce him to other living creatures, avoiding conflicts. Curiosity and a good memory allow terriers to learn commands well. Given the emotional susceptibility of dogs, they should be taught calmly, without loud screams and punishments. It is important to show firmness and patience, be sure to praise for success. The program needs to be gradually complicated. The pet must develop not only physically, but also mentally.

Nicknames for dogs are usually given short and easy to pronounce. You can name a pet based on the color of its coat or the associations that it causes you. Or you can just come up with an interesting nickname that seems pleasant and suitable for you. For example, core girls like cute nicknames like Fifi, Pinky, Bonya, Trixie, Becky, Jesse, Juje, Carrie, Foxy, Sherry etc. Boy can be called one of the following names: Lucky, Larry, Archie, Jerry, Jean, Oscar, Chris, Peach, Ricci, Fox, Freddy.

See the next video on how to properly raise a core terrier.