How to Groom a Cairn Terrier
Cairn terriers are very active, alert dogs, so grooming them properly is important to keep them looking and feeling their best. Proper grooming includes caring for their coat, nails, eyes, teeth, and ears. You can learn more about grooming your Cairn terrier on the American Kennel Club’s website. Follow the tips below to keep your dog looking and feeling its best.
Before starting the grooming process, make sure you have good lighting in a bright room. Try to visualize the round shape of the dog’s head and a “line” of shorter hair underneath the long, overgrown hair. Using an Elizabethan surgical collar is a helpful tool in visualizing the shape. Remove the collar before starting the grooming process. Keeping your Cairn’s feet clean is essential to its overall health and appearance.
Cairns are pleasant, sociable dogs, but they can be aloof. Using plenty of praise can win over a Cairn. If you praise and fuss him, he will come running to you and roll over for belly rubs. But be prepared for the cairn’s tendency to bark at visitors and other household pets. It’s important to develop a quiet command so your Cairn won’t bark at your visitors.
A Cairn terrier’s coat is double-layered.
It has a softer undercoat and a coarse topcoat. It’s important to brush both layers of hair in one session to avoid bald patches. A slicker brush can be purchased at a local pet store. You should hold your dog still when brushing the coat. Always be careful not to crush the tail as this could cause pain or bald patches.
When grooming a Cairn, you must first clip the hair on its face. Then, you should gently brush back hair that has fallen into its ear canal. Brushing the ears with a thinning shear can help keep the hair away from the eardrum. Then, use a brush or a detangling spray to keep the hair from getting in your dog’s ears. The hair on the ears grows back much quicker when it is not clipped.
Cairns are highly intelligent, and training should be fun. Try to take your Cairn puppy to puppy kindergarten classes. You can also invite friends and family over to play. Taking your Cairn for walks is also an excellent way to socialize them with other dogs. Cairns are generally healthy dogs, but they can suffer from some health conditions. Check with your vet for any necessary treatment before your Cairn gets too old to walk on two feet.
Another aspect of grooming a Cairn is keeping its teeth and gums clean.
Cairns tend to build up plaque and tartar on their teeth. If left unchecked, this can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Properly cleaning their teeth and gums is crucial for the overall health of your dog. If left untreated, severe periodontal disease can lead to blood poisoning or septicemia.
Another part of grooming your Cairn is trimming their tails. The process is similar to trimming your legs. Begin at the tip and work your way toward the bottom. This part is particularly sensitive for Cairns, so it’s important to be gentle when clipping the tail. While most Cairns don’t mind their tails being rolled, it’s important to make sure they’re in the best condition possible.
While Cairn terriers are extremely affectionate, they can be very playful and can be good companions.
They get along well with other dogs and kids and can easily adapt to any living situation. Grooming a Cairn terrier doesn’t require much time or effort and is easy and inexpensive, so if you have the time, this dog may be the perfect choice for you.
Despite being small, Cairn terriers can withstand rough play. While they may not be the largest dogs, they are good for families with younger children or a very active family. They can be a bit challenging for larger dogs, but they will generally adapt well and love you for it. If you’re looking for an intelligent lapdog, a Cairn is an ideal companion for you.
