Welcome to our guide to the Cairnese.
The Cairnese is a mix of two different breeds, the Cairn Terrier and the Havanese.
The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Cairnese breed of dog.
You can also help too!
If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.
We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your Cairnese you would like to email us.
Are you looking to buy a Cairnese – then see our list of Cairnese breeders.
Why Choose a Cairnese?
What type of owners buy a Cairnese?
What in your opinion are the best things about the Cairnese breed?
Why do you think the Cairnese is special?
What are your favourite things about the Cairnese?
Are you glad you choose to buy a Cairnese and not another breed?
How would you describe the Cairnese temperament?
What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a Cairnese over other breeds?
History & Origins
What are the history and origins of the Cairnese?
About The Breed
What colors of Cairnese are most popular?
What does the Cairnese look like?
What are the pros/cons of the Cairnese breed?
What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the Cairnese and other breeds?
Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?
What type of typical personality does the Cairnese have?
Is it possible to describe a fairly typical Cairnese?
What is the breed standard/description for the Cairnese?
Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?
Are there any downsides to owning a Cairnese that prospective owners should be aware of?
Is the Cairnese breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?
Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the Cairnese?
What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?
Is the Cairnese breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?
Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the Cairnese match up to that role?
Are there myths about the Cairnese – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?
We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of Cairnese puppies and this is what they said:
What types of questions do you get once owners get their Cairnese home?
Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?
What is the typical temperament of a Cairnese, so people know what to expect from their new pet?
When fully grown how much on average does a Cairnese weigh?
When the Cairnese is full grown in size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?
Is the Cairnese ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?
Does the Cairnese smell or drool a lot?
Do you have a Cairnese growth chart?
What breed group does the Cairnese come under?
What type of coat do they have?
Can they swim?
What does the movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?
Suitability
Are there some types of people that you can suggest the Cairnese is not suitable for, perhaps families?
How is the Cairnese with children?
Do you think the Cairnese is suitable for families with young children?
How does the Cairnese get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new Cairnese owners in terms of successful integration?
Is it better to buy one Cairnese or two?
Should prospective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?
Would the Cairnese be suitable as a guard dog?
Can I leave my Cairnese during the day while I go to work?
Lifespan
What is the expected average lifespan of the Cairnese?
In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the Cairnese breed live to?
Food & Diet
Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?
Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?
How to handle the Cairnese puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?
What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?
What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc
Do owners need to consider supplements for their Cairnese?
How about for older dogs?
Buying – How Much Do They Cost?
How much did your Cairnese cost to buy?
Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a Cairnese and how much should they spend?
What advice would you offer new Cairnese owners?
What types of people are buying the Cairnese and why?
Where can I buy Cairnese rescue dogs or find a Cairnese for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ Cairnese can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!
Do I need public liability insurance or a license?
Puppy
How would you describe the Cairnese puppy to potential new owners?
What types of owners are best suited to owning a Cairnese?
What colors and sizes are most popular?
Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?
What can people expect when they become a new owner?
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Cairnese?
As a Cairnese breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Are there specific times of the year that you breed?
Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?
How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a Cairnese?
When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?
Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?
We invite you to email us your Cairnese’s pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing Cairnese puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.
Do they have any nicknames or does the Cairnese have popular names?
If my Cairnese is pregnant what might the litter size be?
Could the Cairnese be dangerous around young children?
Problem Behaviors
How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?
How do you prevent a Cairnese biting?
How do you prevent a Cairnese chewing?
How do you stop a Cairnese jumping up?
Does the Cairnese have an issue with excessive digging?
Why does my Cairnese keep growling and barking?
Is there a reason my Cairnese dog is often scratching excessively?
Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?
Exercise
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about the Cairnese and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new Cairnese owners?
As a breeder of the Cairnese , do you prefer a collar or harness?
As an expert of the Cairnese breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?
Can you offer any dog walking tips for Cairnese owners?
Playtime & Tricks
What games and toys can you recommend for the Cairnese?
Are there toys you suggest avoiding?
How intelligent is the Cairnese compared to other dog breeds?
How much can they understand?
Grooming
Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new Cairnese owners?
How much time is involved?
What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a Cairnese?
Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?
How much do Cairnese shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?
How can I prevent or cure ear infections?
Do you have any tips for eye care?
Is the Cairnese a hypoallergenic breed?
Bathing
Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your Cairnese?
Can you offer new Cairnese owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?
Showing
What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing the Cairnese?
What started your interest in showing the Cairnese?
If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their Cairnese – where would they begin?
Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?
How would an owner know they have a show-quality Cairnese and how would they start off?
Can you give away any of your secrets?!
Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?
What do judges look for in a winner?
Breeding
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Cairnese?
What official organisations are there for the new Cairnese owner and what benefits or services do they provide?
In buying a Cairnese, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?
How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?
Do you think the breed’s popularity has increased, decreased or remained the same?
How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding the Cairnese out of all the breeds you could have chosen?
What do you think makes the Cairnese special to you?
Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?
As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Training
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a Cairnese and do you have any tips or advice for new Cairnese owners?
How should new owners approach bringing a new Cairnese home, any advice and tips you can give?
Should I allow my Cairnese to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?
Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?
Should my Cairnese sleep in a kennel or crate?
Health
Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new Cairnese owners to be aware of in particular?
Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?
What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?
What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your Cairnese?
Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?
What type of health issues can a Cairnese have and how do you deal with preventing these?
Why does my Cairnese have diarrhea?
Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?
Why is my Cairnese vomiting and do I go to the vets?
When should I take my Cairnese for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?
How often will my Cairnese be in heat?
Should I consider getting my Cairnese spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?
My Cairnese is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?
Do they suffer from allergies?
Why is my Cairnese not eating?
How much does it cost to insure my Cairnese?
What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide Cairnese dog health insurance?
Old Age
What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ Cairnese?
Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?
What changes in food and diet would you suggest making for an older Cairnese?
Do you feed any supplements to an older Cairnese – or anything else which helps them as they age?
Are there any health issues particular to a senior Cairnese dog?
Do you have any advice for owners of an older/senior Cairnese or tips you can pass on?
Here is an interesting video on the Cairnese.
Leave a Reply