Cairn Health is of utmost importance to us. The Foundation of the Cairn Terrier Club of America helps fund research and provides education about Cairn Health issues.
Cairn Terrier Recommended Health Testing Guidelines
Approved by the Board of Governors (03/02/2023)
The Cairn Terrier is, by definition, an “active, game, and hardy” small terrier. They are long-lived dogs, with a life span averaging 13-16 years of age. The Cairn Terrier is a healthy breed; However, purebred dogs, on average, have 3 -5 genetic faults, the Cairn is not without its health issues.
The following lists minimal health testing guidelines approved by the Board of Governors of the Cairn Terrier Club of America.
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
Who to test: Any adult Cairn (dog or bitch) prior to breeding who has not been previously cleared by test or parentage.
Performed by: Veterinarian or Breeder/Owner, with purchased DNA swab.
Comments: This is a DNA based test. It can be performed as an individual test or as part of a panel of genetic tests.
Liver Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA) and Microvascular Dysplasia (MVD)
Who to test:Puppies 12-16 weeks, and any adult Cairn (dog or bitch) prior to breeding.
Performed by:Veterinarian.
Comments:A Bile Acid test is a blood test to check for hepatic insufficiency and if abnormalities are detected a Veterinary specialist may need to be consulted.
Portosystemic shunts Kidney Ultrasound for Missing Kidney (aplasia) or Deformed Kidney (dysplasia)
Who to test: Puppies at 12-15 weeks and any adult Cairn (dog or bitch) prior to breeding who has not been cleared as normal.
Performed by: Board Certified Veterinary Ultrasonographer/Radiologist.
Comments: If abnormalities are detected a Veterinary specialist may need to be consulted.
Ocular Melanosis (OM) CERF/CAER Eye Exam
Who to test:All Cairns 2 years of age and older to screen for any eye problems before breeding. Follow up exams should be done periodically during a dog’s life as OM may present as a new health problem in older dogs.
Performed by:Veterinary Ophthalmologist.
Comments:Formal eye examination, performed with dilation, is the only test currently available for this condition
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO)
Who to test: Any adult Cairn (dog or bitch) prior to breeding who has not been cleared by test or parentage.
Performed by:Veterinarian or Breeder/Owner, with purchased DNA swab.
Comments:This is a DNA based test. It can be performed as an individual test or as part of a panel of genetic tests.
Cardiac Exam
Who to test:Puppies 12-16 weeks, and any adult Cairn (dog or bitch) prior to breeding.
Performed by:Veterinarian.
Comments: If abnormalities are detected a Veterinary Cardiologist should be consulted.
Patella Exam
Who to test:Puppies 12-16 weeks, and any adult Cairn (dog or bitch) prior to breeding.
Performed by: Veterinarian.
Comments:If abnormalities are detected a Veterinary Orthopedist
Grooming Information
Keeping your Cairn Terrier looking good is all about regular grooming. Cairns don’t need endless trips to the groomers, but they do need some general upkeep on your part to prevent mats and keep them looking tidy. Here are some tips:
- Use a pin brush weekly as it reaches through the thick undercoat and grooms the rough topcoat, though some owners prefer a comb to help work through tangles.
- A periodic hand-stripping is recommended for your Cairn to keep their coat texture harsh and dirt-proof.
- You only need to bathe this breed rarely because of their waterproof double-coat—you don’t want to chance robbing their coat of its natural protective oils. Also, choose a shampoo made especially for breeds with “hard coats,” since these are formulated especially for them.
- Don’t forget about those nails. Long nails are super uncomfortable for pups, so trim them regularly. The more you do it, the more used to it they’ll become.
- Keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed helps keep them healthy (and able to see).
- Pay attention to their toes—this is a curious, active breed, so make sure their feet are trimmed, well-maintained, and ready for adventure.
For more information on how to groom your Cairn, go to our store and order the book “Cairn Terrier Grooming from Start to Finish”.
Additional Health Reading
A curated selection of articles related to Cairn health of interest to Cairn owners. These do not reflect the official views of the CTCA and are for information and educational purposes only.