The most important part of coat care for your Cairn Terrier is based on consistent brushing. Cairns require fewer baths when their hair is brushed at least several times a week. Regular brushing distributes the natural oils throughout the coat that give them the ability to shake off water.
It keeps the skin healthy by stimulating blood circulation and encourages new hair growth. Brushing also minimizes the problems associated with seasonal shedding of the undercoat.
To properly care for the coat, you’ll need pin and slicker brushes, and coarse and fine-tooth combs. Stand your dog on a nonslip surface for grooming. First, take a small section of hair, parting it if necessary, and brush all the way to the skin.
Go with the hair growth to remove tangles, then brush against the growth. The pin brush will help to loosen dead hair and dandruff. Finish by brushing once again with the growth pattern.
Next, comb through it carefully to check for any remaining mats—especially under the armpits or around the genitals. Use the slicker brush, if needed, to remove the dead undercoat that is shed in the spring and fall. Develop a routine that you use each time you brush your Cairn Terrier.
For example, start with the back and rear legs and finish with the head and chest. Inspect the skin for signs of allergies or parasites, and examine the eyes and ears for discharge or odor. Always keep grooming sessions short and pleasant, for your dog as well as yourself.
Finish with praise and a treat. Remember, your little Cairn wants to please you. With gentleness, patience, and persistence, you’ll have a pet that not only tolerates but also enjoys being groomed.
The Cairn Terrier Coat
Working on the misty banks of Scotland more than two hundred years ago, Cairn Terriers were known for their close-fitting, weather-resistant coat.
The profuse, harsh outer layer protected the dog from the drenching rains that swept in from the Atlantic Ocean, while the short, soft, close, furry undercoat offered insulation against the region’s frigid temperatures. The coat shielded dogs from thorns, sharp rocks, and the nips of their quarry, as well.
Today, though Cairns no longer trudge through peat bogs or into sea-swept crevices in pursuit of otters, badgers, and foxes, they continue to maintain their distinctive, double-coated mantle. To keep the coat in peak condition, begin routine grooming as soon as your puppy joins the household.
This should include regular brushing, toenail clipping, teeth cleaning, skin and ear care when required, and occasional baths. Hand stripping, or plucking, also must be done periodically to remove dead hair and permit the emergence of a healthy new coat.
Grooming Basics
The earlier you begin simple grooming tasks, the easier it will be to train your Cairn Terrier to accept all forms of handling. In fact, most members of the canine family consider grooming a natural, instinctive behavior. If you have more than one dog, for instance, you’ll often see them licking and cleaning each other.
Although grooming may seem time consuming and complicated, it not only improves the dog’s appearance, but also plays a major role in good health.
The attention you give your Cairn Terrier will allow you to notice changes quickly and obtain prompt veterinary care when needed.
Grooming Equipment Needed
- Pin brush or bristle brush
- Fine-toothed metal comb
- Shampoo formulated for harsh coats
- Waterless shampoo
- Nail clipper or electric nail groomer
- Metal nail file
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Ear cleaning solution
- Cotton balls
- Stripping knife
- Thinning shears
- Blunt-tipped scissors
