Personality
The Cairn Terrier is best described as a sassy little gremlin with a fur coat and a serious case of main-character energy. Originally bred to root out vermin in the rocky Scottish countryside, this pint-sized pup hasn’t forgotten their mission—even if that “vermin” is just your sock. They’re clever, courageous, and have the self-confidence of a dog three times their size. Don’t be fooled by their shaggy cuteness—they’re also Olympic-level diggers, professional barkers, and part-time escape artists. Training them requires a blend of positive reinforcement and Jedi mind tricks, but they’re incredibly loyal and delightfully entertaining. Give them a yard, a squeaky toy, and just enough rope to start trouble, and they’ll keep your life exciting (if occasionally exasperating).
Trait Table
The Cairn Terrier is a small dog with a huge personality—and the digging instincts of a construction crew on espresso. They're confident, scrappy, and always on the lookout for something to chase, bark at, or “liberate” from under the couch. Highly intelligent and independent, they’re both trainable and mischievous, often at the same time. Grooming is moderate, but the attitude is full-time.
If you haven't already check out our awesome blog series about success and messy failures of trying to train a dog, And the lessons learnt along the way in The Bark Side Chronicles.
