Cairanian

4-11 lbs
8-12"
United States
Cairn Terrier
Pomeranian

The Cairanian is a small dog that is a cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Pomeranian. These dogs are healthy breeds and can live up to 15 years. They are usually about 8 to 13 inches tall and weigh 4 to 14 pounds. Most Cairanians have thick and furry coats that can be any color such as tan, brown, blue, red, black, white, and all combinations of these colors. They are smart and fun but need to be socialized when they are puppies so they get along with other animals. They like kids but can sometimes be intolerant of small children so care should be taken when they are around.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cairn Terrier, Pomeranian

Cairanian Health

Average Size
Male Cairanian size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 10-14 lbs
Female Cairanian size stats
Height: 8-13 inches Weight: 4-11 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus
  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Blood Test
  • Spine
  • Heart
  • Skeletal
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination

Cairanian Breed History

The best way to determine the characteristics of a hybrid breed is by researching the parent breeds, which are the Cairn Terrier and Pomeranian in the case of the Cairanian. The Cairn Terrier was discovered in the 15th century in Scotland where they were used for hunting. Some of the animals this breed was known to hunt include the otter, badger, fox, rats, and mice. They got their name because they were known for chasing otters from the cairns, which are stones used for memorials. They used to be available in many shades such as red, brown, gray, black, and white until about 1873, when the colors were divided between the Skye and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The Cairn Terrier was part of the Skye Terrier group which was eventually split into three groups: the Cairn, West Highland, and Scotch Terrier. The Cairn Terrier is most famous for being Toto in the movie, The Wizard of Oz. In 1913, the Cairn Terrier was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and they are now the 70th most popular dog breed in America. The Pomeranian originated in the 1800s as a companion pet in Pomerania, Germany, which is where the name came from. They are the smallest member of the Spitz family. At first, these dogs were larger and most of them were white until the 1900s when breeders started trying to create the puffball appearance. The breed was not all that popular until Queen Victoria took an interest in the late 1800s. The AKC recognized the breed in 1888 and they are the 22nd most popular breed in America.

Cairanian Breed Appearance

The Cairanian is a small dog with thick, dense fur that can be just about any color such as red, brown, gray, black, or blue, but are most often tan or tan and black. They are usually about 10 to 12 inches tall and the average weight is 7 or 8 pounds. Their ears are pointy and can be quite large for their body size, which is small. They usually have a long, curled, furry tail, short legs, and a short to medium length muzzle. The Cairanian often has a dark muzzle and ears with a lighter face and chest depending on the appearance of the parent breeds.

Cairanian Breed Maintenance

Your Cairanian has a thick undercoat and medium to long outer coat so you have to brush her on a regular basis. A thorough grooming with a metal comb and hard bristle brush three or four times a week is recommended. Be sure to get the areas under the arms, neck, and in the groin area. Many owners also have their Cairanian groomed by a professional once or twice a year. You have to clean their ears once a week and watch for mites, wax buildup, and other debris. Trim their nails as often as needed or you can have it done by your veterinarian or groomer.

Cairanian Temperament

This breed is perky, happy, and they have a lot of personality. They like to play often and need a lot of attention. Although they like older kids, younger children under five years old are not recommended without supervision. The Cairanian needs to be socialized as a puppy so they will get along with other pets and people. They can be territorial and like any small dog, can be stubborn as well. This can make them difficult to train, especially housetraining them, so you must continue to be consistent and firm. However, it is best to use positive reinforcement rather than discipline.

Cairanian Activity Requirements

The Cairanian is a cuddly little lap dog that will curl up with you on the couch as often as you let her but she also needs a lot of activity to prevent boredom and excess energy. A bored dog is a destructive dog so if you do not give them enough exercise daily, do not be surprised to see some chewed up items at home or holes dug in your yard. Taking your little bundle of fur on a walk or a trip to the park once a day can make a big difference. They also enjoy playing fetch and agility training.

Cairanian Owner Experiences

Snarker aka Owen
11 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
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Pastimes
Out of the 14 dogs I have owned Snarker is by far the funniest and most intelligent dog of them all. He shows off by doing his tricks himself, loves to get toys, he has over 1,000, is selfish, materialistic and can be stubborn at times. He loves to cuddle and if I say massage he immediately jumps onto my chair to get one. I could never give him up but he should have been sent to Hollywood to be trained for television and the movies. He understands complete sentences! Scary smart! His favorite holiday is Christmas. You can’t say that word or Santa and stocking. It takes me forever to decorate because he gets into every box! When I take down the decorations he mopes for weeks on end. He loves to swim!!! If we don’t make him get out of the water he simply won’t stop! We built him a lined and filtered pond right next to our house so he wouldn’t have to run across our property to a somewhat stagnant pond. He was getting swimmers itch every year. I spent over $3,000 just so he could swim by our house. He spends all day swimming and circling the perimeter to dive and catch frogs. He shakes them then throws them! He is truly a blessing and I wish he was an accepted AKC breed so I could find another like him. When he is gone, so will be my world. I can’t imagine life without this little man. I’ve searched endlessly to find one that just looks like him to soften the blow. I know two dogs will never have the same personality but the site of a similar dig would ease my pain. I had his DNA test done. 51% Pomeranian, 39%cairn terrier, 8% West Highland White Terrier and 2% Scottish terrier.
1 year, 4 months ago
Bear
10 Weeks
3 People
Condo
Health
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He loves playing with a ball
I only got him 3 days ago I'm starting to struggle with him as I have never had a dog before never mind a puppy
3 years, 9 months ago
Maxwell Q.
5 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is smart! He learns new things, routines and surroundings, very quickly. He learned to use the dog door in a day! He is happy and alert but always friendly. I tell everyone that when the doorbell rings he runs to the door because he’s sure whoever it is is here to see him!
2 years, 7 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd