Cairmal

10-15 lbs
10-13"
United States
Cairn Terrier
Maltese
Cairmal Terrier, Malticairn

The Cairmal is a hybrid mix of two small sized breeds, the Cairn Terrier, and toy-sized Maltese.  The designer Cairmal is bred for companionship from the working-class Cairn Terrier and the long-standing companion, the Maltese.  The resulting hybrid is an excellent companion for your home who is affectionate, alert, and cheerful.  The Cairmal is a dog-friendly mix who also gets along with cats very well.  Both parent breeds have a long history of development in their respective parts of the world but shared the same geographic space in Scotland starting in the 14th Century.  Details on the history and development of the Cairmal are limited since this mix is a recent designer dog.  Owners interested in determining possible traits and general health of the Cairmal should look to the parent breeds.  

purpose Purpose
Companionship
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cairn Terrier and Maltese

Cairmal Health

Average Size
Male Cairmal size stats
Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Female Cairmal size stats
Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
  • Testicular Tumors (males)
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Collapsed Trachea
  • Reverse Sneezing
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Physical Examination
  • Radiographs

Cairmal Breed History

The Cairmal is a hybrid mix of the Cairn Terrier and the Maltese.  The hybrid is a modern breed and does not have a history outside of its parent breeds.  Since there is no hybrid standard, your Cairmal may have the appearance of either parent breed as well as traits from both, and owners should review the respective histories to get a better understanding of the possible dispositions and traits of their Cairmal. The Cairn is an old and ancient breed of Scotch Terriers that was only developed as a separate breed in the 19th century and distinguished from its other Scotch Terrier brothers by coat color.  The ancestor of the Cairn Terrier, the Scotch Terrier, was first described in 55 BC by the Romans who identified the small dogs as agile hunters that went to the ground after their quarry.  The Romans named these dogs Terrarii, which is Latin for workers of the earth.  Over several centuries, the Terrier group lived and thrived as earth dogs in Scotland and England, making their way to France and parts of Germany as well.  By the 1900s, the Cairn Terrier was firmly established as a wire-haired small Terrier of the Skye group in various colors, accepting white, which was designated for its cousin breed, the West Highland Terrier.  The Cairn is often confused for the Scottish Terrier, but the Scottie has a more diverse genetic makeup, having a large gene pool history whereas the Cairn Terrier was limited the Isle of Skye.  The Cairn acquired its name from the stone moments of the same name the little Terrier was known to hunt. The Maltese has always been considered a companion breed and most likely developed in the Mediterranean.  Documentation on Maltese dogs is found in ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greek, and Romans.  The Maltese found its way west towards France in the 15th Century and was brought to England during the rule of King Henry VIII.  The Maltese became a favorite of noble and royal women, such as Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Mary of Scots, and Queen Victoria.  The Maltese is thought to originate from a Spitz-type dog but was developed into the Modern-day Maltese we know today by English breeders. 

Cairmal Breed Appearance

The Cairmal is a small to medium-sized hybrid between the Cairn Terrier and the Maltese.  Your Cairmal will develop characteristics resembling the Cairn Terrier with a wiry coat in any color.  Both parent breeds are small dogs, and the Cairmal will maintain a small dog appearance as well.  The eyes on a Cairmal are small and set wide apart, and the ears are semi-erect and triangular shaped.  The nose on a Cairmal is typically black, and dark masks and points can adorn this hybrid's head.  The tail on a Cairmal is not too long and sits level with the back but is carried straight up, like the Cairn Terrier parent.         

Nose Color Possibilities
black Cairmal nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Cairmal coat
Black
white Cairmal coat
White
cream Cairmal coat
Cream
silver Cairmal coat
Silver
red Cairmal coat
Red
brindle Cairmal coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Cairmal wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Cairmal Breed Maintenance

The Cairmal is not a hypoallergenic dog but still does not shed much at all.  However, the longer hair requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.  The Maltese parent also has issues with tear staining and lighter colored Cairmals may need their eyes cleaned to prevent staining as well.  Once stained, the discoloration is permanent on the hair.  Long hair on and around the ears may attract and trap dirt and debris.  Regular ear cleaning with a veterinarian approved solution will help prevent ear infections in your Cairmal. The Cairmal is not known to drool much, and regular brushing will help remove dirt and debris from its coat.  A clean coat and clean ears will help prevent any "doggy" smell, though this little mix is not known the smell either.  Cairmals, depending on which parent breed they more resemble, can have medium to high energy and require daily exercise of moderate intensity.  They are smart and eager to please as well, which makes them easy to train. 

Brushes for Cairmal
Deshedder
Deshedder
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Cairmal requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Cairmal Temperament

The Cairmal is an excellent companion dog with a cheerful, affectionate disposition.  This little dog takes on the personalities for both parent breeds and is spirited and full of energy.  The Cairmal is affectionate toward its family including children, but the Maltese parent may make child tolerance slightly more challenging.  Proper socialization with kids and teaching children how to respect and play with the Cairmal will make living together much easier.  When it comes to strangers, this little breed is not a big fan and will be leery and alert. Every dog is different, and your Cairmal may or may not tolerate other dogs and pets well.  Proper socialization at a young age and continued socialization with other dogs and pets will help your Cairmal adjust to life with other pets.  

Cairmal Activity Requirements

The Cairmal has a lot of energy and needs daily exercise, but the intensity of exercise does not have to be great.  The Cairmal is capable of meeting enough exercise requirements indoors and does not need long, purposeful exercise outside.  However, a small yard is perfect as well. If properly exercised, your Cairmal will be easy to keep inside and is well suited for apartment living.  The Cairn Terrier is known to dig and root around; so proper exercise and mental stimulation is a must to prevent destructive behaviors in your Cairmal.  Daily playtime and exercise also strengthens your bond and keeps the Cairmal's mind properly stimulated.    

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Cairmal Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Cairmal Owner Experiences

Disney
10 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Disney spent ten years being my absolute best friend. He had such a huge presence and made sure everyone in the room knew that they were only there because he allowed them to be. He was highly protective of me and of his grandma and would always alert us any time there was a noise outside or in another room. I think he would have charged a roaring grizzly bear if he thought I was in trouble. He never destroyed any of his toys or property and loved to open wrapped gifts and dig through shopping bags. Always up for a good run around the apartment, Disney had high energy, even into his later years. Then he would enjoy a good cuddle and nap for as long as you needed him to. His favorite snack was carrots and he would run into the kitchen when he heard the peeler. He passed away out of the blue a couple of months ago and has left a void that will never be filled. I believe that even in death, he is still by my side, loving and loyal, amazing and handsome, my little boy Disney.
2 years ago
Benji
4 Years
3 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
From my personal experience these dog are highly active low maintenance and stay healthy for a very long tine
6 years, 5 months ago
Ammo
16 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We have a wonderful time playing. He is very loving and protective
6 years, 4 months ago
Scamp
8 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Probably the most affection dog I have ever owned. Also very smart.
5 years, 11 months ago
Finn
9 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He’s loving 🥰 eager and tenacious. Extremely curious and he makes up his own games. He steals everything and puts everything into his mouth. He’s hilariously funny and very smart. He puts his whole heart into everything he does and puts his heinie in the air while his face is on the floor and then wiggles in front of you until you play the lovey doves game. He’s really strong and super smart. He’s feisty one minute and then jumping up to be held the next.
5 years, 2 months ago
Princess Bean
8 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is so sweet, she can be very shy! Always at my side. Very loyal. She’s very manageable for others who watch her when I’m in school or at work.
5 years ago
Lucy
14 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Walk
Hide & Seek
She is very calm. However loves to go on daily walks, very territorial. Loves to hide bones. Hates squeaky toys. Ioves to sun bath but won’t go outside before 9 am. loves to cuddle all day. She gets along with most dogs but her bff is my brothers German shapered. She is smart and likes to be in charge when around other dogs. We don’t have kids yet but she seems to do good when children come around. Her daily game is finding her treats. She was given to me at 8 weeks because they didn’t want her and she has brought me joy ever since we meet.
4 years, 8 months ago
Gypsy Magic
5 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
i bought Gypsy on Craigslist and she was sold to me as a Pap/Chi mix but when take to the vet was told she was in fact a Cairmal and a whole different breed all together. She bonded with me instantly and never leaves my side, ive never seen another one like her and ive been told its rare for them to be born with Blue Eyes. i would love to just know someone with a Cairmal to ask questions and share stories of our bundles of fur :)
4 years, 6 months ago
Brooklyn
4 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Look out the window
Learn a new trick
Catch treats
Chase
Dog-friendly events
Brushing
Explore the city
Running
I rescued Brooklyn when I went off to university. She is very calm when with one person but loves to go crazy and play. She loves to go out and run around, likes to play chase with my parents dogs ( a schnoodle and German shepherd) but is very territorial when it comes to her toys. She loves to cuddle and be underneath somebody. When sleeping she makes sure her body is pressed next to mine the entire night. She is smart and easy to train when alone. I have a 6 month old niece who she loves to lay next too and lie gentle with. My family and friend say it’s like she is my child...very protective of me. She won’t hesitate to let someone know they’re getting to close to my space... which was great when I was living alone in college. I’ve learned if you talk to her first then she’ll be less territorial.
4 years, 6 months ago
Nala
1 Year
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Belly rubs
Nala is the sweetest dog I've ever had. She is my first dog ever and I am very lucky that she is so loving and friendly. She loves to snuggle and get pets before bed and after she gets up in the morning, and wants to play immediately after. She does bark alot to alert us of passing dogs, cars, gardeners, and mailmen. Doesn't like fireworks at all, and likes to interact with cats and dogs (chasing cats as a game) around the neighborhood. Nala loves to chew on shoes and furniture at night because everyone is sleeping and not paying her attention, so we are training her to use her crate for her bed at night. Sometimes I think of her as a menace, but ultimately, she is a great dog and I would not trade her for anything.
4 years, 5 months ago
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