13-20 lbs
10-15"
United States
The Cairnoodle is a hybrid mix of two small sized breeds, the Cairn Terrier, and the Miniature Poodle. The Poodle is a popular breed for hybridization for its disposition, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat qualities. The Cairn Terrier is an earth dog and vermin hunter and the Poodle, once a German working breed fond of water, is a favored companion breed. Both parents are intelligent; a trait passed down to the Cairnoodle. The Cairnoodle is an affectionate family companion with a cheerful disposition.
The Cairnoodle is a hybrid mix of the Cairn Terrier and the Poodle. The hybrid is a modern breed, and though standards are not available, the Poodle is a popular hybrid choice and owners may find a lot of relevant information on this particular mix. However, owners should review the histories and character traits of the parent breeds to understand the possible dispositions and traits of the Cairnoodle. The Cairn Terrier is an old and ancient breed of Scotch Terriers that was only developed 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 monuments of the same name the little Terrier was known to hunt. The Poodle is a favorite breed that includes three sizes, toy, miniature, and standard. The Poodle is a German dog whose name is derived from the German Pudel, which indicates this dog’s love for sloshing around in puddles of water. Though the Poodle is of German descent, the breed was officially developed in France during the 15th and 16th Centuries. The toy and miniature varieties shortly followed the standard. The Poodle was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 but did not enjoy popularity in the United States until after World War II. Following World War II, the Poodle rose in popularity to the number one spot and remained there for 20 years. Today the Poodle is still a popular breed and is an increasingly popular choice for hybrid dogs.
The Cairnoodle is a small-sized hybrid between the Cairn Terrier and the Miniature Poodle. Your Cairnoodle is a small dog, standing between 10 and 15 inches and not weighing more than 20 pounds. The Cairnoodle has a broad head and large dark eyes full of expression. The nose is proportionate to the muzzle, which is medium in length and is black and round. The body of a Cairnoodle is sturdy and compact, and this little dog is strong and capable of long hours of play.
The Cairnoodle is a hypoallergenic dog thanks to the Poodle parent and sheds very low. The Cairn Terrier is a moderate shedder, and if the hybrid resembles more the Cairn Terrier, shedding may increase. The medium to long hair on the Cairnoodle requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Regular ear cleaning with a veterinarian approved solution will help to avoid ear infections in your Cairnoodle and brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week to prevent dental disease and keep his mouth clean. The Cairnoodle does not drool much at all and keeping his coat and teeth clean with help with any “doggy” odor that might arise; though this hybrid is not known to smell. Cairnoodles can resemble either the Cairn Terrier or the Poodle and have medium to high energy with moderate intensity needs. This mix requires daily exercise of moderate intensity. They are smart dogs, but the Cairn Terrier parent added elements of independence and stubbornness, which makes the Cairnoodle a little harder to train if he resembles the Cairn Terrier. The high intelligence on the Poodle also means the Cairnoodle needs plenty of mental stimulation as well to prevent poor behaviors from developing.
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The Cairnoodle is a companion dog with high energy. This hybrid is affection and loyal toward its family including children and is a moderately sensitive dog that does not tolerate being left alone for long. The Cairnoodle is excellent with kids, but this is a small dog and children must respect the dog’s size and not engage in rough play. When it comes to strangers, the Cairnoodle is friendly and adjusts well to other dogs and pets. The energy levels on the Poodle parent are lower than the Cairn Terrier. However, daily exercise is required and is just as essential for stimulating the Cairnoodle’s mind. The Cairnoodle has moderate intensity exercise needs and is considered a playful dog. Though the Cairn Terrier can be a stubborn breed, the Poodle parent is eager to please and highly intelligent, making this hybrid much easier to train than the Cairn Terrier.
The Cairnoodle has a lot of energy and needs daily exercise. However, the Poodle parent breed is a more laid-back breed and may mellow the Cairn Terrier parent genes in your Cairnoodle. If the Cairnoodle gets enough daily exercise, this hybrid is well-suited for apartment life, and much of its exercise needs can be met within the home. This hybrid does not need large spaces to run around, but a small back yard is ideal. The Cairn Terrier is known to dig and root around, and the Poodle’s high intelligence needs require proper exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors in your Cairnoodle. Daily playtime and exercise also strengthens your bond and keeps the Cairnoodle's mind properly stimulated. The Cairnoodle is a versatile dog capable of living in any climate tolerably well.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 10/07/2017, edited: 01/24/2022
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