Cairnwich Terrier

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Cairnwich Terrier

11-18 lbs

9-19"

United Kingdom

Cairn Terrier

Norwich Terrier

The Cairnwich Terrier is a hybrid developed from the breeding of a Cairn Terrier and a Norwich Terrier. Both of these breeds were originally used for hunting and gaming in the United Kingdom. Both parent breeds originated in the United Kingdom for similar purposes and have similar energetic, loyal, loving and intelligent temperaments with the Cairn parent contributing aggressiveness and courageousness to the bio gene pool. The parent breeds are of similar height and weight and both have coats which shed minimally and may need stripping and brushing as their grooming needs to keep their coats looking great and clean. Both parent breeds are minimal shedders so once weekly brushing to remove dirt and debris should be sufficient.

Purpose
Agility, Hunting, Companion


Date of Origin
Unknown


Ancestry
Cairn Terrier, Norwich Terrier

Cairnwich Terrier Health

Average Size

Height: 9-19 inches Weight: 11-18 lbs

Major Concerns

Mitral Valve Disease

Minor Concerns

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Occasional Tests

Eye
Hip
Heart
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Cairnwich Terrier Breed History

Your Cairnwich Terrier hybrid was created by crossing the Cairn Terrier with the Norwich Terrier. Both parent breeds share similar “terrier” temperament qualities and are of similar size and weight. The Cairn Terrier is considered one of the oldest Terrier breeds while the Norwich is considered one of the youngest Terrier breeds. Both breeds originated in the United Kingdom, the Cairn being found in the highlands of Scotland and the Norwich being found in England, and later were brought to the United States where their hunting skills and temperaments were immediately appreciated. Both parent breeds were bred to hunt vermin, otter, fox and rodents and to flush small animals from hiding places for farmers and hunters, skills which were recognized as valuable in the United States as well. The Cairn parent breed has been traced back to the 1500’s in the highlands of Scotland while the Norwich has been traced back to the 1800’s in England. Both parent breeds are great family dogs, loving to spend as much time as possible with their beloved human family members. This causes them to need the human companionship instead of the aloneness that some more independent breeds prefer. They really don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time, the boredom helping to develop the frustrating behaviors like barking, digging and chewing. Your pet will truly enjoy being included in all of your activities, keeping this sensitive “busybody” dog happy and contented. The Cairnwich Terrier is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc. and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Cairnwich Terrier Breed Appearance

Being a fairly new hybrid, the Cairnwich Terrier doesn’t have a great deal of information available on the hybrid itself. However, being a cross between the Cairn Terrier and the Norwich Terrier, it is possible that your pet can take on the physical characteristics of either or both parent breeds. For this particular hybrid, the physical characteristics of both breed parents are quite similar as are their temperaments. The body appearance will be sturdy, short-legged, strong and well-muscled. The ears will be medium-sized, held erect with pointed tips. Nose and lips will be black pigmented and the canine hybrid will have a scissors bite. The eyes will be either dark or a shade of hazel and could have black rims, round or almond-shaped. The overall facial configuration will give a foxy and keen Terrier expression. Depending on which parent breed takes dominance in the gene pool, the muzzle could be strong and possibly wedge-shaped with large teeth in a jaw that is neither undershot or overshot. The paws of your pet will likely be round with thick pads, the forefeet may be larger than hind feet and have black nails. The tail will likely be placed even on the back and carried gaily but not curled over back. The coats of both parent breeds are similar in that they are hard and weather resistant, double coated with harder, more wiry outer coats and softer, shorter and close dense undercoats. The colors which are possible are really not limited as the Cairn’s AKC breed standard lists any color except white as acceptable with dark muzzle, ears and tail tip and the Norwich AKC breed standard lists all shades of red, wheaten, black and tan and grizzle with any color markings except white as being desirable.

Cairnwich Terrier Breed Maintenance

Your Cairnwich Terrier is a minimal shedder and will require only weekly brushing to maintain his coat. Hair stripping will keep his coat more wiry but many breeders and owners prefer to brush the coats to save time and keep him clean. His coat will likely need to be trimmed every few months and bathing or shampooing should only be done when necessary. Because the Cairnwich Terrier is a minimal shedder, he is considered to be hypoallergenic. This will be especially important if you have a family member who suffers from asthma or other breathing problems. As with many canine breeds and hybrids, keeping up with regular teeth cleaning and dental examinations are important to prevent periodontal disease and tooth loss. Periodic eye examinations and ear checkups and cleaning are also considered part of the moderate routine maintenance of this hybrid.

Cairnwich Terrier Temperament

The Cairnwich Terrier can inherit temperament traits of either or both parent breeds. Having said that, it is important to note that, since both parent breeds are terriers, the temperaments will likely be quite similar with only a few minor differences. The main differences in the temperaments of the parent breeds are pretty much related to the aggressiveness and perhaps courage which are contributed by the Cairn parent. Both breeds will be loyal and will bond closely with his owner and human family members and will do much better when he is not left alone for long periods of time since he needs that human contact to be happy and content. Your hybrid pet will likely be good with kids and other animals, though close attention may be needed when small children are in his presence as sometimes the playing and teasing that small children are prone to do isn’t tolerated as well with all dogs. He will likely be good with the family cat but, care is recommended if you have a gerbil or hamster in your household since his breed parents were both bred to hunt rodents and vermin. He is a very intelligent animal but his independence could make training a challenge. It is important to establish who is in charge as early as possible in your relationship with your Cairnwich as he can quite easily assume the “in charge” role in all aspects of his living situation. He may be wary of strangers and will alert you to the presence of someone not normally known to him. Early socialization will help to develop this trait into one of watchfulness in lieu of shyness and avoidance.

Cairnwich Terrier Activity Requirements

Your Cairnwich Terrier will need approximately 1 hour of daily exercise activity to expend the energy he naturally possesses. This can be accomplished in several daily walks and some good play time in the backyard, playing fetch, frisbee or agility games. The Cairnwich Terrier is a hybrid which can live successfully and happily in an apartment, a family home with or without a fenced yard, provided you’re willing to exercise him appropriately. He can live in an urban or rural home environment in any climate. He has a high desire to wander, chase and hunt so it is highly recommended that he be kept on a leash at all times when outside your home. The backyard fence may not necessarily keep him contained as he is also a digger and will easily tunnel under the fence. Placing wire under the fence underground will help to prevent his escape via tunnelling.

Written by Darlene Stott

Published: 10/07/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

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