This dog breed areintelligent, strong, and loyal. Like most terriers, they are stubborn and strong-willed, and love to dig after real or imagined prey. Cairn Terriers have a strong prey instinct and will need comprehensive training. However, they are highly intelligent and, although very willful, can be trained. Although it is often said that they are disobedient, this is not the case provided correct training is applied. They are excellent with children and make wonderful family dogs. These are working dogs and are still used as such in parts of Scotland. Like most terriers, they require large amounts of exercise. Cairn Terriers are very independent and do not make good “lap dogs”. The image of Cairn Terriers being like “Toto” from the Wizard of Oz is a partial misconception. In reality, these dogs do not always like to snuggle and would heartily object to being kept in a basket. They like to do what they want, and will not make good pets for someone looking for a dog to cuddle with. However, they are extremely loyal and very amiable

These dogs are generally healthy and live on average about 15 years. Yet, breeders, owners and veterinarians have identified several health problems that are significant for Cairns. Some of these dieases are hereditary while others occur as a result of nonspecific factors (i.e. infections, toxins, injuries, or advanced age). Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are:

* Cataracts
* Ocular Melanosis
* Progressive retinal atrophy
* Corneal dystrophy
* Krabbe disease (Globoid cell leukodystrophy)
* Hip dysplasia
* Leg-Calve-Perthes disease
* Craniomandibular osteopathy (Lion Jaw)
* Von Willebrand disease
* Hypothyroidism
* Portosystemic shunt
* Luxating patella
* Entropion