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Cairmal Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Cairmal so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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OriginScotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Cairmal known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Cairmal Terrier
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Cairmal? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Cairn Terrier and Maltese mix

Cairmal Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Cairmal? Learn how big the Cairmal breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does a Cairmal weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Cairmal breed.
10-15 pounds (5-7 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Cairmal?
12.5 pounds (6 kg)
Height
How tall is the Cairmal? Cairmal height:
10-13 inches (25-33 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Cairmal?
11.5 inches (29 cm)

Cairmal Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Cairmal puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Cairmal costs.
$400-$600
If you choose to purchase the Cairmal, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Cairmal for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Cairmal gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Cairmal? How many Cairmal are there in the world?
Average: The Cairmal is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Cairmal Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Cairmal? Discover the Cairmal's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Cairmal dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Cairmal is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Cairmal? Learn about the Cairmal's trainability and response to training methods.
Cairmal dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Territorial Protection
Is a Cairmal protective of its territory? Learn about the Cairmal's guarding instincts and behavior.
Cairmal dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Cairmal Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Cairmal have? Learn about characteristic Cairmal temperament and behavior traits.
PlayfulFriendlyAffectionateLoyal
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Cairmal sensitivity:
Cairmal dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Cairmal a good family dog?
High: Cairmal dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Cairmal Terrier need? Cairmal social needs:
Cairmal dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Cairmal to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Cairmal roam?
Cairmal dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Cairmal have high prey drive?
Cairmal dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Cairmal dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Cairmal Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Cairmal bark a lot? Learn about typical Cairmal vocalization patterns and triggers.
A lot: Cairmal is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Cairmal? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Cairmal breed.
The Cairmal is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Cairmal live in an apartment? Learn about the Cairmal's suitability for apartment living.
Apartment-friendly dog the Cairmal breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Cairmal Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Cairmal to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Cairmal's flexibility to new situations.
Cairmal dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Cairmal be left alone? Learn about the Cairmal's tolerance to solitude.
Cairmal dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cairmal Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Cairmal biting potential? Learn about the Cairmal's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Cairmal has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Cairmal mouthy? Learn about the Cairmal's tendency to use mouth during play.
Cairmal dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Cairmal dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Cairmal bite? Learn about the Cairmal's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairmal bite force: Weak. The Cairmal bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Cairmal measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Cairmal may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Cairmal being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Cairmal bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Cairmal puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Cairmal can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Cairmal Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Cairmal live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Cairmal breed.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairmal: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Cairmal handle different weather? Learn about the Cairmal's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Cairmal? Discover typical conditions affecting the Cairmal breed.
Cairmals tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Cairmal need vet visits? Learn about the Cairmal's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Cairmal should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Cairmal Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Cairmal? Understand daily activity needs of the Cairmal breed.
Cairmal dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Cairmal need? How much exercise do Cairmal dogs require per day?

Do Cairmal dogs need a lot of exercises?

Cairmal dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Cairmal breed need?
Cairmal dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Cairmal Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Cairmal prone to weight gain? Learn about the Cairmal's obesity risks.
Average: The Cairmal has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Cairmal weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Cairmal need daily? Learn about the Cairmal's feeding requirements.
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Cairmal Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Cairmal hypoallergenic? Learn about the Cairmal's suitability for allergy sufferers.
Yes
Cairmal dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Cairmal need? Learn about Cairmal coat maintenance requirements.
Advanced: The Cairmal requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Cairmal a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Cairmal, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Cairmal drool a lot? Learn about the Cairmal's drooling habits.
The Cairmal is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Cairmal could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Cairmal.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Cairmal smell bad? Learn about the Cairmal's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Cairmal has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Cairmal have? Learn about the Cairmal's fur characteristics.
ThickShaggyDouble
Bathing Needs
How often does a Cairmal need baths? Learn about the Cairmal's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Cairmal dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Cairmal Terrier? Do Cairmal dogs shed a lot?
Cairmal dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

Cairmal Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Cairmal good with children? Learn about the Cairmal's behavior around kids of different ages.
Cairmal dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Cairmal get along with other pets? Discover the Cairmal's compatibility with other animals.
Cairmal dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Cairmal temperament with other people:
Cairmal dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Cairmal dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Cairmal breed live with a cat?
Cairmal dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Cairmal good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Cairmal dogs get along with other dogs?
Cairmal dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Cairmal can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Cairmal breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Cairmal breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Cairmal dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Cairmal dogs good office canines? Do Cairmal dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
Yes
Cairmal is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Cairmal dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Cairmal Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Cairmal dogs good for elderly owners?
Cairmals are usually recommended for elderly people.

Cairmal As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Cairmal be a service dog? Learn about the Cairmal's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Cairmal is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Cairmal good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Cairmal's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Cairmal is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Cairmal good at detection work? Learn about the Cairmal's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Cairmal is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Cairmal do search and rescue? Learn about the Cairmal's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Cairmal is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Cairmal good on boats? Learn about the Cairmal's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Cairmal breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Cairmal pull carts? Learn about the Cairmal's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Cairmal is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Cairmal used in military service? Learn about the Cairmal's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cairmal Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Cairmal usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Cairmal pregnant? Learn about the Cairmal's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Cairmal: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Cairmal have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Cairmal Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Cairmal in? Learn about the Cairmal's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Cairmal in? Learn about the Cairmal's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Cairmal Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Cairmal dogs have great intelligence.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Cairmal dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Apartment-friendly dog the Cairmal breed.
  • Shedding Level: Cairmal dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Cairmal is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Cairmal dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Cairmal dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Cairmal dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Cairmal dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Cairmal dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Cairmal is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Cairmals are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Cairmal dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: Cairmals tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The Cairmal requires a lot of grooming.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Cairmal dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cairmal History

The Cairmal is among the newly developed designer breeds, regarding that the breed has appeared on the scene in the last 15-20 years. It is thought that this designer breed can trace its origins most presumably, to North America just like many other hybrids. Even though, it is possible that mixes, resembling the Cairmal, were in existence as a result of natural mating through the previous decades. The trend of creating new designer breeds started around the middle of the 20th century, in the United States of America and in Canada, with crossbreeding purebred dogs with each other, with the objective of creating new breeds. These hybrid dogs gained popularity instantly, for the reason that they usually inherited the best and most desirable qualities, abilities, and traits of each parent breed, moreover, just like the Cairmal, these hybrid breeds usually turned out to be hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this popularity does not mean, that we are certain about every detail of these designer breed’s ancestry, and the intention which led breeders to develop these dogs.

In order to have a better understanding of why breeders choose to crossbreed the Maltese with the Cairn Terrier to develop the Cairmal, we need to delve deeper into the parent breeds’ histories and pedigree. First of all, the Maltese are thought to be originated from the island of Melenda, or Mljet, off the coast of Croatia in the Balkan, in the Adriatic Sea. Unlike many breeds, the Maltese were not bred for a very specific purpose of work. Initially, the dogs’ main purpose was nothing more than to just simply be a companion and a furry friend to their fellow humans. The Maltese are recognized by all of the major kennel clubs, mostly within the Toy Groups. Contrary to the Maltese, the Cairn Terrier was bred to be a hunting companion on the Scottish Highlands. As the breed matured over the years, the dogs were also used to assist hunters during pursuing larger games such as foxes and rabbits, for sporting purposes. According to most experts’ opinions, the Cairn Terrier played an important role in the early development of the West Highland White Terrier and the Scottish Terrier, thus it is safe to say that the Cairmal have very popular and well-known, and recognized parent breeds, who contributed to other breeds’ development over the years.

Because both of the Maltese and the Cairn Terrier, the Cairmal have earned the reputation of being a loyal and sweet companion to their families. Cairmals tend to thrive on the bonds they form with their owners and will become absolutely and solely dedicated to them. The breed is considered a very intelligent and compact dog, with a very attractive physical appearance. However, as the Cairn Terrier was developed to be able to control the vermin population and to hunt all kinds of game, the Cairmal too has a stronger prey drive, nonetheless, this urge can differ from specimen to specimen.

Resembling every other designer breed, the Cairmal is not recognized by any of the major kennel clubs yet, but the breed is a member of the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club), the DDKC (Designer Dogs Kennel Club), and the DRA (Dog Registry of America, Inc). Even though the Cairmal is not the most popular designer dog breed on the market nowadays, Cairmal breeders are constantly working on stabilizing and standardizing this new, hypoallergenic, and loyal little companion breed.

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