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Italian Cairn Information & Dog Breed Facts

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

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1531
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OriginScotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Italian Cairn? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Cairn Terrier and Italian Greyhound mix

Italian Cairn Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Italian Cairn? Learn how big the Italian Cairn breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does an Italian Cairn weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Italian Cairn breed.
Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Italian Cairn?
Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height
How tall is the Italian Cairn? Italian Cairn height:
12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Italian Cairn?
13.5 inches (34 cm)

Italian Cairn Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Italian Cairn puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Italian Cairn costs.
$700-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Italian Cairn, 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 Italian Cairn for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Italian Cairn gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Italian Cairn? How many Italian Cairn are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Italian Cairn is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Italian Cairn Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Italian Cairn? Discover the Italian Cairn's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Italian Cairn ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Italian Cairn? Learn about the Italian Cairn's trainability and response to training methods.
Italian Cairn dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Italian Cairn as a watchdog? Learn about the Italian Cairn's alertness and guarding instincts.
Italian Cairn dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Italian Cairn dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is an Italian Cairn protective of its territory? Learn about the Italian Cairn's guarding instincts and behavior.
Italian Cairn dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Italian Cairn Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Italian Cairn have? Learn about characteristic Italian Cairn temperament and behavior traits.
ActiveAgileCourageousIntelligentAffectionateFearlessCompanionableAssertiveAthleticMischievous
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Italian Cairn sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Italian Cairn dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Italian Cairn a good family dog?
High: Italian Cairn 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 Italian Cairn need? Italian Cairn social needs:
Italian Cairn dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Italian Cairn to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Italian Cairn roam?
Italian Cairn dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Italian Cairn have high prey drive?
Italian Cairn dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Italian Cairn dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Italian Cairn Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Italian Cairn bark a lot? Learn about typical Italian Cairn vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Italian Cairn is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Italian Cairn? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Italian Cairn breed.
The Italian Cairn is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Italian Cairn live in an apartment? Learn about the Italian Cairn's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Italian Cairn indoors.

Italian Cairn Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Italian Cairn to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Italian Cairn's flexibility to new situations.
Italian Cairn 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 an Italian Cairn be left alone? Learn about the Italian Cairn's tolerance to solitude.
Italian Cairn dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Italian Cairn Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Italian Cairn biting potential? Learn about the Italian Cairn's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Italian Cairn 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 an Italian Cairn mouthy? Learn about the Italian Cairn's tendency to use mouth during play.
Italian Cairn dogs have a higher than 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 Italian Cairn dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Italian Cairn bite? Learn about the Italian Cairn's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Italian Cairn bite force: Weak. The Italian Cairn bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Italian Cairn measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of an Italian Cairn 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 Italian Cairn being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Italian Cairn 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 an Italian Cairn puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, an Italian Cairn can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Italian Cairn Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Italian Cairn live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Italian Cairn breed.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Italian Cairn: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Italian Cairn handle different weather? Learn about the Italian Cairn's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Italian Cairn can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Italian Cairn? Discover typical conditions affecting the Italian Cairn breed.
The Italian Cairn is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Italian Cairn need vet visits? Learn about the Italian Cairn's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Italian Cairn should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Italian Cairn breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Italian Cairn breed? Most common health risks of Italian Cairn:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes DiseaseLuxating PatellaPatellar LuxationHypothyroidismEye ProblemsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Drug SensitivityCryptorchidismGlaucomaThyroid ProblemsCraniomandibular OsteopathyGloboid Cell LeukodystrophyMicrovascular DysplasiaPortosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)Alopecia

Italian Cairn Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Italian Cairn? Understand daily activity needs of the Italian Cairn breed.
Italian Cairn dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Italian Cairn need? How much exercise do Italian Cairn dogs require per day?

Do Italian Cairn dogs need a lot of exercises?

Italian Cairn dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Italian Cairn breed need?
Italian Cairn dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Italian Cairn Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Italian Cairn prone to weight gain? Learn about the Italian Cairn's obesity risks.
Average: The Italian Cairn 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 Italian Cairn weight regularly.

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

Italian Cairn Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Italian Cairn hypoallergenic? Learn about the Italian Cairn's suitability for allergy sufferers.
Yes
Italian Cairn 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.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Italian Cairn come in? Discover all possible Italian Cairn color variations.
BlackGray Red Blue Cream White SilverBrownYellow Brindle Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Italian Cairn need? Learn about Italian Cairn coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Italian Cairn doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Italian Cairn is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does an Italian Cairn drool a lot? Learn about the Italian Cairn's drooling habits.
The Italian Cairn is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Italian Cairn 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 Italian Cairn.

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

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Italian Cairn smell bad? Learn about the Italian Cairn's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Italian Cairn 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 an Italian Cairn have? Learn about the Italian Cairn's fur characteristics.
FineWaterproof
Bathing Needs
How often does an Italian Cairn need baths? Learn about the Italian Cairn'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 Italian Cairn dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Italian Cairn? Do Italian Cairn dogs shed a lot?
Italian Cairn 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.

Italian Cairn Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Italian Cairn good with children? Learn about the Italian Cairn's behavior around kids of different ages.
Italian Cairn dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Italian Cairn get along with other pets? Discover the Italian Cairn's compatibility with other animals.
Italian Cairn dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Italian Cairn temperament with other people:
Italian Cairn dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Italian Cairn 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 Italian Cairn breed live with a cat?
Italian Cairn dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Italian Cairn good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Italian Cairn dogs get along with other dogs?
Italian Cairn dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Italian Cairn breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Italian Cairn breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Italian Cairn dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Italian Cairn dogs good office canines? Do Italian Cairn dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Italian Cairn is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Italian Cairn dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Italian Cairn temperament with senior people? Are Italian Cairn dogs good for elderly owners?
Italian Cairns are commonly okay with elderly people.

Italian Cairn As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Italian Cairn be a service dog? Learn about the Italian Cairn'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).

Italian Cairn is not the best breed for service purposes.

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

Italian Cairn breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Italian Cairn good at detection work? Learn about the Italian Cairn'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.

Italian Cairn is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Italian Cairn do search and rescue? Learn about the Italian Cairn'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 Italian Cairn is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Italian Cairn good on boats? Learn about the Italian Cairn's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Italian Cairn 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 an Italian Cairn pull carts? Learn about the Italian Cairn'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.

Italian Cairn is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Italian Cairn used in military service? Learn about the Italian Cairn's military history.

Not really

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

Italian Cairn Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Italian Cairn usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
2-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Italian Cairn pregnant? Learn about the Italian Cairn's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Italian Cairn: 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 an Italian Cairn 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.

Italian Cairn Recognition

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

Italian Cairn Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: Italian Cairn dogs are easy to train.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Italian Cairn dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Italian Cairn doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Italian Cairn dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Italian Cairn is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Italian Cairn dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Italian Cairn dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Italian Cairn dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Mouthing Tendency: Italian Cairn dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Italian Cairn dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Italian Cairn is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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