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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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Italian Cairn dog profile picture
OriginScotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Cairn Terrier and Italian Greyhound mix

Italian Cairn Size and Weight

Size
Is an Italian Cairn small, medium or large dog?

How big do Italian Cairn get?

What is the average size of an Italian Cairn?

Small
Weight
How much does the Italian Cairn weigh? How much should an Italian Cairn weight? What is the normal weight of an Italian Cairn? How much does a full-grown Italian Cairn weight?
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
How much does the Italian Cairn puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Italian Cairn in the United States? How much money is an Italian Cairn?

Where to buy an Italian Cairn with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Italian Cairn? Is the Italian Cairn breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Italian Cairn dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Italian Cairn?
Italian Cairn dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Italian Cairn good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Italian Cairn dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Italian Cairn have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Italian Cairn is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Italian Cairn dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Italian Cairn bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Italian Cairn good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Italian Cairn in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Italian Cairn be left alone? How long can you leave an Italian Cairn alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Italian Cairn has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Italian Cairn? How much bite force does an Italian Cairn have? How strong is an Italian Cairn bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Italian Cairn bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Italian Cairn? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Italian Cairn? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Italian Cairn do?
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.

Italian Cairn Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Italian Cairn dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Italian Cairn is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Italian Cairn breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Italian Cairn see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Italian Cairn dogs live? How old can a Italian Cairn be? What is the age limit of the Italian Cairn? How many years can the oldest Italian Cairn live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Italian Cairn?

How long is the lifespan of an Italian Cairn?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Italian Cairn: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Italian Cairn Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Italian Cairn have? What is the activity level of the Italian Cairn?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Italian Cairn need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Italian Cairn breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Italian Cairn? How much food should I feed my Italian Cairn?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Italian Cairn risk for obesity:
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.

Italian Cairn Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Italian Cairn have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FineWaterproof
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Italian Cairn coats?
BlackGray Red Blue Cream White SilverBrownYellow Brindle Wheaten
Grooming
How to groom the Italian Cairn and how often? How often should I take my Italian Cairn to the groomer?
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Italian Cairn need a bath? How often should you give an Italian Cairn a bath? Can I bathe my Italian Cairn every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Italian Cairn breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Italian Cairn drool?
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.

Italian Cairn Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Italian Cairn dogs get along with other pets? Are Italian Cairn dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Italian Cairn dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Italian Cairn temperament with children:
Italian Cairn dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Italian Cairn be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Italian Cairn be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Italian Cairn be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Italian Cairn be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Italian Cairn be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Italian Cairn be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Italian Cairn be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Italian Cairn dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Italian Cairn Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Italian Cairn pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Italian Cairn breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Italian Cairn have in a litter? How many puppies can the Italian Cairn breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Italian Cairn have? How many puppies can an Italian Cairn give birth to?
2-10 puppies

Italian Cairn Recognition

AKC Group
Is Italian Cairn recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Italian Cairn recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Italian Cairn Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Italian Cairn dogs are easy to train.
  • Hypoallergenic: Italian Cairn dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Grooming: 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 Ability: Italian Cairn dogs are good watchdogs.
  • 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 Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Mouthiness: Italian Cairn dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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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