Cairn Terriers are known for being small, spunky dogs. Like most terriers, they tend to be exceptionally energetic. But they’re also small, which makes their higher activity level easier to handle.
When you mix these canines with other dogs, you often end up with a small, unique companion. However, mixed breeds vary considerably. Therefore, you never quite know what you’re going to end up with. It’s important to accept some degree of randomness if you’re going to adopt a mixed-breed dog.
Below, we’ll go over some of the most common Cairn Terrier mixes.
What is a Cairn Terrier Mix?
A Cairn Terrier mix is any canine that is bred with the Cairn Terrier as one of the parents. Often, this dog breed is mixed with similar, small breeds to produce interesting mixes. For instance, Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, and Maltese are all commonly mixed with the Cairn Terrier.
However, because these dogs are mixed breeds, you never quite know what they’re going to be like. They may inherit any trait from either parent, which makes predicting them pretty difficult.
1. Cairnese (Cairn Terrier + Havanese)
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
8-13 inches
A mix of the Cairn Terrier and Havanese, the Cairnese is an energetic, friendly, and independent pooch with plenty of personality. These dogs are small, which makes them great for apartment living, but they do need a fair amount of exercise—at least 30–45 minutes a day.
If your pooch takes more after its Havanese parent, they are likely to be eager to please and thus fairly easy to train. However, Cairn Terriers can have an independent streak, making training a little more challenging.
2. Cairnoodle (Cairn Terrier + Poodle)
Image Credit: Robyn Bartlett, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
10–15 inches
The Cairnoodle is easily one of the most popular Cairn mixes. Poodles are incredibly popular dogs to create mixed breeds out of, after all. Often, this mixed breed inherits some of their Poodle parent’s coat traits, making their fur curly or wavy. They may also shed less.
In many cases, these dogs are friendly and very intelligent. However, just like any other breed, they still require significant amounts of socialization.
3. Carkie (Cairn Terrier + Yorkshire Terrier)
Image Credit: Jason Brubacher, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
9–12 inches
The Carkie is a relatively small mixed breed that tends to be exceptionally energetic, as well. They’re often pretty noisy and alert, which can make them great alert dogs. They do tend to require more grooming than other breeds on this list, as their silky coat can be prone to tangles.
These tiny dogs are typically very affectionate companions and work best for older children and families.
4. Cairmal (Cairn Terrier + Maltese)
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
9–13 inches
With the Maltese added to the mix, the Cairmal tends to be a bit more laid back and calm. However, temperament traits can vary widely, as you never quite know what dog your canine is going to take after.
They may have a fluffy coat that requires more grooming, and you may even need to get them professionally trimmed. They can be a bit more work than other breeds for this reason.
5. Pekarin (Cairn Terrier + Pekingese)
Image Credit: (L) Marina Plevako, Shutterstock | (R) T.Den_Team, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
9–12 inches
Though this mixed breed is rarer, it isn’t impossible to find. These dogs are relatively small and may be more laid back than your typical terrier. However, they also tend to be a bit more independent.
Their dense coats will usually require frequent grooming. Some even choose to get them professionally groomed.
6. Cairland Terrier (Cairn Terrier + West Highland White Terrier)
Lifespan:
12–16 years
Height:
9–13 inches
Because this mixed breed includes two different terrier mixes, they tend to be exceptionally active. Therefore, they are best for very active families that can keep up with them. Don’t expect these dogs to spend a lot of time sitting in your lap.
Like many dogs on this list, the Cairland often requires regular grooming thanks to their thicker coat. However, they usually don’t need professional haircuts.
7. Care-Tzu (Cairn Terrier + Shih Tzu)
Lifespan:
12–16 years
Height:
9–12 inches
The Care-Tzu is a delightful mixed breed that tends to be very people-oriented. They can be lapdogs, but they also tend to be relatively active. Therefore, they’re best for those looking for a playful companion.
When properly socialized, these dogs can get along with just about anyone, including children and other pets. Therefore, they’re a great choice for larger families.
8. Cairnauzer (Cairn Terrier + Miniature Schnauzer)
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
12–14 inches
This mixed breed tends to be exceptionally active and lively. They’re best for more active families, as you might imagine. They’re also very trainable, though, which allows you to have a bit more control over them than you might with other breeds.
Often, these dogs have a coarse coat that needs regular grooming to be properly cared for. However, professional grooming isn’t always required. These canines are known for their alertness and adaptability. They make great companions for those who want a fairly active dog, but they can be a bit much for everyone else.
9. Cairatian (Cairn Terrier + Dalmatian)
Image Credit: (L) Marina Plevako, Shutterstock | (R) Annabell Gsoedl, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–14 years
Height:
10–15 inches
This energetic mix tends to be a bit much for the average owner to handle. They may or may not have spots, depending on the traits they inherit. However, they’re almost certain to be very independent and spunky, which can make training difficult. They also tend to be extremely energetic, so they do best with a more active owner.
Regular exercise is a must if you want to own one of these dogs. They need both physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can cause destructive behaviors.
10. King Cavrin (Cairn Terrier + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
Image Credit: (L) Marina Plevako, Shutterstock | (R) Jumpstory
Lifespan:
10–14 years
Height:
9–13 inches
For those looking for a particularly sociable dog, the King Cavrin may do the trick. These dogs are typically very friendly and get along with just about everyone. However, they still require regular socialization and training. They’re great lapdogs, though they may be a bit more energetic than other purebred lapdogs out there.
11. Cairnshund (Cairn Terrier + Dachshund)
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
9–12 inches
These short dogs may or may not have the elongated body of the Dachshund. Either way, they do tend to be rather stubborn and difficult to train. They’re also very energetic, though this may lead to a higher chance of back problems for dogs with longer backs. Their little, short legs just do not support their backs properly, which can lead to pain and other problems.
That said, they can still make wonderful companions for those who have plenty of patience to train them. They do best in a home without younger kids, though, as children have a higher chance of injuring their back.
12. Cairnagle (Cairn Terrier + Beagle)
Image Credit: (L) Marina Plevako, Shutterstock | (R) Anna Kumpan, Unsplash
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
10–14 inches
Cairnagles are a rarer mixed breed. They tend to be a little less active than the other breeds on this list, though they still require some exercise, of course. They can be more prone to obesity than other dogs due to their tendency towards laziness. Therefore, it’s still important to exercise them regularly.
They’re known for being pretty social, loving just about everyone. However, they still require a great deal of socialization, just like any other breed.
13. Cairn Russell (Cairn Terrier + Jack Russell Terrier)
Lifespan:
12–16 years
Height:
9–13 inches
The Cairn Russell is a combination of two fairly active dogs. Therefore, you can expect these puppies to be exceptionally active, agile, and playful. They need plenty of exercise and do best in a family that will provide them with this exercise. If you’re looking for a lapdog, this isn’t it.
Luckily, their short, smooth coat doesn’t require much grooming at all. While you may be spending a lot of time on walks, you won’t be doing a lot of brushing.
14. Cairn Ratter (Cairn Terrier + Rat Terrier)
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Height:
9–13 inches
These canines are compact and agile. They can be decently small, but they still require more exercise than you may think. Because they are smaller, getting them this exercise is often easier, though. Still, we do recommend them mostly for those with a more active lifestyle. They just aren’t made to lay around the house for much of the day.
Furthermore, these dogs are pretty intelligent. Many owners are surprised by how trainable they are. In some circumstances, they can make great alert dogs.
15. Cairnston (Cairn Terrier + Boston Terrier)
Image Credit: (L) Marina Plevako, Shutterstock | (R) Eve Photography, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
11–15 years
Height:
9–15 inches
The Cairnston is likely to have more health problems than the other mixed breeds on this list. Boston Terriers aren’t the healthiest dogs, and they’ll likely pass on their genetic issues to their puppies, including their mixed-breed puppies.
Despite this, many people love these dogs because they are very affectionate and people-oriented. They have a short, smooth coat that makes grooming pretty straightforward. They do require some exercise, but not necessarily as much as other mixes we’ve discussed.
16. Cairnillon (Cairn Terrier + Papillon)
Image Credit: (L) Marina Plevako, Shutterstock | (R) Mariya Kuzema, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–16 years
Height:
9–13 inches
These charming, intelligent dogs typically have longer coats that require regular grooming. Therefore, be sure you have enough time set aside to groom your canine properly. They may also need professional grooming, especially if you want to cut back on the amount of grooming you do at home.
Cairnillons tend to be pretty playful. However, how much exercise they need is often a tossup. Some require quite a bit of exercise, while others may need less. They usually start out pretty active as puppies, but this may decrease as they age.
Conclusion
When you mix Cairn Terriers with other similar breeds, you’ll end up with a truly unique companion. While there are almost certainly many other Cairn Terrier mixes around, the above are some of the most common and the most popular.
Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
