Cairn Terriers are a low shedding, hypoallergenic breed
Cairn Terriers have a double coat of hair and fur, bred to repel water and dirt. Cairn Terriers have sensitive skin and should not be frequently bathed.
In general, coat maintenance for a Cairn Terrier requires brushing between two and four times per week. This can take an average of 10 to 15 minutes. According to Vanessa Richie's book "The Complete Guide to Cairn Terriers," dead hair should be removed about once per month in a process called rolling, using a stripping knife or stripping stone. Seeking a professional dog groomer between two to three times per year to do complete hand stripping is often a good idea. However, Cairn Terrier owners should have a few basic tools at their disposal to do the basic, regular coat maintenance and grooming. According to Richie's book, these include:
- Pin brush and comb to remove mats.
- Slicker brush.
- Small, blunt scissors to cut long hair around the face.
- Stripping knives to help remove undercoat fur.
- Shampoo: Isle of Dogs No. 33 for coarse, hard coats is recommended.
- Nail trimmers.
- Dog specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Do not substitute with human toothpaste.
As every dog owner of any breed should know, brushing the dog is about more than just coat maintenance. It is an opportunity for a health check. Owners should always check their dogs over thoroughly for skin problems, lumps, flea or tick bites or other health concerns during coat maintenance.
The video courtesy of YouTube and Paragon School of Pet Grooming illustrates a small portion of the coat stripping process, or rolling
Resources Consulted:
Richie, Vanessa.The Complete Guide to Cairn Terriers LP Media Inc. Publishing, 2022.
Video courtesy of YouTube and Paragon School of Pet Grooming