Group 3 · Terriers
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier comes from the Scottish Highlands, where it hunted foxes and rats among piles of stones. It is brave, cheerful and curious, with plenty of character in a small body.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Cairn Terrier by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 5 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 1 eye examination
- 1 kneecap examination
The breeding programme also recommends 4 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (5)
-
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC37A2: c.1332C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (4)
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- GALC: c.473A>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (VD view of the hips)
-
Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc)
Heart examination Valid for 1 year at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Cairn Terrier, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Patellar luxation (PT), Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP) and Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Cairn Terrier needs daily walks and play, and loves to dig. Its harsh coat needs a weekly brush and regular hand-stripping.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
As a true terrier it has a strong hunting instinct and a mind of its own. It responds best to consistent, kind training. Only let it off the lead in a securely fenced area.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
