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The Cairnoodle is a mixed breed created by mixing the Cairn Terrier with a Poodle. It also has several other names, including Cairnpoo and Poocan. It’s a small American dog that rarely exceeds 15-inches tall. It has a large head with dark eyes that are full of expression, and its body is sturdy and compact, with a dark nose proportionate to the muzzle.
Breed Overview
Height
10 – 15 inches
Weight
13 – 20 pounds
Lifespan
12 – 16 years
Colors
black, cream, grey, white, gold, brown
Suitable for
Singles, seniors, families
Temperament
Active, brave, loving
It’s an affectionate breed with a cheerful disposition and medium-length curly hair. It originated in the 1990s and has been growing in popularity due to its ability to adapt to a wide range of living situations.
Cairnoodle Puppies
You can expect to set aside a fair amount for your Cainoodle puppy. However, the Poodle parent breed can get quite expensive, and you may need to pay more depending on availability. You will also most likely need to get your dog spayed or neutered and will need to pay for regular vet visits to keep your dog healthy. You will also need to purchase food, treats, toys, and plenty of accessories to keep your pet healthy and happy, which can cost quite a bit over time.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Cairnoodle
The Cairnoodle is a friendly dog that enjoys being around people. It will get upset if you leave it alone for too long, so it is not well suited to singles that work all day. It has plenty of energy and likes to play and go for walks. It tends to dig, so you will need to designate an area of your yard, or you will find holes everywhere. If you have a mole or other burrower in your yard, it will trigger your dog’s hunting instinct, and it will try to root them out.
The Cairnoodle is intelligent and will pick up on your habits and routines quickly. It is also easy to train and will learn new tricks with very little effort.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Yes, the Cairnoodle is great to have around children due to its high energy level. It can help keep family members entertained for several hours with its clowning and desire to keep your attention. It will let you know if there is an intruder, but it makes new friends quickly, so it’s a great choice if you frequently have guests. It is adaptable to different environments and is just as happy in an apartment as a large home.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Yes, the Cairnoodle gets along well with other dog breeds and will even befriend cats if they allow it. However, it will likely chase after any rodent pets you have, so it may not be the best choice if you own mice, ferrets, or even rabbits.
Things to Know When Owning a Cairnoodle:
Food & Diet Requirements
Your Cairnoodle will need dry dog food with chicken, beef, turkey, or salmon listees as the top ingredient. We also recommend choosing brands with omega fats and probiotics in the ingredients. We recommend avoiding grain-free brands and other specialty foods until you talk it over with your vet to see if they are right for your dog. Read the suggested serving size on the package and only provide that much to make sure your pet doesn’t become overweight.
Exercise
The Cairnoodle is an active breed that will need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. We recommend setting at least 30 -45 minutes aside each day to help your dog be more active. Long walks and games of fetch can be great ways to use up excess energy that will help your dog sleep better at night. The Poodle in your pet may also enjoy swimming which is a fantastic way to stay slim and healthy.
Training
The Poodle parent is extremely intelligent, so there is a good chance your dog will be quick to pick up new things. Positive reinforcement and a consistent training time will help get your dog on a schedule that it looks forward to. Once your dog knows the routine, it will be easier to train because the dog knows what to expect. Keep lots of treats handy and reward it when it does a good job. We recommend setting 5 – 10 minutes aside at the same time each day for training. Motion or gesture what you want it to do while repeating the command. It can take several tries before your dog commits it to memory, so be patient and never let the dog see you are frustrated. After a few attempts, your dog will catch on.
Grooming ✂️
Another trait your pet Cairnoodle gets from its Poodle parent is very little shedding. If you have had dogs in the past, you will be surprised at how much less hair you will find on your furniture and floor. However, the Cairn Terrier does shed, so you will need to brush your dog frequently to remove loose hair and prevent tangles and knots from forming. You will also want to keep the ears clean and manually brush the dog’s teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste as often as possible. If the dog spends a lot of time indoors, its nails might also grow too long and need trimming if you hear them clicking on the floor.
Health and Conditions
- Hypothyroidism
- Glaucoma
- Bloat
- Addison’s Disease
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland in your pet’s neck. The thyroid gland controls your dog’s metabolic rate and can cause weight changes and other problems in every dog breed. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include hair loss on the tail and rear legs, flakey skin, muscle loss, and weight gain. Treatment usually includes medication, and the condition is generally not life-threatening if you catch it early.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that causes pressure to build up behind the lens of the eye due to poor drainage, allowing fluid to build up. The poodle parent is genetically predisposed to this condition, so you will need to watch for it in your pet as well. Symptoms include excessive blinking, a receding eyeball, signs of vision loss, redness, and loss of appetite. If you think your dog might have glaucoma, it’s important to immediately take it to the vet to get medication to relieve pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness.
Bloat
Bloat is a condition common to both parents, and it’s the result of the stomach filling with air and putting pressure on the other organs. It can also cause the stomach to twist, trapping blood inside. If the dog doesn’t get treated immediately, it can lead to a life-threatening situation. Symptoms of bloat include an enlarged abdomen, drooling, and restlessness.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a condition that affects your dog’s adrenal glands and stops them from producing the required hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating the body’s organs and systems. Symptoms include loss of appetite, degrading body condition, and inability to respond appropriately to stress. Your dog may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stools. There is no cure for Addison’s, and in some cases, your dog might require hospitalization. Early detection can provide the best chance your dog will lead a long and happy life.
Male vs Female
There is no discernable difference between the male and female Cairnoodle. Both sexes are identical in height and weight, and they also have similar temperaments.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Cairnoodle
1. The Cairnoodle is too young for acceptance into a kennel club.
2. The Poodle parent is one of the smartest dog breeds.
3. You may recognize the Cairn Terrier parent as Toto, the dog from The Wizard of Oz.
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Final Thoughts
The Cairnoodle makes a great family pet that gets along well with humans and other pets and can make new friends quickly. It doesn’t bark much and won’t leave a lot of hair around your home. It enjoys playing and running but may dig a few holes in the yard if left unattended. However, if you have a problem with moles, this breed will be extremely helpful. It’s usually not that expensive unless there is a high demand for poodles, and it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
We hope you have enjoyed our look into this mixed breed and found the answers you needed. If we convinced you to get one as a pet, please share this review of the Cairnoodle on Facebook and Twitter.
See Also:
- Crustie Dog Breed: Complete Guide, Pictures, Info, Care & More!
- Cairland Terrier (Cairn Terrier & Westie Mix): Pictures, Guide, Info, & Care
Featured Image Credit: Robyn Bartlett, Shutterstock