Grooming

Cairn Terriers have a so-called "harsh" coat. This is a double-layered coat:

• The undercoat is soft and dense, providing protection and insulation against the cold.

• The outer coat is harsh in texture and protects the dog from external elements such as rain, wind, attacks, and minor injuries.

Cairn Terriers need to be hand-stripped every 3–4 months. Hand-stripping means removing the dead hairs manually, and most professional dog groomers can perform it—it is very important that it is done correctly with the proper tools. Puppies must always be gradually accustomed to grooming procedures, with patience and positive reinforcement, as grooming will be a defining part of their lives.

Bathing should be rare and only with shampoos designed for harsh coats (e.g., Yuup Chrisp Coat, Bloop Harsh Coat, PSH Quina).

If a dog's coat is shaved with clippers:

1. The hair follicle is damaged, and the coat loses its ability to be hand-stripped.

2. The coat softens, becoming less resistant to environmental effects, absorbs water more easily, and the dog may catch a cold.

IMPORTANT:
Taking puppies to a groomer is ideal after their third combined vaccination. However, the groomer must thoroughly disinfect everything beforehand to prevent any infection from reaching the puppy—something that would not affect an adult dog but could make a young puppy ill.