Cairn Terrier Poodle mix- Facts to know before buying a Cairnoodle

The Cairn Terrier Poodle mix is a crossbreed between a Cairn Terrier and a Miniature Poodle. This dog is also known as the Cairnoodle or Cairndoodle and is a small dog with a big personality. Cairn Terrier Poodle mixes weigh 13 to 20 pounds and stand at 10 to 15 inches. 

These dogs are intelligent, agile, hypoallergenic, and also goofy.

Despite being small, this is not a weakly mixed breed and will take any opportunity to put a smile on your face.

He is perfect for small families and apartment dwellers and his playful and friendly personality makes him a great addition for families with young children.

If you are interested in learning more about this Poodle mix, then you have come to the right place.

Keep on reading to find out more about what this pooch has to offer.

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About the Cairn Terrier Poodle mix

The Cairn Terrier Miniature Poodle mix is a small-sized crossbreed dog but comes with a big personality.

This mix is also commonly known as the Cairnoodle but can also go with other names such as;

  • Poocan
  • Cairnpoodle
  • Cairnpoo
  • Cairndoodle

The Cairnoodle is lovable and is a fit for a variety of different dog lovers with different lifestyles.

This dog is also athletic and will excel in various activities that include agility and obedience training.

All this while still being a great companion with a strong desire to please and learn new things.

He is also hypoallergenic meaning that he is great for allergy sufferers that are sensitive to dog coat dander which is the main trigger for most dog-related allergic reactions.

However, this is a high-maintenance dog whose coat will need frequent grooming but does not need much daily exercise.

He can also be stubborn despite being highly intelligent which can make training more difficult than it is supposed to be.

This dog’s origin is unknown but is believed to have been bred as a compact companion for allergy sufferers.

The Poocan hybrid dog is also not recognized by any of the major kennel clubs but is recognized by some mixed dog registries such as;

  • Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • The Internation Designer Canine Registry.
  • American Canine Hybrid Club.
  • The Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

Cairn Terrier Poodle mix

Cairn Terrier vs Miniature Poodle: Breed comparison

Cairn Terrier Vs Mini Poodle
Cairn Terrier Miniature Poodle
The Cairn Terrier is a friendly, independent, compact, clever, and spirited dog that is great for different lifestyles.

He is alert and does not bark a lot despite having strong hunting instincts. This dog is, however, prone to digging and chasing after smaller animals.

The miniature Poodle is a well-tempered, affectionate, curious, and highly intelligent dog that is also great for apartment dwellers and small families.

This dog is also goofy with his presence always being felt but can be skittish around strangers and larger dogs.

This dog is smart and curious and can learn new commands and tricks with ease. However, he can be independent and difficult to house train.

The Cairn Terrier is a fun-loving dog that enjoys being outdoors. He will need about 45 minutes of daily exercise.

This mixed dog is smart and excels in fun-based training. Early training and socialization are essential in ensuring that this dog is well behaved.

Mini Poodles also love outdoor activities and need about 45 minutes of daily mental and physical stimulation.

Once known as the short-haired Skye, the Cairn Terrier is an ancient dog believed to have been bred in the 1500s.

He was developed on the Scottish Isle of Skye where he was used to hunt smaller prey such as badgers in cairns (between rocks).

The Cairn Terriers rose after his role as Toto in the movie Wizard of Oz that came out in 1939.

The Miniature Poodle’s origin is not a very clear one and has always been up for debate.

However, he is believed to have originated from Germany where he was mainly used as a hunting and water dog to become popular in the 1700s.

Pros and cons of the Cairnoodle mix

Pros:

✓ Intelligent and easy to train.

✔ Agile and fun-loving.

✓ Does not shed much.

✔ Is friendly, affectionate, and family-oriented.

Cons:

✗ Prone to suffering from separation anxiety and can be destructive.

✘ Housebreaking this mixed dog can be challenging.

✗ Can bark a lot.

6 Fun facts about the Miniature Poodle Cairn Terrier mix

  1. These dogs may be small but they are protective which makes them great watchdogs.
  2. They have curly or wavy coats that trap dander within making them great for people who suffer from dog-related allergies.
  3. Some have larger front paws than rear paws a feature that is acquired from Cairn Terriers and one that makes them great diggers.
  4. Others have webbed feet which are essential for swimming.
  5. Many dog lovers find them appealing due to the neurotomy concept which makes people attracted to them and care for them more.
  6. Reverse sneezing is common in Cairnoodle. It is mostly harmless and is also known as the pharyngeal gag reflex.

Cairn Terrier Poodle mix breed profile

Cairn Terrier Poodle mix summary table
Height 10 to 15 inches
Weight 13 to 20 pounds
Lifespan 12 to 16 years 
Breed Type Mixes and more
Purpose Companion and family dog
Suitable For Apartment dwellers.
Grooming requirements High
Color Variations Black, Brown, Grey, Cream, Red, Fawn, Silver, Sable, Phantom, Parti, and Brindle
Health concerns Hypothyroidism, Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia, Tracheal Collapse
Temperament Intelligent, spirited, energetic, affectionate, loyal, alert, and independent
Other names Cairnoodle, Cairndoodle, Poocan, Cairnpoo

Height and weight

The Cairn Terrier Poodle mix is a small-sized dog that weighs between 13 and 20 pounds and stands between 10 and 15 inches.

The physical appearance

This is a well-proportioned dog with a square build and a medium-sized muzzle.

He is also has a slightly broad head and a well-rounded black nose. The eyes are also round, expressive, and dark-brown in color.

Most Cairndoodles will have single coats that can range from slightly wavy to curly.

They also do not shed much and are considered hypoallergenic.

Coat colors:

Cream Red Black
Grey Brown Brindle
Silver Sable Fawn
Phantom Parti Black and White

Cairn Terrier Poodle mix

Temperament and personality of the Poodle Cairn Terrier mix

The Cairnoodle is a high-energy and loyal companion that gets along well with everyone including young children.

He is known to develop strong attachments to those he considers family but is more likely to form stronger bonds with his caretaker.

With that said, it is worth noting this mixed dog does not like being left alone for long periods as he can develop separation anxiety or become overly destructive.

He is a very adaptable hybrid dog that can thrive in an apartment or city environment as long as his exercise needs are met.

Cairndoodles are also intelligent, eager to please, and very trainable.

They are not aggressive but can be skittish and slightly reserved around strangers but should take some time and finally warm up to them.

However, these dogs are protective and they will let you know when there is an intruder in the vicinity.

This makes them excellent watchdogs.

Is the Mini Poodle Cairn Terrier mix a good family dog?

The Cairnoodle is a friendly and exceptional family dog that is great for families with children.

However, you should let your children understand that this dog can be fragile and should be handled with care. Any rough play should be largely avoided.

This Cairn Terrier Mini Poodle mix can also be skittish around larger households pets but with proper socialization, this should not be an issue.

How much does a Cairn Terrier Poodle mix cost?

A Cairn Terrier Poodle mix puppy from a good and reputable breeder will cost you about $800 and can go as high as $2000. This price will be heavily influenced by the breeder and the location from where you get the puppy.

However, this does not account for how much it costs to own this dog which is about $900 annually on average.

The yearly care costs can vary from one puppy to the other.

You will need to consider that these costs will be split between grooming, feeding, veterinary expenses, and other additional costs.

Here is a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend annually;

  • Vet expenses- $250
  • Food- $200
  • Boarding and grooming- $200
  • Additional expenses- $250

How to take care of a Cairndoodle mix

1. Grooming requirements

Cairndoodles are gorgeous dogs with beautiful coats but need a lot of maintenance to keep them that way.

These coats will need to be brushed at least 3 times a week to prevent the formation of tangles and mats.

They also need to be bathed once a month with a neutral pH shampoo. You should only use a shampoo that is formulated for dogs.

Taking care of the ears is also important to get rid of infection-causing bacteria.

These dogs are known to be prone to periodontal diseases and the best way to prevent them is by cleaning the teeth to remove plaque which can harden to become tartar.

Dental chews will also come in handy in taking care of this dog’s teeth plus you can also use a dental spray to prevent tooth decay and bad breath.

Tear stains are also common in Poocans. They will need to be cleaned every day to keep the fur clean and for healthier eyes.

Finally, you should trim the nails every 2 weeks and get the dog’s anal glands expressed for better hygiene.

Miniature Poodle Cairn Terrier mix

2. Feeding and dietary requirements

A healthy diet is essential for the well-being of a Cairn Terrier Poodle mix.

You should choose a high-quality diet that is rich in meat-based proteins. The diet should contain about 24% proteins, 10% fats with about 4% fiber content, and essential mineral salts such as calcium.

This diet should not have any artificial colorings, fillers, or preservatives that can upset this dog’s stomach.

You will also need to steer away from foods made of meat by-products.

All foods should be made up of 100% natural ingredients but you can also supplement the diet with vitamins from fruits and vegetables.

Some safe vitamin sources for a Cairnoodle are strawberries, seedless apple slices, banana slices, raw carrot, blueberries, and so on.

I would also recommend dry food over canned food. A high-quality 4-pound bag of dry food will cost you around $30.

With all that in mind, you should not overfeed this dog as he can easily get overweight.

The meals should be divided into about 3 daily portions to prevent bloat and a constant supply of clean water made available.

Cairn Yorkie Terrier Daily Food Consumption
Guide 300 to 600 calories
Cups of Kibble 1 to 2

3. Exercise requirements

This is an agile and athletic dog that will need about 45 minutes of daily mental and physical exercise.

He will enjoy daily walks, swimming, other outdoor activities, and even mind games.

However, you should avoid over-excursion as this dog can be fragile. You should use a harness instead of a collar when taking this dog for walks.

Number of walks 2 (15 minutes each)
Exercise needs 30 to 45 minutes

4. How to train a Cairnoodle

Training this dog is not as hard as you may think although he may be stubborn during training.

Reward-based training and positive reinforcement is the best way to train this Poodle mix. Training should not be a stressful experience for the Cairnpoo as he prone to getting nervous.

You will need to pay attention to housebreaking which is usually one of the hardest things to tackle.

House training should begin the day you bring this pup home from the breeder or after adoption.

There should be a designated spot where this pup can stay and another spot where he can potty.

You will also need to ensure that your home is puppy-proofed by removing any items and plants that can be harmful to puppies.

Known health problems

This is a healthy crossbreed with a long lifespan. However, just like any other dog, he is also prone to some health issues such as;

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Tracheal Collapse

How long does a Cairn Terrier Poodle mix live?

The Cairn Terrier Miniature Poodle mix can live for between 12 and 16 years.

Breed summary

You should not let this dog’s small body fool you as he is can be goofy and athletic.

He also boasts a hypoallergenic coat which makes him a great addition for allergy sufferers.

This dog may be your lifelong companion but before you decide to get him, you should ensure that you can meet his needs.,

If you have any feedback or questions, you can leave them in the comment section below.

There you go, WOOF.

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