Our Cairn Blog

You'll find helpful information about the Cairn Terrier breed, breeders, care and training, and current happenings at Crooked Creek Cairn Terriers.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The Cairn Terrier Ear


Someone inquired that they had a Cairn Terrier who's ears did not stand up, and wondered if they were supposed to be cropped. I tried responding and my email was rejected, so I decided to post it here. Cairn Terrier's ears are dropped as puppies and they stand up on their own between 5 and ?12wks, depending on the individual. I was once told that they stand upon the molars coming in, but since they can stand on their own as early as 4 1/2-5wks I would say that is innaccurate. Ear sets can vary in size and at Crooked Creek Cairn Terriers, we breed for a small ear set with correct placement on the head. The AKC breed standards says Ears - Small, pointed, well carried erectly, set wide apart on the side of the head. Free from long hairs.

Cairn Terrier ears are never dropped and are never cropped. If someone has a Cairn with drop ears it is either a mix or an extremely poor quality Cairn, as I have never seen a full Cairn with drop ears. As the puppy's ears are starting to stand, they look quite commical with 1 ear up, 1 ear down, and it may change for a few days as they try to stand on their own. Nothing cuter than this awkward ear stage! LOL This is Daisie at 9 weeks, with 1 ear up and 1 ear down.

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