Cairn Breed Health

The Cairn Terrier is relatively healthy as a breed, in comparison to other dog breeds. With a life span of about 12- 18yrs, they can offer many years of companionship. The associated health problems in the breed include: Allergies, Cataracts, Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO or Lion Jaw), Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL), Heart Defects, Hypothyroidism, Legg-Perthes, Luxated Patellae, Ocular Melanosis, Portal Shunt, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Seizures and Epilepsy, and Von Willebrands. To read more about these disorders click here. Don't be too alarmed when reading this list. ALL breeds have inherent health disorders. In fact you won't find a living being that doesn't have some type of hereditary disorder. Ethical responsible breeders make educated decisions in their breeding program to reduce or rid the breed of these health problems. The goals are to screen breeding dogs and bitches, so that affected animals are not used in breeding programs which would propetuate the characteristics in their offspring. This is another reason that it is so important to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder and never from a pet store, puppy mill, or irresponsible breeder. The biggest control of the market is demand. If buyers are only buying from responsible ethical breeders, the market will be gone for those that are not responsible and ethical, putting them out of business and improving the life and conditions of Cairn Terriers as a whole.