Cairnoodle Basics
Also known as the Cairndoodle, Cairnpoo, Cairnpoodle, and Poocan, the Cairnoodle makes a fantastic family pet. Ideal for most pet owners, these small dogs are active but don’t require a lot of exercise, and they are also highly affectionate and enjoy spending their time around the people they love.
If you are hoping to introduce a new dog into your family, the adorable Cairnoodle might be the right choice, but keep reading to learn more about this interesting breed to be sure you make the best decision.
The Cairnoodle is a cross between a purebred Cairn Terrier and Poodle.
Origin
The Cairnoodle is a designer crossbreed from the United States.
Pedigree
The Cairnoodle is a cross between a purebred Cairn Terrier and Poodle.
Food / Diet
You can feed your Cairnoodle anywhere from ¾ cup to 1½ cups of a high quality canine dry food every day. Split this amount into two or more meals. You can also incorporate some canned dog food into your pet’s diet, but adjust the dry food accordingly so that your dog doesn’t overeat and gain too much weight as a result.
Even though the Cairnoodle is known for having an independent nature, this breed is easy to train, as it is willing to please.
Training
Even though the Cairnoodle is known for having an independent nature, this breed is easy to train, as it is willing to please. Your dog will listen to you and obey your commands, and when he is being trained, he will need less repetition compared to other dog breeds.
Cairnoodles also enjoy performing to amuse people, so in addition to general obedience training, you can also train your pooch to do funny tricks.
It should be noted, however, that these dogs can be a bit hard to house train. A crate training method should help, and starting early will yield the best results.
No matter what, always use positive reinforcement training that includes plenty of praise and rewards that will motivate your dog. At the same time, you want to be firm, patient, and consistent while establishing yourself as the pack leader.
Weight
A small-sized breed, the Cairnoodle weighs between 13 and 20 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
If you are in search of a little dog that will be devoted, loving, and social, look no further than the adorable Cairnoodle. These dogs are a combination of the sensitive Poodle and the bold Cairn Terrier, so they enjoy attention and should not be ignored. Leaving your dog alone for extended periods of time could result in loneliness and boredom that leads to destructive behaviors.
These dogs make great family pets because they get along with kids, other dogs, and other pets, especially when raised alongside them. And these alert pooches will work on protecting and watching over their family, barking to alert you to strangers or strange noises.
Common Health Problems
As with all other hybrid dog breeds, the Cairnoodle may be susceptible to the common ailments that affect its parent breeds. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that your dog will come down with any of those health problems, and it is impossible to predict an individual dog’s long-term health.
Owners of Cairnoodles should keep an eye out for health issues that include bloat, epilepsy, eye ailments, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, craniomandibular osteopathy, liver ailments, skin problems, hip dysplasia, Krabbe’s disease, cryptorchidism, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Life Expectancy
The Cairnoodle has an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
Exercise Requirements
The Cairnoodle is known for being slightly active. A variety of fun dog toys can be used to keep your dog happy and occupied while playing indoors, and a couple of short walks each day will also provide him with the exercise that he needs.
Both physical and mental stimulation, along with plenty of interaction with family, are necessary to keep the Cairnoodle happy. He will do well living in a house or an apartment, and this breed does not require a backyard.
Cairnoodles also enjoy performing to amuse people.
Recognized Clubs
The Cairnoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
A Cairnoodle’s coat will be curly, wispy, and short. A moderate grooming routine will be necessary, so regular brushing sessions should become a part of your routine. The good news is that this is a low shedding dog, but his coat can become tangled, so brushing will keep the fur healthy and smooth.
Avoid bathing your dog too often, but use a gentle canine shampoo to clean your pet when he gets too dirty.
Puppies
Cairnoodles are small dogs as adults, so puppies will be tiny and delicate. Teach your kids to handle these dogs with care so that they won’t get hurt.
It is also a good idea to socialize and start training your puppy as early on as possible. This will ensure your dog grows up to be a confident and happy pooch who is comfortable around a variety of pets and people.
Photo credit: Katy Coffey/Flickr; Photogork/Bigstock; sgcallaway1994/Bigstock
