Silky Cairn:Australian Silky Terrier and Cairn Terrier Mix

Hybrid Breed

Australian Silky Terrier + Cairn Terrier

Dogs/Active

What is a Silky Cairn?

The Silky Cairn, also known as a mix of the Australian Silky Terrier and Cairn Terrier, is a playful, affectionate and sturdy little dog, ideal for families and singles.

Origin and history

The Silky Cairn is a mix of two ancient terrier breeds: the Cairn Terrier from Scotland and the Australian Silky Terrier. The Cairn Terr ier is best known for his role as Toto in "The Wizard of Oz" and has a history as a tenacious, fearless fox hunter. The Australian Silky Terrier, sometimes referred to as the Groomed Gentledog from Down Under, was considered a home and pest control dog.

Alternate Name -
Origin Australia - Scotland
Life expectancy 12 - 16 years
Care requirements high-maintenance - low-maintenance
Activity level average
FCI group not recognised
AKC group not recognised
KC group not recognised
News/Active

Character traits and nature

  • Friendly and active: The Silky Cairn is known for his friendly and outgoing nature. He is very active and needs regular, daily exercise.
  • Loving and Loyal: As a family dog, this mixed breed is extremely loving and loyal to its people. He can get along well with children and other pets as long as he is well socialized.
  • Intelligent and adaptive: Because of his intelligent parent breeds, the Silky Cairn can learn quickly and is often easy to train. He enjoys mental challenges and can learn a variety of commands and tricks.


Essential factors in care

Like any other mixed breed, the Silky Cairn can be prone to various health problems that are common in its parent breeds. These include eye problems, skin problems and patellar luxation. Regular veterinary examination is essential. In good health, a Silky Cairn can live between 12 and 15 years. Regular veterinary examinations are therefore essential.

The Silky Cairn should be brushed regularly to keep his silky coat clean and free of tangles. Occasional trimming is also necessary to control his coat length.

A balanced diet is important for his health and overall well-being. It is also important to monitor his weight to avoid obesity.

Breeding a Silky Cairn

Breeding a Silky Cairns requires knowledge and responsibility. It is important to check the health of the parent breeds and make sure they are free of hereditary diseases. Breeders must also respect the standard of the breeds and be concerned about the welfare of the animals.

The appearance of a Silky Cairn can vary, but usually it has the silky coat of the Australian Silky Terrier and the small but sturdy stature of the Cairn Terrier.

One main characteristic is its beautiful, silky coat. The coat is medium in length and can vary from rich gray to various shades of brownish and black. It is smooth and silky, but tends to tangle if not groomed regularly.

Fur length long - short
Fur flat coated - rough-haired
Ear shape Standing Ears
Tail short
Anatomy slim, strong, hefty
Size ♀ 23 - 30 cm
Weight ♀ 3 - 8 kg
Size ♂ 23 - 33 cm
Weight ♂ 3 - 8 kg
Suitable For -
  • Cataract

    Cataracts are still one of the most common causes of blindness, even in dogs.

  • Dermatophytosis

    Dermatophytosis (synonym dermatophytosis, from ancient Greek τὸ δέρμα derma, German 'skin' and ancient Greek φυτόν phyton, German 'plant') or tinea (Latin for 'woodworm', 'moth') is a skin fungal disease caused by specific fungi (dermatophytes).

  • Ureteral ectopy

    Ureteral ectopy (also known as ureteral ectopia) is an inherited condition where the ureter (known as the ureter) does not end in the bladder as usual due to a misalignment.

  • Joint problems

    Especially due to overweight, joint problems can occur in dogs.

  • This mix can come in different colors, but the most common are gray, brown and black.

  • Yes, these mixed breeds usually have an instinctive hunting instinct.

  • Silky Cairns can be prone to allergies, digestive disorders, eye problems, and degenerative joint and muscle problems.

  • The ideal character is bright, adventurous, playful and cuddly. They are intelligent and learn quickly.

Useful Articles

Subscribe to our newsletter
to stay up to date on dog trends.
We won’t spam your inbox! We won’t sell or rent your email address.
To find out more, view our Privacy Policy
dogbible - a platform for people who love dogs
<svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="facebook" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.78 90.69 226.38 209.25 245V327.69h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.31 482.38 504 379.78 504 256z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg> <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="instagram" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 448 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M224.1 141c-63.6 0-114.9 51.3-114.9 114.9s51.3 114.9 114.9 114.9S339 319.5 339 255.9 287.7 141 224.1 141zm0 189.6c-41.1 0-74.7-33.5-74.7-74.7s33.5-74.7 74.7-74.7 74.7 33.5 74.7 74.7-33.6 74.7-74.7 74.7zm146.4-194.3c0 14.9-12 26.8-26.8 26.8-14.9 0-26.8-12-26.8-26.8s12-26.8 26.8-26.8 26.8 12 26.8 26.8zm76.1 27.2c-1.7-35.9-9.9-67.7-36.2-93.9-26.2-26.2-58-34.4-93.9-36.2-37-2.1-147.9-2.1-184.9 0-35.8 1.7-67.6 9.9-93.9 36.1s-34.4 58-36.2 93.9c-2.1 37-2.1 147.9 0 184.9 1.7 35.9 9.9 67.7 36.2 93.9s58 34.4 93.9 36.2c37 2.1 147.9 2.1 184.9 0 35.9-1.7 67.7-9.9 93.9-36.2 26.2-26.2 34.4-58 36.2-93.9 2.1-37 2.1-147.8 0-184.8zM398.8 388c-7.8 19.6-22.9 34.7-42.6 42.6-29.5 11.7-99.5 9-132.1 9s-102.7 2.6-132.1-9c-19.6-7.8-34.7-22.9-42.6-42.6-11.7-29.5-9-99.5-9-132.1s-2.6-102.7 9-132.1c7.8-19.6 22.9-34.7 42.6-42.6 29.5-11.7 99.5-9 132.1-9s102.7-2.6 132.1 9c19.6 7.8 34.7 22.9 42.6 42.6 11.7 29.5 9 99.5 9 132.1s2.7 102.7-9 132.1z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg> <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="pinterest" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 496 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M496 256c0 137-111 248-248 248-25.6 0-50.2-3.9-73.4-11.1 10.1-16.5 25.2-43.5 30.8-65 3-11.6 15.4-59 15.4-59 8.1 15.4 31.7 28.5 56.8 28.5 74.8 0 128.7-68.8 128.7-154.3 0-81.9-66.9-143.2-152.9-143.2-107 0-163.9 71.8-163.9 150.1 0 36.4 19.4 81.7 50.3 96.1 4.7 2.2 7.2 1.2 8.3-3.3.8-3.4 5-20.3 6.9-28.1.6-2.5.3-4.7-1.7-7.1-10.1-12.5-18.3-35.3-18.3-56.6 0-54.7 41.4-107.6 112-107.6 60.9 0 103.6 41.5 103.6 100.9 0 67.1-33.9 113.6-78 113.6-24.3 0-42.6-20.1-36.7-44.8 7-29.5 20.5-61.3 20.5-82.6 0-19-10.2-34.9-31.4-34.9-24.9 0-44.9 25.7-44.9 60.2 0 22 7.4 36.8 7.4 36.8s-24.5 103.8-29 123.2c-5 21.4-3 51.6-.9 71.2C65.4 450.9 0 361.1 0 256 0 119 111 8 248 8s248 111 248 248z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg>