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Cairmal Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Cairmal so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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OriginScotland flagScotland Italy flagItaly
Other Names
What other names does the Cairmal have?
Cairmal Terrier
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Cairn Terrier and Maltese mix

Cairmal Size and Weight

Size
Is a Cairmal small, medium or large dog?

How big do Cairmal get?

What is the average size of a Cairmal?

Small
Weight
How much does the Cairmal weigh? How much should a Cairmal weight? What is the normal weight of a Cairmal? How much does a full-grown Cairmal weight?
10-15 pounds (5-7 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Cairmal?
12.5 pounds (6 kg)
Height
How tall is the Cairmal? Cairmal height:
10-13 inches (25-33 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Cairmal?
11.5 inches (29 cm)

Cairmal Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Cairmal puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Cairmal in the United States? How much money is a Cairmal?

Where to buy a Cairmal with a good pedigree?

$400-$600
If you choose to purchase the Cairmal, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Cairmal for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Cairmal gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Cairmal? How many Cairmal are there in the world?
Average: The Cairmal is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Cairmal Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Cairmal? Is the Cairmal breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Cairmal dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Cairmal is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Cairmal dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Cairmal?
Cairmal dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Cairmal dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Cairmal dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Cairmal Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Cairmal have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulFriendlyAffectionateLoyal
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Cairmal sensitivity:
Cairmal dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Cairmal a good family dog?
High: Cairmal dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Cairmal Terrier need? Cairmal social needs:
Cairmal dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Cairmal to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Cairmal roam?
Cairmal dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Cairmal have high prey drive?
Cairmal dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Cairmal dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Cairmal Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Cairmal is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Cairmal dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Cairmal Terrier bark?
A lot: Cairmal is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Cairmal good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Cairmal in an apartment?
Apartment-friendly dog the Cairmal breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Cairmal Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Cairmal dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Cairmal be left alone? How long can you leave a Cairmal alone?
Cairmal dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cairmal Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Cairmal has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Cairmal? How much bite force does a Cairmal have? How strong is a Cairmal bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairmal bite force: Weak. The Cairmal bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Cairmal measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Cairmal may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Cairmal being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Cairmal bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Cairmal puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Cairmal can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Cairmal bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Cairmal Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Cairmal? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Cairmal has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Cairmal do?
Cairmal dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Cairmal dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Cairmal Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Cairmal dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Cairmals tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Cairmal breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Cairmal see the vet?
Frequent
The Cairmal should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Cairmal dogs live? How old can a Cairmal be? What is the age limit of the Cairmal? How many years can the oldest Cairmal live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Cairmal?

How long is the lifespan of a Cairmal?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairmal: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Cairmal Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Cairmal have? What is the activity level of the Cairmal?
Cairmal dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Cairmal need? How much exercise do Cairmal dogs require per day?

Do Cairmal dogs need a lot of exercises?

Cairmal dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Cairmal breed need?
Cairmal dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Cairmal Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Cairmal need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Cairmal breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Cairmal? How much food should I feed my Cairmal?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Cairmal risk for obesity:
Average: The Cairmal has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Cairmal weight regularly.

Cairmal Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Cairmal have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickShaggyDouble
Grooming
How to groom the Cairmal and how often? How often should I take my Cairmal to the groomer?
Advanced: The Cairmal requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Cairmal a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Cairmal, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Cairmal dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Cairmal Terrier? Do Cairmal dogs shed a lot?
Cairmal dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Cairmal need a bath? How often should you give a Cairmal a bath? Can I bathe my Cairmal every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Cairmal breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Cairmal dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Cairmal has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Cairmal drool?
The Cairmal is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Cairmal could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Cairmal.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Cairmal Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Cairmal dogs get along with other pets? Are Cairmal dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Cairmal dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Cairmal temperament with other people:
Cairmal dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Cairmal dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Cairmal temperament with children:
Cairmal dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Cairmal dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Cairmal breed live with a cat?
Cairmal dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Cairmal good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Cairmal dogs get along with other dogs?
Cairmal dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Cairmal can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Cairmal breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Cairmal breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Cairmal dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Cairmal dogs good office canines? Do Cairmal dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
Yes
Cairmal is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Cairmal dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Cairmal Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Cairmal dogs good for elderly owners?
Cairmals are usually recommended for elderly people.

Cairmal As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Cairmal be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Cairmal is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Cairmal be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Cairmal be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Cairmal is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Cairmal be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Cairmal is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Cairmal be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Cairmal is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Cairmal be a boat dog?

Not really

Cairmal breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Cairmal be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Cairmal is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Cairmal dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cairmal Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Cairmal pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Cairmal breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Cairmal: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Cairmal have in a litter? How many puppies can the Cairmal breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Cairmal have? How many puppies can a Cairmal give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Cairmal Recognition

AKC Group
Is Cairmal recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Cairmal recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Cairmal Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Cairmal dogs have great intelligence.
  • Hypoallergenic: Cairmal dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Apartment Friendly: Apartment-friendly dog the Cairmal breed.
  • Shedding Level: Cairmal dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Cairmal is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Cairmal dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Cairmal dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Cairmal dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Cairmal dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Cairmal dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Cairmal is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Cairmals are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Cairmal dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Cairmals tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Cairmal requires a lot of grooming.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Cairmal dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cairmal History

The Cairmal is among the newly developed designer breeds, regarding that the breed has appeared on the scene in the last 15-20 years. It is thought that this designer breed can trace its origins most presumably, to North America just like many other hybrids. Even though, it is possible that mixes, resembling the Cairmal, were in existence as a result of natural mating through the previous decades. The trend of creating new designer breeds started around the middle of the 20th century, in the United States of America and in Canada, with crossbreeding purebred dogs with each other, with the objective of creating new breeds. These hybrid dogs gained popularity instantly, for the reason that they usually inherited the best and most desirable qualities, abilities, and traits of each parent breed, moreover, just like the Cairmal, these hybrid breeds usually turned out to be hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this popularity does not mean, that we are certain about every detail of these designer breed’s ancestry, and the intention which led breeders to develop these dogs.

In order to have a better understanding of why breeders choose to crossbreed the Maltese with the Cairn Terrier to develop the Cairmal, we need to delve deeper into the parent breeds’ histories and pedigree. First of all, the Maltese are thought to be originated from the island of Melenda, or Mljet, off the coast of Croatia in the Balkan, in the Adriatic Sea. Unlike many breeds, the Maltese were not bred for a very specific purpose of work. Initially, the dogs’ main purpose was nothing more than to just simply be a companion and a furry friend to their fellow humans. The Maltese are recognized by all of the major kennel clubs, mostly within the Toy Groups. Contrary to the Maltese, the Cairn Terrier was bred to be a hunting companion on the Scottish Highlands. As the breed matured over the years, the dogs were also used to assist hunters during pursuing larger games such as foxes and rabbits, for sporting purposes. According to most experts’ opinions, the Cairn Terrier played an important role in the early development of the West Highland White Terrier and the Scottish Terrier, thus it is safe to say that the Cairmal have very popular and well-known, and recognized parent breeds, who contributed to other breeds’ development over the years.

Because both of the Maltese and the Cairn Terrier, the Cairmal have earned the reputation of being a loyal and sweet companion to their families. Cairmals tend to thrive on the bonds they form with their owners and will become absolutely and solely dedicated to them. The breed is considered a very intelligent and compact dog, with a very attractive physical appearance. However, as the Cairn Terrier was developed to be able to control the vermin population and to hunt all kinds of game, the Cairmal too has a stronger prey drive, nonetheless, this urge can differ from specimen to specimen.

Resembling every other designer breed, the Cairmal is not recognized by any of the major kennel clubs yet, but the breed is a member of the ACHC (American Canine Hybrid Club), the DDKC (Designer Dogs Kennel Club), and the DRA (Dog Registry of America, Inc). Even though the Cairmal is not the most popular designer dog breed on the market nowadays, Cairmal breeders are constantly working on stabilizing and standardizing this new, hypoallergenic, and loyal little companion breed.

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