Temperament Intelligent, bold, alert and gentle.

Behaviour with children: Enjoys children's playful activity.

Behaviour with pets: Good, but with males of their own species more aggressive.

Activity level:Indoors - quite high. Outdoors - normal.

Obedience ability: Medium.

Learning ability: High.

Problem solving: High.

Watch dog: High.

Guard dog: Low.

Expected life span: 12 - 15 years plus/minus.

Living Environment:House with fenced yard required. Also suitable for apartment living if taken for daily walk and exercise. If left in yard for any length of time, being an 'earth' dog, will dig holes, needs to be trained, as a youngster, not to do this. A Cairn will thrive most anywhere so long as they received affection, attention and exercise.