Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Cairn Terriers Live. Cairn Terrier Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Cairn Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Cairn Terrier, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Cairn Terriers
- How Old is Your Cairn Terrier in Human Years
- How Long Do Cairn Terriers Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Cairn Terrier Live Long
- Conclusion on Cairn Terrier Life Expectancy
How Long Cairn Terriers Live. Cairn Terrier Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Cairn Terrier is from 12 to 15 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Cairn Terrier. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 124 pet Cairn Terriers lived.
From the study, it was found that Cairn Terriers have a average lifespan of 14 years. Furthermore, the study found that Cairn Terriers can live for as long as 18.3 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Cairn Terriers.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Cairn Terriers are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Encompasses heart problems, blood pressure issues, and bleeding/clotting problems. CV issues may also be related to lung and/or breathing problems.
- Hematopoietic Disease: Problems having to do with platelets, blood vessels, or clotting factors.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Cairn Terrier to make your Cairn Terrier live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Cairn Terrier have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Cairn Terrier is in human years? Then, check out our Cairn Terrier age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Cairn Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Cairn Terrier compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Cairn Terrier Lifespan | 14.00 |
| Miniature Poodle Lifespan | 13.90 |
| Norwich Terrier Lifespan | 13.30 |
| Parson Russell Terrier Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Dachshund Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Yorkshire Terrier Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Japanese Spitz Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Pharaoh Hound Lifespan | 11.80 |
| English Setter Lifespan | 11.50 |
| Affenpinscher Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Norfolk Terrier Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Gordon Setter Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Boston Terrier Lifespan | 10.90 |
| Cocker Spaniel Lifespan | 10.30 |
| Flat-Coated Retriever Lifespan | 9.83 |
| Chow Chow Lifespan | 9.38 |
| Shiba Inu Lifespan | 7.00 |
Common Causes of Death in Cairn Terrier, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Cairn Terrier, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Cairn Terrier.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Cairn Terriers
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 32.2 percent of all deaths in Cairn Terriers.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Cairn Terrier
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Cairn Terriers
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Cairn Terriers (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Cairn Terriers is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Cairn Terriers is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Cairn Terriers is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Cairn Terriers with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Cairn Terrier. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Cairn Terrier`s gums look pale.
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Neurologic Disease in Cairn Terriers
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 15.3 percent of all deaths in Cairn Terriers.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Cairn Terrier
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Cairn Terriers
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Cairn Terriers
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 14.5 percent of all deaths in Cairn Terriers.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Cairn Terrier
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Cairn Terrier eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Cairn Terrier stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Cairn Terrier is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Cairn Terrier has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Cairn Terriers
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Cairn Terrier`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Cardiovascular Disease in Cairn Terriers
Cardiac problems may include valvular and vascular disorders, which ultimately lead to the heart`s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Cardiac issues can be acute or chronic, and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death.
Cardiovascular Disease is responsible for 9.9 percent of all deaths in Cairn Terriers.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease in Cairn Terrier
Heart disease in Cairn Terriers may be caused by genetic (inherited) factors, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Heart disease can also be caused by infections such as bacteria (endocarditis, myocarditis, and more) as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites (heartworm).
How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Cairn Terriers
You can prevent heart problems in your Cairn Terrier by exercising your Cairn Terrier regularly and feeding your Cairn Terrier a good diet. Heartworm, which causes heart problems, is also very easily avoided by using preventatives. Giving your dog the following supplements can help prevent heart diseases. Here is a good supplement that can prevent heart problems in your Cairn Terrier. The supplement is not only good for your Cairn Terrier`s heart, but it is also good for your Cairn Terrier`s overall health.
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Hematopoietic Disease in Cairn Terriers
Normally, the body can regulate its own blood pressure and fluid volume without outside help. However, issues in hematopoesis can cause high or low blood pressure, blood clots, edema (fluid where it`s not supposed to be, like in the lungs), and even shock.
Hematopoietic Disease is responsible for 9.9 percent of all deaths in Cairn Terriers.
Causes of Hematopoietic Disease in Cairn Terrier
The causes of hematopoietic problems usually involve inflammation and immune responses gone wrong. This can cause congestion, hemorrhage, and many more problems.
How to Prevent Hematopoietic Disease in Cairn Terriers
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog`s gums or skin look very pale or very red. It`s also a good idea to talk to your vet if your dog is experiencing exercise intolerance. Many parasites can cause internal bleeding, so you should have your dog on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives all year round. Here is a good flea and tick prevention medication (buy the box associated with your pet`s weight!).
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Cairn Terriers
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Cairn Terrier is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Cairn Terrier`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Cairn Terrier`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Cairn Terrier offsprings by only breeding Cairn Terrier that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Cairn Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Cairn Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Cairn Terrier has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Cairn Terrier for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Cairn Terrier a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Cairn Terriers for:
How Old is Your Cairn Terrier in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Cairn Terrier. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Cairn Terrier is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Cairn Terrier is 14.0 years.
Cairn Terriers are tiny-sized dogs. Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Cairn Terrier in converting Cairn Terrier age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Cairn Terrier`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Cairn Terrier`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Cairn Terrier`s human age. If you do not know your Cairn Terrier`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Cairn Terrier is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Cairn Terrier`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Cairn Terrier`s up-to-date human age.
Cairn Terrier Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Cairn Terrier age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Cairn Terrier`s human age based on your Cairn Terrier`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Cairn Terrier`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Cairn Terrier Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 18 |
| 3 | 24 |
| 4 | 30 |
| 5 | 35 |
| 6 | 39 |
| 7 | 44 |
| 8 | 48 |
| 9 | 51 |
| 10 | 55 |
| 11 | 58 |
| 12 | 62 |
| 13 | 65 |
| 14 | 69 |
| 15 | 73 |
| 16 | 77 |
How Long Do Cairn Terriers Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Cairn Terrier is 14.0 years. In human years, the Cairn Terrier lives for 69 years.
How Old is 6-year-old Cairn Terrier in Human Years?
A 6-year old Cairn Terrier is 39 years old in human years.
How Old is 8-year-old Cairn Terrier in Human Years?
A 8-year old Cairn Terrier is 48 years old in human years.
How Old is 11-year-old Cairn Terrier in Human Years?
A 11-year old Cairn Terrier is 58 years old in human years.
How Old is 12-year-old Cairn Terrier in Human Years?
A 12-year old Cairn Terrier is 62 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Cairn Terrier Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Cairn Terrier live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Cairn Terrier fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Cairn Terrier does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Cairn Terrier will have a shorter lifespan than a Cairn Terrier that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Cairn Terrier high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Cairn Terrier. Check out our Cairn Terrier feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Cairn Terrier from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Cairn Terrier existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Cairn Terrier has access to clean water whenever your Cairn Terrier needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Cairn Terrier. See our Cairn Terrier water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Cairn Terrier.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Cairn Terrier might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Cairn Terrier.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Cairn Terrier is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Cairn Terrier’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Cairn Terrier teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Cairn Terrier Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Cairn Terrier`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.