Cairn Terrier – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

As you are thinking about adopting or buying a Cairn Terrier, you will want to plan your finances so that the pet does not become a financial burden to you or your family later down the line. You should account not just for the price of the dog itself, but also for training cost, food, supplies, vet fees, grooming and other miscellaneous expenses. To help with budgeting as you welcome your new dog into your home, we have designed a cost calculator that will give you an accurate estimate as to how much it would cost to raise a Cairn Terrier. A Cairn Terrier puppy is likely to cost between $725-$1,450 with the average price being $950. First-year expenses are around $3,515 and will be about $1,150/year (or $96/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Cairn Terrier is $18,465. These numbers include essentials, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming expenses, licensing, and microchip. Additionally, you may incur optional costs depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences, such as spaying/neutering your dog, enrolling in a pet insurance plan, hiring a dog walker, or sending your furry friend to a boarding facility. All this could easily bring the total cost of ownership up to the $69,135 to $133,645 range. In practice, where your expenses are likely to fall within that range depends on many factors including the cost of living in your area as well as the quality of products and/or services purchased. Below we will detail these costs, share professional opinions from a licensed veterinarian, a dog trainer, a groomer as well as a dog walker and help you budget and save as you raise your Cairn Terrier. At the very bottom of the article is a cost calculator for you to use. It will generate a much more accurate estimate as to your cost of owning and raising a Cairn depending on your situation, preferences, and needs. Quick Links The price of Cairn Terrier puppies After reviewing more than 75 ads from sources like PuppyFind and the American Kennel Club, we have found that 80% of Cairn Terriers under 6 months are falling within the $725-$1,450 range, with an average cost of $950. For a purebred from a good breeder, the price can go up to $2,500. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostCairn Terrier$725 - $1,450$950 If you are in the market for a Cairn Terrier, we strongly suggest doing your research and locating reputable breeders or shelters as it is important for the dog’s health and longevity. Finally, adoption might prove an affordable alternative, with rehoming fees generally ranging from $50-$500. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$600 - $95049 $951 - $1,300 17 $1,301 - $1,650 5 $1,651 - $2,000 3 $2,001- $2,350 1 $2,351 - $2,500 1Total 76 This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget's team. "As a veterinarian, I think Cairn Terrier breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding: cardiac evaluation, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, patellar luxation, globoid cell leukodystrophy DNA test, paired serum bile acids, renal (kidney) ultrasound. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian The cost of supplies for a small dog Supplies generally entail a few necessary items that you need to care for your new dog. As detailed in the table below, these products, through the course of the puppy’s first year, add up to a $345 expense on average ($150-$650 range) depending on your locality as well as the stores that are accessible to you and the brands chosen. Price ranges and average costs are based on a list of 250 best-selling items found at Walmart, PetSmart, and on Amazon. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$5 - $20$15Dog Collars (x2) $5 - $40 $20Leash $5 - $20 $10ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (24" or 30") $15 - $65 $35Dog Crate (24" or 30") $20 - $80 $40Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $15 - $50 $30First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $20 $10 After the initial investment, the supplies expenses go down. For each subsequent year, you will be looking at expenses in the $55-$260 range, with an average cost of $140. Usually, you will want to buy a new bed, toys, poop bags, shampoo and a tooth-brushing essential every year. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$150 - $650$345Subsequent Years$55 - $260$140 Additionally, you may need products that are not accounted for in our list, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses, anti-chew sprays, etc. If you are on a budget, visit second-hand stores and websites as it may offer major saving opportunities. Training a Cairn Terrier According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., professional training is recommended for a Cairn Terrier. Private lessons will help with positive leadership, potty and crate training. Additionally, group classes for socialization with other people and dogs outside the home should also be considered. You will be looking at anywhere between $750-$1,000 for 5-7 private lessons and $150-$200 for 5 group lessons, depending on your locality. Training CostRangeAverage CostCairn Terrier$900 - $1,200$1,050 Reading a dog training book and educating yourself on dog behaviors and psychology before welcoming the pet will also ease up the process. "Cairns are intelligent, family friendly and have a lot of energy. They are good with older kids and other pets in the home."Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist All about Cairn Terriers medical costs According to Dr Leslie Brooks, licensed-veterinarian, medical expenses for a Cairn should amount to close to $590 for the first year of life (plus a potential $50 to $300 one-time fee to spay/neuter the dog) and around $465 every year after that. Of course, these figures vary according to location and highly depend on the clinics accessible to you. Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$385 - $795$590Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $300$175Adult Year Vet Cost$280 - $645$465 Vet cost for a Cairn Terrier puppy (first year) Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet during the first year of the Cairn Terrier puppy, with the first appointment coming in at 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and accounts for physical checkups, fecal examination, basic vaccines including rabies, heartworm, and flea prevention. Dr Brooks also suggests following through with heartworm and flea prevention after the initial trips to the vet, resulting in expenses ranging from $50 to $105 and $70 to $105 for the rest of the puppy’s first year. Moreover, your Cairn Terrier may require additional vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities. Influenza medication is recommended if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time. Doggy daycare or kennels can also require it ($70-90 for two doses).Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife, taken on camping/hiking trips often or regularly plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-25).Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when outside especially on farms and/or in the woods. This typically costs $60-80 for two doses. If spaying (female) or neutering (male) is considered, the owner should expect a $100 to $300 bill in most clinics, depending on the area. It is also possible to find low-cost options as low as $50 in some places. Note that, generally, spays tend to be slightly more expensive. Cairn Terrier veterinary expenses for subsequent years Each subsequent year should entail at least one annual trip to the vet with your Cairn Terrier. Usually, these cost $125-$265, depending on the clinic and locality. According to Dr Brooks, DVM, it will most probably include a physical examination, vaccinations, a heartworm test, and blood work for middle aged and senior dogs (to detect any hidden medical conditions). It is also recommended to follow through with heartworm and flea prevention medications, which usually fall in between the $55-$70 and $100-$150 ranges respectively for the year. Additionally, the optional vaccines introduced before may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet has inconsistent stool quality or is regularly exposed to other animals, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost. Some common health issues for Cairn Terriers Below is a list provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, introducing some of the probable medical issues a Cairn Terrier and its owner could have to face. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost Estimate AllergiesMedium $80 - $2,000 per yearDental DiseaseHigh$400 - $800Patellar LuxationHigh$300 - $2,000Mitral Valve Dysplasia of the HeartHigh$500 - $2,000 Allergies involving skin and ear itchiness and infections: the cost varies if the pet has constant itching and allergy issues throughout the year or if it just has 1-2 flare ups per year. It would also depend on whether the owner proceeds with allergy testing and the pet receives allergy injections. Note that the pet may also need to be on prescription food in the case of allergies, which could cost up to $75 per month. Dental disease: this is the cost estimate for the dental procedures to clean the teeth and remove any infected teeth if needed. It typically needs to be done about 2-4 times throughout a Cairn Terrier's life. Patellar Luxation: the low end of the range is just for pain management as needed and joint supplements. On the contrary, the high end is if surgery is needed (for example if the dog is in a lot of pain and cannot get its knee back in place on its own). Mitral valve dysplasia of the heart: the cost estimate is for chest x-rays, medications, and echocardiograms. "The most common health issue that can become expensive for Cairn Terriers is dealing with their seasonal allergies, which can be a lifelong condition to treat"Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Dog health insurance One might consider enrolling their Cairn Terrier in a health insurance plan as a safety net against unexpected costs, making budgeting much easier. As per the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report, the average annual price for accident and illness coverage plans round out at about $565. For accident only plans, the average price is $190. Contact pet insurance companies to know more and get a quote. Cost of feeding a Cairn Terrier Cairn Terriers are small dogs, as adults weigh 14 lb. on average (usually 13 to 14 lb.). After combing through the prices of best-selling brands like Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo, we estimate that the cost of feeding a Cairn puppy through its first year is likely to be $85 on average, as puppies will consume around 70 lb. of dry food for the year. Adults generally eat 90 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $90 on average. Keep in mind that there can be a massive cost discrepancy between budget and premium brands. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$50 - $130$85Adult Dog$45 - $135$90 The dog owner will also probably want to treat his dog on a regular basis. After review of 27 best sellers on PetSmart, Walmart and Amazon, a cost estimation for the year has been made. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$40 - $240$150 Four dog food brands compared The following figures are based on the purchase of 70 lb. of dry food for the first year. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.2$27.78 (Walmart)$55.56Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.5$21.98 (Walmart)$109.90Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.2$25.83 (Walmart)$51.66Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.3$44.08 (Amazon)$132.24 One will probably need to buy around 90 lb. of food for each adult year of a Cairn Terrier. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.2$22.98 (Walmart)$45.96Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.3$40.36 (Walmart)$121.08Pedigree - Adult50 lb.2$25.83 (Walmart)$51.66Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.3$44.98 (Amazon)$134.94 To make bigger savings, purchase in bulk. Although dog food is perishable, it can be stored for extended periods of time, making bulk purchases a practical and affordable option. Additionally, consider consulting your vet to decide what kind of food goes best for your Terrier. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceSmall Puppy13 lb.6$44.99 (PetSmart)$269.94Small Adult14 lb.7$41.99 (PetSmart)$293.93 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Cairn Terrier grooming prices Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer, suggests that a Cairn Terrier be professionally groomed 4 to 8 times a year on average. If left to a professional, each visit is likely to cost between $35 and $55 depending on your locality, the services requested, the dog size, behavior, coat condition, health, and age. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostCairn Terrier$140 - $440$290 Most professional groomers will bath and shampoo your dog, remove (if needed), brush and style its hair, trim its nail and clean its teeth, eyes, and ears as part of their offer. Additionally, if you have the skills and still want to do the grooming yourself, all-inclusive kits available online generally cost between $25-$250, with an average price of $75. They come with everything you will need to take care of your Cairn Terrier and can offer a more affordable alternative. Additional costs to consider Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License On average, the cost of a license in the U.S.A ranges between $10 and $20. It could be slightly higher if your dog is not spayed or neutered. In many states and territories, it is against the law to have an unlicensed dog, so we highly recommend getting your Cairn Terrier licensed as early as possible. In the unfortunate event that your dog is lost in the future, a license will also make locating it that much easier. Microchip Microchips play a crucial role in the identification of your dog. Many states require pets to be microchipped, making it a necessity depending on where you live. This can run you $25-$50 on average. Dog walking If you cannot walk your dog during the day, Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter, recommends hiring a dog walker for a daily 30-minute walk, as it is best that a dog such as the Cairn Terrier gets regular exercise as well as outdoor time. On average, these are affordable. A 30-minute walk usually costs between $15 and $25 ($20 to $50 for 1 hour) depending on your location. But you must be aware that those costs add up very quickly if you need a dog walker five days a week all year long. To find a dog walker in your area and validate the price, you can use apps like Rover or Wag. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive. Traveling If you are traveling for an extended period, you will also need to consider the price of pet-services, such as dog boarding. Prices vary depending on location, the time of the year and the level of service but you can reasonably expect to pay somewhere between $25 to $85 per day of dog boarding. During particularly busy times, such as the holiday season, we recommend booking such services in advance, as you are likely to get better rates, while also guaranteeing a safe and secure place for your dog to stay. The most affordable and sensible option, however, is to see if any family and/or friends might be comfortable with hosting your dog, as this drastically cuts your costs. Apart from these types of services, taking your dog with you is also an option. These days, many airlines and train companies can make provisions for dogs provided you submit a request ahead of time. The cost varies drastically and can only be assessed on a case-to-case basis, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc. Yearly and monthly cost for a Cairn Terrier The cost of a Cairn puppy during the first year On average, using the metrics explained above, we have estimated that the cost of raising a Cairn Terrier puppy for the first year falls in the $2,425 to $4,975 range, with an average cost of $3,515. Most of these expenses will have to be accounted for before welcoming the dog or early during the year. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$725 - $1,450$950Supplies$150 - $650$345Training$900 - $1,200$1,050Medical$385 - $795$590Food & Treats$90 - $370$235Grooming$140 - $440$290License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$2,425 - $4,975$3,515 Some owners will also want to consider the other costs introduced below. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $300$175Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 If you choose to spay/neuter your Cairn Terrier, buy insurance, board your dog for a week and hire a dog walker every weekday for 42 weeks, your expenses go up quite significantly, rising in the $6,150 to $11,900 range. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$2,825 - $6,055$4,255With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$6,150 - $11,900$8,735 Yearly and monthly cost for an adult Cairn Terrier After the first year, costs of raising a dog do go down. The yearly cost for maintaining a Cairn Terrier falling within the $570-$1,740 mark ($48-$145 monthly). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$55 - $260$140Medical$280 - $645$465Food & Treats$85 - $375$240Grooming$140 - $440$290License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$570 - $1,740$1,150Estimated Monthly Cost$48 - $145$96 Once again, if you choose to hire a dog walker 50 weeks during the year and board your dog for another week, your costs are likely to grow significantly. If you add insurance, the cost for each subsequent year ends up being in the $4,845-$9,365 range. Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$920 - $2,520$1,715With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$4,845 - $9,365$6,995 Total cost of ownership of a Cairn Terrier On average, Cairns live close to 14 years (usually 13 to 15 years). This puts total expenses, using the figures outlined above, between $9,835 and $27,595, with an average cost of $18,465 through the course of the dog’s lifetime. Total Cost of Ownership (14 years)RangeAverage CostCairn Terrier$9,835 - $27,595$18,465 With optional services and expenses mentioned earlier the average total cost of ownership could rise as high as $99,670 over 14 years. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (14 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$14,785 - $38,815$26,550With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$69,135 - $133,645$99,670 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Cairn Terrier cost calculator The cost of a Cairn Terrier – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Cairn Terrier puppy? On average a Cairn Terrier puppy will cost $950 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $725 and $1,450. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. 2 – How much are dog supplies? A new owner can expect an initial investment between $150 and $650 in supplies when welcoming a small dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $55 and $260. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does a Cairn Terrier need training and how much will it cost? Having a Cairn Terrier professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $900 to $1,200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on socialization, potty training, crate training, and positive leadership. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Cairn Terrier? Preventive medical care should amount to around $385 to $795 for a Cairn Terrier puppy during the first year and around $280 to $645 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300). 5 - How much food does a Cairn Terrier eat and how much will it cost? A Cairn Terrier puppy will eat around 70 lb. and an adult close to 90 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $50 and $270 for a puppy and $45 to $295 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Cairn Terrier be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? A Cairn Terrier should be professionally groomed 4 to 8 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $35 to $55 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered. 7 – Are there any other expenses to expect? In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog's well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Cairn Terrier, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Cairn Terrier. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision. References and Resources Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.