Cairn Terriers shed little and don't require much grooming. Daily brushing alternating ordinary and wire brushes should suffice.
Once a year the terrier should be hand stripped to encourage the healthy growth of both coats. To strip a Cairn, grasp the hair in one hand using the fingers to hold the skin in place. Give a quick pull with the other hand than the old; dead hair easily comes out.
Bathing should be done with an oil based shampoo so the dog's coat will not dry out. A hair dryer set on low and a brush may be used after the dog has been towel dried. In the event of dry skin or coat, a preparation of warm olive oil can be massaged into the coat and skin.
The Cairn's claws should be clipped very short if the dog is not walked on pavement. Smoothing with a file completes the process. This job is best left to a veterinarian or groomer.
A soft toothbrush or piece of gauze wrapped about a finger will work as a toothbrush. Use specially formulated dog toothpaste from a pet store rather than the human kind since it can cause vomiting. At first allow your dog to lick the dog toothpaste off the brush. Later begin gradually brushing the front teeth, working your way to the back.

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