Many Cairns darken as they age. Almost all brindles will eventually turn black and develop a sprinkling of silver on the muzzle and chest. This breed is extremely adaptable to just about any living situation. A small house and yard, an apartment, or a mansion with lots of room to run are all acceptable to Cairns. Their only requirement is regular exercise-perhaps more than other dogs of this size.
Many Cairns like to swim.
The hunting instinct remains strong in this breed. Loose Cairns will take off after anything they consider quarry. They will, however, adjust to a cat in their immediate environment. Cairns can be quite feisty and scrappy with one another. Males in particular are territorial and they are fearless.