Active
Playful
Energetic
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Responsive
Fearless
Assertive
Clever

Playful
Agile
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Quick
Strong
Willed
Bold
Bright
Sturdy

Mini Cairn Pins are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Elk-Kees shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

United States

​United States

Miniature Pinscher and Cairn Terrier

Norwegian Elkhound and Keeshond

DBR = Designer Breed Registry
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Hazel
Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Gray
White

Black
Silver
Gray
Cream

Wavy

Straight

A Mini Cairn Pin can have a litter of 2-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

An Elk-Kee can have a litter of 5-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Mini Cairn Pins are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Elk-Kees are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Mini Cairn Pins are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

While the Elk-Kee breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Patellar Luxation
Epilepsy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Hypothyroidism
Portosystemic Shunt
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (Lion Jaw)

Patellar Luxation
Fanconi Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

None

Sebaceous Adenitis
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism

Eye Examination
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Thyroid Testing
Full Body Physical Examination

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Physical Examination
Urinalysis
Complete Blood Work
Serum Chemistry
Spinal Tap
Neurologic Exam
Ophthalmic Examination

Mini Cairn Pin has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Elk-Kee has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Mini Cairn Pins are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Elk-Kees are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Mini Cairn Pin, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Elk-Kee, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Mini Cairn Pins usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Elk-Kees usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Mini Cairn Pin has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Elk-Kees require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Ideally, Mini Cairn Pin should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Elk-Kee should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

For an average 10-14 pound (5 - 6 kg) Mini Cairn Pin feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 35-45 pound (16 - 20 kg) Elk-Kee feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Mini Cairn Pin is somewhere $1.00 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of an Elk-Kee is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Mini Cairn Pin is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of an Elk-Kee is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

The Mini Cairn Pin is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Elk-Kees are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Mini Cairn Pins are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Elk-Kees are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Mini Cairn Pins are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Elk-Kees are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Mini Cairn Pins are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Elk-Kees are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Mini Cairn Pins are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Elk-Kees have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.