My little Cairn is definately the alpha, and other, bigger dogs accept that. She’s my first small dog ever, and quite an experience. Lovely dog, but, except for me, she’s the boss of it all.
Cairns are wonderful dogs... I adore mine. They are a strange lot with almost a double personality. Most adore children. They absolutely love kids of all sizes and are very tolerant of their antics. They are loving, loyal and protective. They also have “little dog syndrome” and will go after rabbits, squirrels, critters of all sizes... and don’t take kindly to another dog challenging their “dominance”. We had a few “rough patches” for a bit of time till the Cairn and Shepherd figured out that things were more peaceful when the Cairn was the Alpha. (both neutered males). I think in the future, I would have a male Cairn and female other dogs just so I wouldn’t have to relive the “alpha wars”. LOL!