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Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terrier
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Cairn Terrier
Pepper
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Pronunciation |
Cairn Terrier |
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Description |
The Cairn Terrier is a hardy little terrier, with a fox-like expression. The head is broad in proportion to the length. The strong muzzle is of medium length with a defined stop. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The nose is black. The deep, wide-set eyes are hazel in color with shaggy eyebrows and topknot. The erect ears are small and set wide apart covered in short hairs. The tail is in proportion to the head with short hairs. The shaggy, double, weather-resistant coat has a harsh outer coat with a soft undercoat. The coat comes in any color accept for white, including red, brindle, blackish, sand and various
shades of gray, often with dark ears, muzzle and tail tip. The final coat color of a Cairn is hard to predict as the coat changes many times for several years. |
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Temperament |
The Cairn Terrier is an alert, animated, hardy, little dog. Loyal, curious, cheerful, lovable and friendly, they enjoy playing with children. Independent, but will listen if they see the human is stronger minded than themselves. Meek and/or passive owners will find the dog to be willful. This breed can be taught to do tricks. A fearless, bold vermin hunter, Cairns like to dig. With enough mental and physical exercise along with consistent leadership they will be calm and easy-going. Cairns
adapt well to their new homes. They need firm, but not harsh,
training and discipline. Without the proper leadership, the Cairn can become
destructive and/or bark excessively. If they spot a rabbit or other small animal they may take off chasing it. Do not allow this little dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where they believe they are pack leader to humans. Cairns with this syndrome will develop all types of varying degrees of behavior problems, including, but not limited to separation anxiety, stubbornness, snapping, growling and guarding. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 10-13 inches (25-33
cm) Bitches 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Weight: Dogs 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg) Bitches
13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) |
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Health Problems |
Often allergic to fleas. Gains
weight easily. |
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Living Conditions |
The Cairn Terrier will do okay in an apartment if
it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and will do okay without
a yard. |
Exercise |
These are active little dogs,
who need a daily walk.
Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all
breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get
to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will
also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in
yard. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
Grooming |
That shaggy "natural" looking coat
actually takes quite a bit of maintenance and a neglected coat soon becomes
a sorry, matted mess. Brush several times a week, being gentle with the
soft undercoat. Once a month, bathe the dog and brush the coat while it dries.
Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clip the nails
regularly. The Cairn sheds little to no hair. |
Origin |
The Cairn Terrier originated in the 1500s, in Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye and is one of Scotland's original terriers. At one point it was considered the same breed as the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland
White Terrier up until the 1900s when the breeds began to be bred separately. The Cairn is also said to be related to the Skye Terrier. The Cairn was named for the way it would squeeze down into "cairns" and bark at fox and badger until the farmer could arrive to kill it. "Cairns" were rock dens where badgers and fox lived, usually in piles of small stones used to mark
Scottish farm borders and graves. The breed was first publicly
presented in 1909 and became popular after the 1930s. It was first recognized by the AKC in 1913. It was a Cairn Terrier who played "Toto" in the Wizzard of Oz. Some of the Cairn's
talents are hunting, tracking, go-to-ground trials, watchdog, agility, competitive obedience, and
performing tricks. |
| Group |
Terrier, AKC Terrier |
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Recognition |
APRI, CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
CET, ACR, DRA, NAPR |
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APRI = America's Pet Registry, Inc.
CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
CET = Club
Español de Terriers (Spanish Terrier Club)
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc. |
Whitty-Sue, the Cairn Terrier at 3 years old.
Rusty at 10 ½ months.
"Harper the Cairn Terrier at 9 weeks old. She is just a bundle of energy! It was hard enough getting her to stay still long enough to get just this picture."
Cairn Terrier Pictures 1
Cairn Terrier Pictures 2
Cairn Terrier Pictures 3
Small Dogs vs. Medium and Large Dogs
Understanding Dog Behavior
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