10-12 lbs
9-10"
Scotland
This breed is one of Scotland’s original Terriers, and was used in fox and badger hunting. A cairn is a rock den used by foxes and badgers in which to live. The Cairn Terrier could squeeze into the entrance and bark until the farmer arrived. The Cairn Terrier has a foxy expression and is a hardy little canine. They are full of life, animated and alert. They make a loveable family member who enjoys playing with children and will be a starter for any game going. They do like to dig (which comes from their instinct for hunting) and need to have mental and physical exercise. This dog can become a handful without proper leadership, becoming destructive and exhibiting excessive barking without a strong pack leader. They are intelligent and can be taught all sorts of tricks. They love to please and if they are rewarded with praise and treats, will respond well to training and discipline. Left to manage themselves they can become stubborn, snappy and anxious.
The name given to this agile and spunky breed comes from their occupation earlier on where they were used as workers on farms and as hunting aids who would trap prey in their rocky holes or cairns. The clever and courageous hunter would squeeze into the cairn and bark for the owner to come and finish off the hunt. Hence the name, Cairn (as in fox or badger holes) Terrier. At one point in their early history, they were considered the same breed as the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland Terrier, which continued up to the 1900s when the breeds began to be bred separately. The Cairn Terrier was first publicly presented in 1909, but their real popularity came to fruition in the 1930s after a Cairn Terrier played Toto in The Wizard of Oz. It was in 1913 that the American Kennel Club first recognized the breed, placing them in the Terrier group. They are ideal dogs for hunting, tracking, go-to-ground trials, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks as they learn quickly and love to be actively involved in doing something.
The Cairn Terrier is alert and eager in appearance. This little dog is not just a lapdog; they mean business. They have a small head, but in proportion to their body with sufficient breadth of skull to support the strong muzzle. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. There is a definite indentation or stop between the eyes, which are of medium size and hazel in color. The sparkling eyes are tucked under their distinctive shaggy eyebrows. The erect ears are small and set apart, the nose is small and black, and they have a longish neck which allows proper carriage of the head. With a medium length body showing well-sprung ribs, the Cairn Terrier has very strong muscular thighs with a normal turn of stifle and hocks. Their tail is short and carried high while their coat is rough, double coated and occasionally showing a slight wave. They come in a wide range of colors, except for white. They are a small active dog with a big attitude; they love action and people, and make excellent pets.
The coat of the Cairn Terrier is quite distinctive and has a shaggy natural look. This thick coat requires work to take care of because without regular care, it can become matted and tangled. Start the grooming routine when your dog is young, getting them used to being brushed several times a week. Always be gentle with the soft undercoat. If your Terrier is trained as a young dog to be groomed, they will enjoy the attention and will love the special time with their human. Once a month give your dog a bath and brush the coat while it dries. The beauty of this coat is that it doesn’t shed much at all, which is ideal for house care. Occasionally, the Cairn Terrier will need the hair trimmed around the eyes and ears. Clean their teeth daily to avoid dental disease. All that remains to be done is to clip the nails regularly and your little Terrier will be dressed to impress.
The Cairn Terrier is an alert, lively, hardy little dog who will show undying loyalty to the family. They enjoy playing with children but do need to be supervised as they can be a bit willful and may not respond well to ear and tail pulling. These dogs were bred to be fearless working dogs, and they love to be active. They need firm, but not harsh, leadership and training. The owner must be the pack leader; they must gain the dog’s respect. Meek owners will find these little dogs can become a handful, demonstrating destructive behavior and excessive barking if not controlled. The Cairn Terrier is quick to learn and can be taught to do tricks. They will also take off after a rabbit or small animal if they spot one, chasing it regardless of your frantic calls. It is advised to walk them on a leash and have an escape-proof fence to keep these little characters safe.
