Doxie Cairn

The Doxie Cairn is a new breed; documentation on their history is limited. We do have history on both parent breeds. It is thought that the Dachshund originated in Germany in the early 1600s.  They were used as scent hounds who would flush out game from their den by digging with their short but powerful legs.  They were used to also hunt wild boar but did so as a member of a pack. The word Dachshund literally means “badger hound” in German. The original Dachshund was larger than today’s Dachshund; he weighed 30 to 40 pounds and had longer legs. The first American Dachshund Club was founded in 1881.  The first Dachshund registered with the American Kennel Club was in 1885. During World War I and World War II the Dachshund declined in popularity due to their association with Germany. Today the Dachshund ranks 13th on the AKC most popular dog list.  Over time, they have made it into the hearts of artists, actors and musicians such as Andy Warhol, John Wayne, Marlon Brando, Clint Eastwood, Priscilla Presley, Winona Ryder, George Harrison and Pablo Picasso. The Cairn Terrier is considered one of the oldest Terrier breeds.  They originated on the Isle of Skye and on the Scottish Highlands over 200 years ago. The Cairn Terrier obtained his name because he would flush out rodents from the cairns, which were near farm houses.  Cairns are a pile of stones that create a mound, they are formed naturally or are man-made.  Cairns are used as boundary markers and memorials. This working Terrier also hunted otters, foxes and weasels. The Cairn Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913. The most famous Cairn Terrier was Terry, who appeared as “Toto” in the movie classic The Wizard of Oz. Terry’s original owners were upset that she was not potty trained and dropped her off at a trainer but never returned for her.  The trainer was Carl Spitz of the Hollywood Dog Training School, who trained dogs for the movies. Terry received $125 per week while working on the Wizard of Oz; she was paid more than the Munchkins were. Terry appeared in 15 additional films. Her name was officially changed to Toto by Mr. Spitz.