Let's talk Cairn Terriers
A hardy little dog with plenty of energy, the Cairn Terrier comes from the rugged Isle of Skye, off the northwest coast of Scotland. Cairn Terriers get their name from the cairns or mounds of stones that dot the hilltops in this weather-beaten landscape—they were originally bred to catch the vermin and rodents that hid within. Their pointy ears, bright eyes and high tail give them an alert look that matches their intelligent personality. Cairn Terriers still have the liveliness and tenacity that set their forebears apart as working dogs but their friendliness, sociability and willingness to sit on your lap for cuddles mean they also make great pets.Official name: Cairn Terrier
Origins: Scotland
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level | |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | Medium | Family pet?* |
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| Compatibility with other pets |  |
Can stay alone?* |  |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2-10 months |
| Adult age: | 10 months to 8 years |
| Mature age: | 8-12 years |
| Senior age: | From 12 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Cairn Terriers
1. We’re off to see the wizard …
“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” That’s right, Toto, Judy Garland’s four-legged co-star in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz was a Cairn Terrier. Toto was played by a female Cairn Terrier named Terry. While it was her most famous role, it was not Terry’s only brush with fame: She appeared in a string of other films, including alongside Shirley Temple in Bright Eyes in 1934.
2. You can take the dog out of the dig
… but you can’t take the dig out of the dog. While it may no longer be their job, Cairn Terriers will do what Cairn Terriers were bred to do—and that is dig. With their strong little front paws and tenacious natures, they will thrive if, alongside chances to run and play, they have access to a digging space. Their owners will thrive if that space is not in the middle of a pristine lawn or lovingly planted rose bushes.
History of the breed
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terriers, dating back several hundred years, although the breed’s exact origins are lost to the Scottish mists. With their small size and tenacious temperament, Cairn Terriers were bred to hunt rats and other creatures that hid in the cairns (or mounds of stones) that dot the Scottish landscape.
Presumably, they didn’t get to hide for long, with determined Cairn Terriers on their scent. When compact little Cairn Terriers were first shown at dog shows in the late 19th century, they were grouped with other small terrier breeds from the region known as Scotch terriers. Those were later split, with a new breed classification, Skye terriers, incorporating Cairn Terriers. Skye terriers were again sub-divided, with what we know today as Cairn Terriers failing into the category of hard-haired terriers. Still with us? Those hard-haired terriers were finally divided up again into three breeds that are still popular today: Cairn Terriers, Scottish Terriers and West Highland White Terriers. Cairns finally got their official name and breed designation in the early 20th century. Phew!
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Cairn Terriers
1. Body
Small but sturdy stature with strong little legs.
2. Head
Hairy, often darker muzzle with long whiskers and beard.
3. Eyes
Alert expression, bright eyes and pointed ear.
4. Fur
Thick fur with softer undercoat and resistant topcoat.
5. Colouring
Cream, wheaten, red, nearly black, grey or brindle colouring.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Cairn Terrier
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Caring for your Cairn Terrier
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Cairn Terriers are lively and alert and, as you would expect from a working dog, need a decent amount of exercise to keep them content and healthy. Times have changed since the breed came into being – they don’t require free run of acres of Scottish highland – but they do need proper walks and they also enjoy playing games. They benefit from the chance to run off the lead too—to avoid any altercations, just make sure they are in an enclosed space and there are no smaller animals around. Cairn Terriers need regular weekly basic grooming. Occasional hand-stripping by a professional groomer (plucking out the dead hairs from the under layer) will keep their thick coats in great condition. Cairn Terriers can have a tendency to bark. However, training should help get that under control. With rewards in hand, training in general should be straightforward—Cairn Terriers are intelligent and eager to please and make a wonderful family pet.
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All about Cairn Terriers
Yes! These hairy little bundles might give off a can-do vibe – can’t stop, places to go, people to see – but Cairn Terriers are also affectionate and thrive as part of a human family, cuddles and all. Once trained, they also really enjoy playing with children—supervised of course.
They shouldn’t be—Cairn Terriers are intelligent and eager to please. They respond well to rewards and should be able to master an impressive range of tricks and commands with patient, positive training. And snacks*.
*Taken from their kibble portion, of course!
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/