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Cairn Terrier History

The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognized as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs, used for hunting burrowing prey among the rock cairns. This breed was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1913

Cairn Terrier Temperament

Cairns are alert, lively little dogs with the typical Terrier temperament. They have strong predatory drives and will frequently dig holes to get at real or imaginary prey. They also have the typical Terrier independence, so they can be stubborn and difficult to train. They also like to bark so they do make effective watchdogs. Cairns love to get involved in the goings on in the household, so they do make suitable family pets. They can exhibit dog aggression and sometimes they do not get along well with other household pets, especially hamsters and guinea pigs since they are rodents and view them as prey.

Cairn Terrier Appearance

Cairns are a small, sturdy dog that usually weighs between 13 to 18 pounds and stand 10 to 12 inches at the withers. Cairns have a wiry double coat and come in various colours that include cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray. They have an alert expression which makes them look like they are always ready for action.

Cairn Terrier Grooming

These dogs are considered a low shedding breed, so they are good for allergy sufferers. Their double coat must be hand stripped orclipped every few months to keep the dog looking neat and tidy. If you are unwilling to do this, the dog must be taken to a professional groomers. After the trip to the groomers, the Cairn usually needs a good brushing once a week to keep up appearances.

Cairn Terrier Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Some of the more sommon health problems of the Cairn are Luxating Patella, Cataracts, Hypothyroidism, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplaysia, Entropion (when the eye lids roll inward), Von Willebrand Disease (abnormal blood coagulation), and Legg-Perthes Syndrome (degeneration of the hip joints).

The average lifespan of this breed is 12 to 15 years.

Famous Cairn Terriers

There have been quite a few Cairns featured in the movies. Some examples are Twister, The Big Lebowski and Children of Men. The most famous Cairn of all is Toto from the movie Wizard of OZ

Cairn Terrier Pros and Cons

This simplified list may help you decide if a Cairn Terrier might be a good fit for your lifestyle.

Do You Want

• a low shedding dog, good for people with allergies?
• a small sturdy dog?
• a good watchdog?

Do You NOT Want

• a dog that is prone to digging holes?
• a dog that can be difficult to train?
• a dog that barks a lot?
• a dog that needs to go to a professional groomers?
• a dog that can have dog aggression?
• a dog that doesn't get along well with small house pets like hamsters and guinea pigs?

Useful Cairn Terrier Links

Cairn Terrier Club of America

The Cairn Terrier Club of Canada

The Midland Cairn Terrier Club