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Dogs 101 CAIRN TERRIER Top Dog Facts About the CAIRN TERRIER

The Cairn Terrier is a breed of shortlegged dogs, one of several that developed on the Scottish island of Skye. These are working dogs that have been used to hunt small animals like fox, badger and otter from at least the 15th century. Till the 1870s, the different varieties of terriers from this part of Scotland were all known as Scotch Terriers and were obtained from the same stock. In 1873, these were classified into DandieDinmont and Skye Terriers, with the breeds known today as West Highland White Terrier, the Scottish Terrier and the Cairn Terrier all being included in the latter group. Around 1910, the Cairn Terrier was identified as a separate breed, initially known as the Shorthaired Skye Terrier. On opposition from Skye Terrier breeders, the current name was eventually adopted. The breed’s popularity in England, and subsequently USA, has been helped by the fact that it resembles the original Scotch Terrier stock the closest among the modern terrier breeds, and is ideal for those looking for a leastsculpted, working terrier.

Time for some Ruff Trivia:
Since the most famous Cairn Terrier is Terry from The Wizard of Oz, can you tell us the name of the character played by it?
o A: Nikko
o B: Zeke
o C: Toto
What do you think, give it your best guess in the comments below before we get to the answer! Hang on tight and we’ll get back to this Ruff Trivia Question toward the end of the video.

The Cairn Terrierhas a height of about 9.5 to 10 inches, and weighs between 13 to 14 pounds. It is a hardy, active and game dog, shortlegged, but not as low to the ground as other Scottish terriers. Its head is shorter and wider than other terriers, giving it good jaw strength. Its wellproportioned strong build, with a medium length of back, provides it with the ability to fit into close quarters. The muzzle is strong, but not too long or heavy; the jaws have neither an undershot nor an overshot; eyes are set wide apart and somewhat sunken, with shaggy eyebrows; and the ears are small, pointed, set wide apart and carried erect. The coat is hard and weather resistant, with a profuse harsh outer coat and a close, soft and furry undercoat. The color can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy or gray, or brindled in any of these colors.

Grooming:The Cairn Terrier doesn't shed much, and a brush twice a week should be enough for regular maintenance. Careful hand stripping to remove dead hair and to help the coat and skin remain healthy is necessary twice a year. Use of clippers or shears is not advised as it can ruin the dog’s rugged coat. Other than this, brushing of teeth, cleaning of ears and occasional trimming of nails has to be taken care of.

Temperament:Cairn Terriers are known as the quintessential terriers – spirited, bold, inquisitive, tough and clever. They enjoy human company, and most of these dogs are known to try and do things to please their masters. They get along well with children, and unlike many other small dogs are also strong enough to not require constant adult supervision. They can be aggressive with other dogs, and might try to chase small animals.

Training:The Cairn Terrier can be a sensitive dog, and training should always be firm, but never harsh. It can be stubborn, and early obedience training is highly recommended. Its active nature means that about an hour of playing in the yard or a walk on leash everyday is needed to keep the Cairn Terrier happy.

Health:The typical life span for a Cairn Terrier is between 12 and 15 years. Although a generally healthy breed, some causes of concern can be cataracts, hip dysplasia, globoid cell leukodystrophy (a degenerative disorder), patellar luxation, von Willebrand’s Disease, and some eyerelated issues.

Foxy in appearance and intelligence, the plucky Cairn Terrier can excel at both work and play. Called the ‘best little pal in the world’ by the British Cairn Terrier club,it is also a house pet easy to train and easy to care for.

Find out if the Cairn Terrierwould be a good addition to your home. Now you can visit Brooklyn’s Corner.com to take our quiz and find out which dog would be the best match for you.


Music by Kevin McLeod Royalty Free