The Cairn Terrier Shop
Cairn Terrier Breed Summary
Intelligent, Inquisitive, Happy and Friendly
These little guys are known for their lively and affectionate ways. They have a unique shaggy-looking coat, but it never looks scruffy in appearance! Although once highly prized for their hunting skills, they now make lovely family pets!
They also absolutely love to be around 'hoomans' and their adaptable natures mean that they suit living in a variety of homes and environments. They also love to be involved with everything that goes on in the family home as well.
Fun Fact: In 2017 during Crufts, A Cairn Terrier called Royston Crow won Best of Breed!
Kennel Club Group | Terrier |
Lifespan | 12 - 17 Years |
Height (at the withers) | Males and Females 9in - 10in |
Weight | Males and Females 13lb - 14lb |
Coat | Weather-Resistant Double Coat. Outer Coat Is Rough, Although Never Coarse. Undercoat is Softer, Short and it Lies Close to the Body. There May also be a Slight Wave as well. |
Color | Brindle, Cream, Cream Brindle, Dark Brindle, Dark Red Brindle, Dark Wheaten, Gray, Gray Black, Gray Black Brindle, Gray Brindle, Light Red, Red, Red Brindle, Red Wheaten, Silver Brindle, Wheaten, Wheaten Brindle |
Eye color | Dark Hazel |
Common health issues | Cataracts, Progressive retinal atrophy, Lens luxation, Retinal Dysplasia (RD), Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM), Persistent Hyaloid Artery (PHA), Entropion, Glaucoma, Optic nerve hypoplasia, Porto systemic shunt (PSS), Ocular melanosis (OM), Abnormal Pigmentation (APD), Hip Dysplasia, Luxating Patella, Von Willebrand Disease, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease |
Other Names | Cairn |
They are a highly intelligent breed, who are extremely inquisitive and quick to learn, so it’s really no surprise that they used this breed in The Wizard of Oz! This breed can learn an unlimited number of commands and tricks. They are also known for being very level-headed and friendly dogs, making them the perfect family pet. However, they do have an independent quality as well, which sometimes leads to them being stubborn. Therefore, it’s vital to let these little guys know who’s in charge, which can be achieved through training and proper socialization. Because they are a Terrier, they are prone to barking, chasing and digging, so it’s vital you give these guys enough attention and exercise so that they don’t get bored. They also get quite lonely when left alone for long periods of time, so if you’re out for long hours during the day, this probably isn’t the breed for you! However, with this right family, they will make lovely pets, full of happiness and fun, you will have years of love for each other.
These little dogs were created over 200 years ago on the Isle of Skye. The breed can be dated back to a man called Captain Martin Macleod who supposedly developed the oldest line of the breed. However, up until 1873, all terrier breeds from Scotland were classed at ‘Scotch Terriers’ so it wasn’t until this time that these little guys got their new name as a Skye Terrier and then again in 1912 as a Cairn Terrier! The name actually refers to a pile of stones that marked out ancient Scottish Burial and Memorial sites, often where these guys would have sought out vermin. Nowadays, they can be seen both relaxing in front of the T.V. and on the T.V! If you’ve seen The Wizard of Oz, then you should be familiar with To-To the dog, who is also a Cairn.