Cairn Terrier Dog Breed

Below are the details and facts for the Cairn Terrier dog breed.

Cairn Terriers are small-sized dogs and well-built but not heavy. Male Cairns should weigh 14 pounds, while females should weigh 13 pounds. They typically stand 9-10 inches at the shoulder.

These dogs are said to possess a natural inclination towards children and they make a cheerful playmate that can withstand rough and tumble play sessions. They will sound an alert bark toward strangers but will quickly become friendly and sociable, making them poor guard dogs. Cairn Terriers are ideal for homes looking to add an additional dog to the family, however, those will small pets should look elsewhere as they retain their prey instinct towards creatures that resemble prey. Another trait worth noting is those that leave their pets at home alone or do not prove enough mental and physical stimulation may consider this breed a nuisance, as they tend to bark, dig and chew when bored.

Overall, the Cairn Terrier is moderate maintenance. Grooming requirements are low, consisting of weekly brushing and occasional trips to the groomer for hand-stripping. Training will require effort and the ability to firmly establish yourself as the dominant one; high praise and lots of treats are the perfect reward to a Cairn. Members of this breed will be active indoors but generally require daily outdoor playtime in a fenced yard or a daily (leashed) walk or hike.

The Cairn Terrier, previously called the Short-haired Skye Terrier, descended from the same stock as the Scottish and West Highland White Terriers. This group was once classified as "Skye Terriers" (until 1873) and named for the Scottish Island from which they came. On the Isle of Skye these were hard working dogs that helped rid farmer’s property of foxes, rats, mice, moles, and otter. This land was typically rocky and rugged shorelines which lended to their hardy and tenacious personalities. It is thought that Captain Martin MacLeod, an avid sportsman on the Isle of Skye, was the original breeder of Cairns in the very early 1800's and his gamekeeper maintained the breed in its homeland after MacLeods departure to Canada in 1845.

During the late 1800's to early 1900's breeders of the other two types of Skye Terrier began petitioning to separate the breeds and by 1907, exclusive classes for the Scottish and White Terriers had formed; the Cairn Terrier was not recognized as a distinctive breed, however, until 1913. To prevent the mixing of the Cairn and White Terriers the AKC no longer permitted the Cairn to be registered if the dog was white and white is still not considered standard for the breed. Though they retain their sturdy working dog appearance, presently they are mostly bred to participate in terrier trials such as tracking and obedience.

Although their legs are short, these dogs are not as low to the ground as their closely related Scottish counterparts. Cairns are sturdy looking, well-muscled but not heavy and their feet are well padded to traverse the rugged Scottish coasts. Their body is slightly rectangular in shape and the tail is long and carried high. They have short and wide heads, more so than Scottish or White Terriers, that characteristically sport an abundance of hair. The eyes are widely spaced, deep and some shade of hazel with an alert, eager expression; they are also well eye browed. The ears of this breed are pointy and erect. Their double coat is water resistant; the outer portion is shaggy, hard and of various colors (excluding white) while the undercoat is short, furry and soft.

In true terrier fashion, the Cairn is alert and active. They are vigorous diggers and if left alone or if not given enough playtime are prone, not only to this, but also to barking and other destructive behaviors. They desire closeness with their family or owner, and while sweet and affectionate, are not considered lap dogs because of their independence. Members of this breed will not follow you from room to room, one minute they may be on the couch next to you and the next they may be at the window curiously watching the neighbor. This independence can also manifest in stubbornness, especially when attempting to train them. Although they are intelligent, they are not recommended for an owner that cannot be firm during training. Positive reinforcement should be used (lots of treats and praise) in conjunction with the dominant guidance; this will form a tight bond between owner and Cairn and ensure they do not take over your household. The sooner you train them the more and easier they will learn.

These dogs are said to possess a natural inclination towards children and they make a cheerful playmate that can withstand rough and tumble play sessions. They are also friendly and sociable towards other dogs but retain their prey instinct towards small animals. Ever alert, Cairns will bark at strangers readily but will quickly become outgoing.

This breed typically has a long lifespan of 14-15 years. There are many health issues common to the breed due to their purebred history and although many Cairns will live a completely healthy life, some may experience several problems over the course of their lives. It is best to briefly familiarize yourself with the following possibilities when bringing a member of this breed into the family.

Skin allergies, eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinal atrophy are minor health concerns as are joint problems, craniomandibular osteopathy (lion jaw) and luxating patella. Moderate concerns include hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism (failure of teste to descend), and Legg-Perthes Syndrome.

Major concerns include heart defects, clotting disorders and dysfunctional blood flow from liver to other parts of the body (Microvascular Dysplasia and Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly) and Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy. The website of the Cairn Terrier Club of America is a good site for explanations of these diseases. Many of these are problems that won't be encountered until older age--if at all. Ask your veterinarian which genetic testing is available for your Cairn and always verify the reputation of your breeder before you decide upon them.