Cairn Terrier

The game little Cairn Terrier comes from Inverness in Scotland. Although a popular show dog elsewhere, it is still in Scotland that the Cairn really cor,les into its own as a family pet. Indeed, when I lived in a Scottish village during World War II, it seemed as if every villager was the proud possessor of a perky Cairn Terrier.

The Gaelic word 'cairn' means 'a heap of stones' and is therefore a most suitable name for a terrier that goes to ground. The Cairn is an affectionate, sporty little dog with an almost rain-resistant coat. Very active and rarely stubborn, it makes an ideal family companion.

Origin and history

It is a matter of historical record that James VI of Scotland (James I of England) ordered from Edinburgh half-a-dozen 'earth dogs or terriers' to be sent as a present to France. These, it is believed, were forerunners of the present-day Cairn, suggesting that more than 300 years ago a working terrier of this type was used for killing vermin in Scotland. Indeed, Mr JWH. Beynon In his work The Popular Cairn Temer, says that every Highland chieftain in ancient days had his pack of hounds and terriers, the latter being used to bolt the foxes, badgers and smaller furbearing vermin.

He also writes that as far as he could learn, the oldest known strain of Cairns is that founded by the late Captain Macleod of Drynoch, Isle of Skye, which goes back well over 150 years.

Mr John MacDonald, who for over 40 years was gamekeeper to the Macleod of Macleod, Denvegan Castle, kept this strain alive for many years. At that time the Cairn was known as a Short-haired Skye Terrier.

Incidentally, interbreeding of the Cairn with the West Highland, or 'Westie', was permitted until 1924. The Cairn Terrierbecame very popular during the 1930s when it was much favoured by members of the British royal family.

Cairn Terrier Puppies

Good points

Intelligent
Adaptable
Hardy
Gay disposition
Family companion

Take heed

A bundle of energy; needs the opportunity to release it occasionally

Size

Weight 141b (6.4kg).

Exercise

The Cairn is an energetic dog and an expert killer of rodents. It is in its element trotting with its owner across the fields or playing a lively ballgame with children. It will adapt to controlled walks on the lead and sedate town living, as long as it has a good-sized garden in which to romp.

Cairn Terrier Information

General appearance

Active, game, hardy and 'shaggy' in appearance; strong, and compactly built. Should stand well forward on its forepaws. Strong quarters, deep in ribs. Very free in movement. Coat hard enough to resist rain. Head small but in proportion to body. A foxy appearance is the chief characteristic of this working terrier

Colour

Red, sandy, grey, brindled or nearly black. Dark points such as ears and muzzle are very typical.

Head and skull

Skull broad in proportion; strong but not too long or heavy a jaw. A decided indentation between the eyes; hair should be full on the forehead. Muzzle powerful but not heavy. Very strong jaw, which should be neither undershot nor overshot.

Body

That of a strong, wellmuscled, active dog. The ribs, in addition to being well sprung, should be coupled to strong hindquarters. The medium-length back should be level and should give the impression of strength and activity without giving the appearance of being heavy.

Tail

Short, well furnished with hair but not feathery; carried gaily but should not turn down towards back

Feet

Forefeet, larger than hind, may be slightly turned out. Pads should be thick and strong Thin, ferrety feet are objectionable.

Cairn Terrier Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

The Cairn is an easy dog to groom or, indeed, to prepare for the show ring, as it is presented in a 'natural' condition. It should be brushed and combed and have any excess feathering removed from behind the front legs and the tail. Any long hairs about the ears and on the underside should also be removed for tidiness.

Feeding

Small terriers do well on 100z (283g) of branded dog food supplemented with a handful of dog biscuits.

The Cairn is not a greedy dog and may prefer to have two small meals each day, rather than receiving its rations all in one go. It also enjoys the occasional large dog biscuit to chew - as many another breed does, too.