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The Cairn Terrier

The vivacious little Cairn Terrier is an active, hardy, small working terrier. They are able to prove their worth as a dispeller of vermin. Cairn Terriers are free in movement, strong, but not heavily built. Their head is shorter and wider than any other terriers and well furnished with hair giving a general foxy expression. Cairn Terriers are a wonderful family dog, but will always remember their ancestry as a "sporting terrier". They make a very active, inquisitive and "ready to go" dog. Great dog for the house plus Cairn Terriers are very good with children. Energetic and always on the watch, they will alert you to the presence of strangers by growling.

Height: 10 - 12 inches
Weight: 13 - 16 lbs.

Colors: Cream, wheaten, red, gray or nearly black. No white.
Coat: Hard, longer, outer coat, an abundant soft undercoat. Weather resistant.

Temperament: Cairn Terriers are bold, alert, intelligent, gentle
With Children: Yes, enjoys children's playful activity.
With Pets: Yes, but males of this breed may tend to fight themselves.
Special Skills: Vermin destroyer, hunting dog, and family pet.

Watch-dog: High
Guard-dog: Low

Care and Training: Never scissors trim the Cairn Terriers coat, except for the shaping of their feet. Weekly brushing or rubbing with a damp towel is needed. Minimal bathing. Pay special attention to their teeth and nails. Cairn Terriers exercise should consist of free roaming in a fenced yard or daily walks. As an earth dog and digger, a Cairn Terrier will leave holes in your backyard and should be trained not to.
Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - Medium, Problem Solving - High

Activity: Indoors - Very High, Outdoors - Medium
Living Environment: House with a yard, apartment, country or city the Cairn Terrier will thrive in any environment as long as they receive attention and exercise.

Health Issues: Allergies, dislocating kneecaps and hereditary eye diseases.

Life Span: 12 - 15 years
Litter Size: 3 - 5

Country of Origin: Great Britain
History: Originating in the Western Highlands, the Cairn Terrier is likely a cross between the White Terrier and the Black and Tan Terrier. Cairn Terriers were introduced in the world of dog shows in the early 1900s. The white dogs of this breed became the West Highland White Terriers. They are best known as Toto in the Wizard of Oz.

First Registered by the AKC: 1913
AKC Group: Terrier
Class: Terrier
Registries: AKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB)