The Cairn Terrier today is a modern attempt to preserve the old-time working terrier of the Isle of Skye, where they were used to flush rodents, otters, foxes, badgers and other vermin from rocks, cliffs and ledges on the wild shores of their misty isle. Other names have been Scotch Terrier, Highland Terrier, Tod-hunter, Skye Otter Terrier and Short-haired Skye Terrier. Modern-day Cairn Terriers remain true to their heritage: they are short-legged, hardy, versatile, active and game. Much like the character “Toto” in The Wizard of Oz, Cairn Terriers are adventurous, alert, playful, loving and wonderful companions for adults and children. This cheerful breed is highly intelligent, and most Cairn Terriers have a stubborn streak. Their fearless tenacity can lead them into trouble if their owners are irresponsible. They also love to chase and dig and are great swimmers.
Mature males should stand 10 inches at the withers, while females should be 9½ inches in height. There is one, and only one, correct weight for the Cairn Terrier: 14 pounds for males and 13 pounds for females, measured at 2 years of age. Cairns have a shaggy, harsh, weather-resistant double coat that typically benefits from professional grooming. The terrier coat requires hand stripping, because cutting or shearing the coat can damage its natural weather-protective characteristics. Cairns should also be brushed on a regular basis to remove dirt and dander. Their coat may be any color except white.
The Cairn Terrier descends from dogs that go back to seventeenth century in Scotland. They derive from a very old line of working terriers from the Isle of Skye that were bred for courage and for the bolting of otter, foxes and other vermin from rocks, cliffs and ledges on the wild shores of Scotland. These dogs were bred to work and to withstand harsh climates with boundless energy while they hunted and dug for
Everyone remembers Toto from the movie The Wizard of Oz. Spunky, curious, fearless, and loyal, little Toto went everywhere with Dorothy and helped her stop the Wicked Witch of the West and even exposed the Wizard as simply a man behind a curtain. Most Cairn Terriers are exactly like Toto – loyal to their family, curious and brave. They are excellent companions for families of all shapes and sizes and can even be useful vermin
The best known Cairn Terrier of all time is “Toto” from the movie The Wizard of Oz. Cairns are small, sturdy little terriers with shaggy coats which give them a “scruffy”look that comes in shades of red, brindle, black, sand or gray; and dark points at the ears, eyes and muzzle are desirable. They are small dogs with broad heads that are shorter and wider than all other terrier breeds and they sport bushy topknots.
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Cairn Terrier Pictures and Cairn Terrier images. Get an in depth look at the Cairn Terrier and see the many things that this breed has to offer.