The Cairn Terrier is a tough and fearless little dog originally bred to keep vermin down and root out foxes. Standing only about 25 cm tall, the Cairn has a compact short-legged body, a short, broad head and erect ears.
They have a double coat, with a downy undercoat and a shaggy topcoat which is also waterproof. This active little dog thrives on brisk walks and playtime in the garden and enjoys being part of a busy household. They possess bags of personality and are cheerful, intelligent and loyal dogs, making them excellent companions. As with many other terriers, they can be feisty and early socialisation is important to ensure that they get on well with other dogs. Due to their hunting instincts, they may see cats and other small household pets as something to chase, so again, early socialisation and careful introductions are important with this breed.
History
Cairn Terriers are one of Scotland’s native breeds, used as early as the 17th century in the Western Highlands to keep vermin down. They were often used in small packs to unearth vermin hiding under piles of rocks (cairns) and their tough nature also made them suitable for seeking out other predators, including foxes and otters. The Cairn came to popular culture when one was used to play Toto in the film The Wizard of Oz.
