CAIRN TERRIER Breed Standards
The Cairn Terrier is one of Scotland’s original Terriers, and has been known since the 16th century. In the Scottish Highlands and on the Isle of Skye, the Cairn's forebears worked for centuries driving pests from the piles of small stones, called cairns, that commonly marked Scottish farm borders and graves. In this line of work, the dog's scrappy attitude and deadly jaws were of utmost importance, and ensured that the dog always had a place on Scottish farms for hundreds of years. Other terriers from the region, including the Skye and West Highland White Terrier, were gradually recognized by breeding organizations and named. The Cairn Terrier, on the other hand, continued in its role as an unnamed and untitled working dog into the 20th century, when it was finally given the name Cairn Terrier in 1912 and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913.
The most famous Cairn Terrier was Toto, from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The identification of the state of Kansas with the original story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz recently led a resident of Wichita, Kansas to start a movement to make the Cairn Terrier the official dog of the State of Kansas. Cairns have also appeared regularly in other movies beginning with Bright Eyes in 1934 and as recently as Lost and Found in 1999
SKILLS: Vermin destroyer, hunting dog, family pet. The Cairn Terrier, has a fox-like expression. This peppy, very hardy little Terrier has an abundant shaggy outer coat with a soft downy undercoat. That of an active, game, hardy, small working terrier of the short-legged class; very free in its movements, strongly but not heavily built, standing well forward on its forelegs, deep in the ribs, well coupled with strong hindquarters and presenting a well-proportioned build with a medium length of back, having a hard, weather-resisting coat; head shorter and wider than any other terrier and well furnished with hair giving a general foxy expression.
SIZE: The shoulder-height is 28 - 31cm (11 - 12 1/4 in) tall, but this must be in proportion to the weight, which can vary from 6 - 7.5kg (13 1/4 - 16 1/2lb).
COAT: The Cairn Terrier - like the West Highland Terrier - has a double-layered coat of which the topcoat is hard and abundant and the undercoat is soft and short. The hair must not curl. Permitted colors are grey, wheat, cream-red, or almost black. Darker markings on the ears and muzzle are highly regarded. Cairns may not be white or totally black.
CARE REQUIRED: The Cairn's coat needs regular grooming with a brush and comb. About twice a year - depending upon the condition of the hair - the dead hairs need to be plucked out by hand. This can be done by a dog grooming shop but it is good to learn how to do it yourself. From time to time remove excess hair from the ear passages. A Cairn Terrier should have a somewhat rough appearance and is therefore not excessively groomed for showing. For showing, any excessive hair around the feet, ears, and tail is removed.
CHARACTER: This is an intelligent, brave, cheerful, lively, playful and extroverted dog which is hard upon itself, uncomplicated, affectionate, eager to learn, alert and vigilant.
TRAINING: Teach this dog early to get on with cats and other household pets so that it will not chase them when it is older. Puppies can take a game of pulling on a rope quite seriously. You must decide when the game is to end by giving it the command "drop it". The antics of puppies are often both cute and funny and remember that the tricks the dog might pull as a puppy will be less amusing when it is grown up. The Cairn needs loving but also strict and consistent training.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Cairn Terrier makes a first-class friend for children; it can tolerate rough play and has a well-developed sense of humor. These dogs can also get reasonably well with other dogs, although some dogs of this breed will fight for their rights as they see them. They go into action when they detect danger.
EXERCISE: This breed is bursting with energy and must get ample opportunity to run and play. It is an ideal dog for a sporty family. It likes to be taken for a walk in the woods or in open countryside where it can run free, but make sure before you do so that the dog will return to you when you call - the hunting instinct is so strong in these dogs that they can run away if you aren't careful.
