THE CAIRN TERRIER:
(Pronounced: Karen)
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CAIRN TERRIER DESCRIPTION:
The Cairn Terrier is a long lived dog, weighing about 12 to 16 lbs. with
a body length of 14-15 inches and a height from the shoulder of about 9
to 10 inches. The coat is thick, with a harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat.
All colors are acceptable, except white, with a dark mask and tips being
desirable.
The Cairn Terrier is probably best known in America as Dorothy's little
Toto on the Wizard of Oz.
The Cairn Terrier makes a wonderful pet, and is at home in the city and
country, being smart, robust, loyal and loving. Cairns are brave and headstrong,
and benefit from discipline and obedience training.
Additional information is available at the Cairn Terrier Club of America
and on the American Kennel Club (AKC) website.
CAIRN TERRIER HISTORY:
This little dog is descended from the working terrier of the Isle of Skye.
The Skye Terrier group included the Scottish Terrier, the West Highland
White Terrier, and the Cairn Terrier. Because of confusion over the classifications
of the Short-Haired Skyes, the name for the Cairn was changed to Cairn Terrier
of Skye. Until 1923, England's standard permitted Cairns and West Highland
Whites to be interbred. This cross was also practiced in the United States.
In 1912, the name was shortened to Cairn Terrier, and the breed was allowed
to compete for challenge certificates. The American Kennel Club recognized
the breed in 1913, but in 1917 the AKC banned registration from the Cairn
Terrier and West Highland White Terrier cross.
The name Cairn means a "Heap of Stones" depicting the landmark
type rock piles so common in Scotland. The "Cairns”, or piles
of stones, were a natural home for small animals. Farmers used the well-equipped
Cairn Terrier, with their strong teeth and larger front feet (better for
digging!) to seek out the various vermin from their rocky homes.
Today's Cairn Terrier is a hearty little dog that should be as close to
the original old time working Cairn as possible.
