A tenacious, little, shorthaired, vermin-catching farm dog from the Isle of Skye spawned the Scottish Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier, and the Cairn Terrier.  The early terriers were prized for their working ability and such characteristics as courage, tenacity and intelligence found in a sturdy body complete with a weather-proof coat, big teeth and strong jaws.  Historical accounts suggest that the Cairn Terrier most closely resembles the original small working terrier.

Upon meeting a Cairn Terrier the immediate impression should be of a small, shaggy, alert dog, head, tail and ears up, eyes shining with intelligence, poised and ready for anything.  The Cairn is a confident dog, independent but friendly with everyone he meets.  True to his heritage, he has a hard weather-resistant double coat, very large teeth, large feet with thick pads and strong nails, strong, muscular shoulders and rears, and a fearless tenacity.  Cairns come in a variety of colors and the color of the adult coat is impossible to predict as the color changes as the pup matures.  A Cairn is moderately trainable and has a moderate to high activity level.  Their intelligence makes them curious and extremely quick to learn.  A Cairn must know that someone else is in charge or he will do his best to run the household himself.  There is very little a Cairn cannot learn if his owner takes the time to teach him.  Cairns should be brushed weekly and hand stripped twice a year or a little each week.  Known health problems include flea-bite dermatitis and flea allergies, luxating patellas, early-onset cataracts and liver shunt disease.

Upon deciding on a Cairn, take the time and effort to find a concerned caring breeder who will want to know as much about you as you want to know about their puppies.  A properly reared and socialized puppy from a conscientious breeder is well worth the effort.  Breeder lists are provided by the Cairn Terrier Club of America.  Another option is to adopt a "rescue Cairn" from a Rescue Facility, such as Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network, Matching CAIRNS in NEED of HOMES with HOMES in NEED of CAIRNS, and Cairn Terrier Club of America Cairn Rescue.  Please do NOT support Puppy-Mills or uninformed breeders!

Information taken from the Cairn Terrier Club of America and "Little go-getters", DogFancy Oct.2002.

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This page was last updated on 07/03/07 .