Introduction
The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog in the Terrier Group. Not only is this one of the oldest Terrier breeds known, but the Cairn Terrier is also one of the most well known of all terriers thanks to the character “Toto” in the famous Wizard of Oz movie. The Cairn Terrier was recognized by the AKC in the year 1913 and approved in the year 1938.
The average Cairn Terrier stands 9 to 13 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between 13 and 18 pounds. Cairn Terriers have a medium length harsh coat that requires professional grooming. The hair on the coat requires hand stripping (this does not hurt the dog) because cutting or shearing the coat can damage the coat’s natural weather protective characteristics. They should also be brushed on a regular basis to keep dirt out of the coat.
Temperament
Much like the character “Toto,” Cairn Terriers are adventurous, alert, playful, loving, and they are wonderful companions. This breed is highly intelligent, and almost all Cairn Terriers have a little bit of strong will and stubbornness.
Cairn Terriers are easy to train, and they enjoy learning new tricks and commands. They are excellent competition dogs too as they are extremely quick and agile. They make wonderful family dogs, but they should be trained and socialized early and consistently throughout their life.
Cairn Terriers love to dig and chase, and they need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise or they may begin to develop destructive digging behaviors.
Health
This is a long lived breed with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, but they are at an increased risk for a number of inherited health problems that owners should be aware of.
History
The Cairn Terrier comes from a very old line of working terriers from the Isle of Skye in Scotland. These dogs were bred as working dogs able to withstand harsh climates and temperatures with boundless energy while they hunted and dug for various types of prey which included otter, fox, and different types of rodents. Towards the late 1800’s the standards for the Cairn Terrier breed were created.
Cairn Terrier
Quick Facts
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Weight: 13-18 lbs
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Height: 9-13 in
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Coat: Medium length, harsh
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Temperament: Adventurous, alert, playful
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Lifespan: 12-15 years