Little Pawz -- Cairn Terrier -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The game little Cairn Terrier comes from Inverness, Scotland and although a popular show dog elsewhere, and drawing large entries in terrier classes, it is still in Scotland that the Cairn Terrier really comes into its own as a family pet.

The Gaelic word 'cairn' means a heap of stones, and is therefore a most suitable name for a terrier that goes to ground. It is an affectionate, sporty little dog with an almost rain-resistant coat, very active, and rarely stubborn, and it makes an ideal family companion. The little dog 'Toto' of The Wizard of Oz fame was a Cairn Terrier.

Size
Height: at the withers, Bitches: 9 1/2 inches (24 cm); Dogs: 10 inches (25 cm)
Weight: Bitches: 13 lbs. (5.9 kg); Dogs: 14 lbs. (6.4 kg)

Coat and Colour
Coat hard and weather resistant. Must be double-coated with profuse harsh outer and short, soft, close furry undercoat. May be of any colour except white. Dark ears, muzzle, and tail tip are desirable.

Exercise
The Cairn Terrier is an energetic dog and is also an expert killer of rodents. It is in its element trotting with its owner across the fields, or playing a lively ball game with children. It will adapt to controlled walks on the lead and sedate town living, as long as it has a good-sized yard to romp in.

Grooming
The Cairn Terrier is an easy to to groom or to prepare for the show ring as it is presented in a natural condition. It should be brushed and combed, and have any excess feathering removed from behind the front legs and the tail. Any long hairs about the ears and on the underside should also be removed for a tidy appearance.

Feeding
Small terriers do well on 3/4 can name-brand dog food (13.3 oz 376 g size), with a biscuit or two, or 1 – 1 1/2 cups dry dog food. The Cairn is not a greedy dog and may prefer two small meals a day, rather than eating all in one go. It will also enjoy a large dog biscuit to chew. A daily teaspoon of cod liver oil will keep the Cairn Terrier in fine fettle. Always ensure that your Cairn Terrier has an ample supply of fresh water.

Origin and History
It is on record that James VI of Scotland (James I of England) ordered from Edinburgh half a dozen earth dogs or terriers to be sent as a present to France and these, it is believed, were forerunners of the present-day Cairn Terrier, suggesting that more than 300 years ago a working terrier of this type was used for killing vermin in Scotland.

It is also on record that every Highland Chieftan had a pack of hounds and terriers, the latter being used to bolt the foxes, badgers, and smaller vermin. The oldest known strain of Cairns is purported to be the Cairns founded by Captain MacLeod of Drynoch, Isle of Skye, which dates back over 170 years.

Mr. John MacDonald, who for over 40 years was gamekeeper to the MacLeod of MacLeod, Denvegan Castle, kept this strain alive for many years.

Celebrity Owners
Liza Minnelli owns a Cairn Terrier named Lily.