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Scottish Terrier Breeders Article
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The Playful and Inquisitive Cairn Terrier
from: The Complete DogThe Cairn Terrier is one of the subcategories of Scotland's Terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish. The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered the white variety of the Cairn, who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are more aloof than the others. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes.
Cairn is the smallest breed among the Terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves. During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, Cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy.
This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of "Toto" in "The Wizard of Oz" as Dorothy's companion dog. Currently, like the American Pit Bull Terriers, Cairns are mainly companion dogs. Their talents include tracking, watching over the house, hunting and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience.
Here are some of the basic facts breeders should know about Cairns:
Category: Terrier
Living Environment: Indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard).
Coat: Shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat.
Colors: Any color except white.
Height: 9.5 - 10 inches.
Weight: 13 - 14 pounds.
Temperament: Like most Terriers bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited. They also have a special connection with children age six and above.
Breeders should note the following health issues:
* Atopy, a type of allergy
* Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes
* Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum
* Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye
* Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap
Care and Exercise:
* Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.
* Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly.
* Do not over feed them as they gain weight easily.
* Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash.
* They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.
Origin/History:
As already noted, the Cairns have been around since the 1500s. Around the 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small Terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two types: the Skye Terriers and the Dandie Dinmont Terriers.
The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns.
In 1912, the Cairns received their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers. However, it was in 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club.
The Cairn Terrier is one heck of an agile little dog, appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying and always ready to join the fun.
Scottish Terrier Breeders News
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