GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 28-31cm (1 1”-12”).
Colour: Nearly black, grey, red, wheaten, cream or brindle. Dark muzzle and ears are typical.
Coat: Outer coat — profuse, harsh but not coarse. Undercoat - short, soft and close. Weatherproof.
Gait: Smoothly co-ordinated with strong propulsion.
These hardy, game little terriers with their shaggy coats have a workmanlike appearance. The broad skull is surmounted by a profuse topknot of hair through which small darker coloured ears project. The widely set eyes are all but hidden by the shaggy eyebrows. The strong body with well sprung ribs is level and ends with an undocked gaily carried tail. The forefeet may turn out slightly.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
The Cairn’s ability to kill vermin, foxes and badgers resulted in them being highly prized by the crofters in Scotland. Expected to use their own initiative, these terriers are both intelligent and independent. It should be realised that digging to a Cairn is like swimming to a fish. This is not a breed for conscientious gardeners. Being sensitive, firm training is more successful than harsh discipline. Living to 15 or so years, the Cairns make good companions to children who want a fun loving hardy playmate. Only periodic brushing is required to remove dead hair.
HISTORY
Cairn Terriers are one of the oldest of the Scottish breeds and take their name from the Gaelic word ‘cairn’ meaning a pile of stones. They were expected to go to ground after foxes and other short haired vermin found in west Scotland. They are extremely hardy as the rugged countryside is bleak and decidedly rocky. In order to survive on both land or water, these little dogs needed to be as tough as nails.