It is known that for over 200 years, small breeds of terriers roamed the Isle of Skye in the hilly regions of Scotland. It is there that the breeds such as the White Highland Terrier and Skye Terrier developed to become the world famous pets that they are today. The present type of the Cairn Terrier has actually developed from the two aforementioned breeds and that the Cairn was the last of the Scottish Highlands terriers to have been registered in the kennel clubs.

In its native land Scotland, the Cairn terrier is considered as one of the oldest working dogs. During its development in this country, it was made to hunt and catch rats, rodents and other small game. It also digs out and burrows under huge rock piles called cairn and this is where the Cairn terrier was named after.

This little breed, with its dense coat and smart looking eyes, appears adorably shaggy and vigilant. According to the breed standard, the Cairn terrier should stand between 10 to 13 inches in height and should weigh between 14 to 18 pounds. Due to some irresponsible breeding, however, there are several Cairns that weigh and stand more than the breed standards would allow.

The Cairn terrier is double coated having the outer coat shaggy and lush while the inner coat smooth and downy. This dense coat also serves as a great protection for the Cairn against strong winds and unforgiving temperatures. Often, this coat is found in shades of red, wheaten, cream and gray while there are some that appear in brindles of black, white, and black and tan.

Interestingly, the coat color of a Cairn can never really be predicted during its early stages because the coat colors tend to change infinitely over the whole span of the dogs life. There are coat colors that become lighter while there are some colors that become darker, some even to a point of being pure black. If there is a pure white-colored Cairn, the American Kennel Club lists this type as a West Highland White terrier.

Most Cairns today are considered as house pets but even so, the natural hunting instinct in them still comes out often. Often, these dogs run all over the house in a frantic chase of rats and other vermin. Sometimes, they vigorously dig dirt outside of the house in search of real or imaginary game.

The Cairn terrier should not be taken lightly because it possesses an intelligence and independence that makes it an incredible hunter. However, it also possesses a stubborn streak that’s why training may not be easy at times. This pet does not do well with harsh criticisms therefore it goes to say that in training this breed, positive reinforcements should be used.

Nowadays, the Cairn terriers are seen living in apartments or big houses as a household pet more than a working dog. This breed also goes well with children that’s why many families like to take them in. Grooming the Cairn also takes little work as it only needs hand stripping in order to keep its hair in a clean and shaggy style.

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