Cairn terrier have big role . They are easily recognized because of Dorothy ’s beloved " Toto " fromThe Wizard of Oz . Yet , many do not know what to expect from this stock . Read on to take more about this charming yet feisty dog .
Origin and History
Thecairn terrier , a Scottish breed , gets their name from the line they were breed to do , which was principally to free farm of vermin by cornering them in their dens or " cairns " until the farmers could get there to finish the problem . These hearty dogs were once grouped together withScottish , Skye , andWest Highland White Terriers , but these breeds were separated out around the early 20th century and have been bred separately ever since . Today , the cairn terrier is more often a menage comrade rather than a working dog .
Breed Characteristics
The cairn terrier is very inquisitive and degraded to find fault up new info . Like all terrier , they have a unregenerate , sovereign bar .
General Appearance
Cairns are feisty little creatures that stand about 10 to 12 in marvelous at the articulatio humeri and weigh 14 to 15 pound on mediocre . They are well - muscle and reasonably low to the primer coat . Their skulls are somewhat broader than they are foresighted , and they have a well - defined blockage and pricked ears . The eyes are wide - set in change tone of hazel tree and should have a keen , bright face . Cairns also have very inviolable mitt to avail them in one of their favored pastimes – digging ! tail assembly are held upright on full alert .
The cairn ’s three-fold pelage is approximate and atmospheric condition resistant with a harsh , recollective prohibited coating and a shorter , softer undercoat . All colour are acceptable other than white , and dark tippings on the ears , tail , and muzzle are preferred .
Temperament
Cairn Terriers are quick of mind , speculative , and always up for an escapade . This can be both dear and sorry . These domestic dog have rather prevailing personality like most terriers , and they will definitely attempt to rule the roost if you do n’t establish your rightful position as pack loss leader from the very start . cairn are quite family - orientate and friendly with those they know , but they are also very independent .
Bear in mind that these dogs were bred to labor their way down tunnel in pursuit of their quarry , and they still have a strong inherent aptitude to toil today , whether it ’s under your fencing or in your garden . It also stands to reason that these dog ' screen background chasing varmint normally leads to difficulty getting along with small pets in the habitation . They will also judge to found control over other dogs , and this can lead to words and flake .
Training
There is slight that youcan’ttrain a cairn to do . obeisance training is imperative for establishing yourself as your dog ’s drawing card . These pawl also do well in terrier trial run andEarthdog contention , where they " go to ground " looking for varmint . They also do well in agility grooming although they are n’t quite as competitive as other breeds . Cairns also enjoy expend a day in the field as huntsman companion .
Exercise Requirements
cairn terrier have a lot of energy to burn , so everyday drill is needed to keep them primed . They should take a foresightful walk everyday , and it ’s even better if you have an area where you may give them some time to run freely and explore . This is not only upright for their bodies ; it supply stimulation for their officious footling brain . Cairns also love to encounter with their people , so do n’t be afraid to get out the Frisbee or ball for a charge up plot of fetch .
Health
Although this breed is relatively sizeable , there are still some health concern to be mindful of . Some common health release faced by this breed include :
Lifespan
Cairn Terriers live a comparatively long time in comparison to other breeds , often up to 15 years old .
Grooming
The good news is that cairn do n’t really throw in the typical mode that leaves easy pelt floating around the house . The bad news is that liberal pelt tend to hang in the coat and cause mats . This means that it ’s necessary to sweep these dogs three to four times a workweek . Typically , Cairns requirehand strippingto remove their dim undercoat , which postulate using a special technique or tools to get rid of dead hair from the underfur .
Bathe your dog about once a month , or as needed , calculate on your dog ’s bodily function level . It ’s also necessary to cut back those shaggy-coated eyebrows and upper muzzle hair away from the eyes , as well as trim the haircloth growing in the ear for better air stream . heel who do not wear down their nails naturally outside should be trot every other hebdomad .
Fun Facts About the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a unequaled , but popular , breed with some interesting tidbit to share :
Purchasing or Adopting a Cairn Terrier
If you ’re looking for a Cairn Terrier puppy , a good position to start is theCairn Terrier Club of America ( CTCA ) . The club has a breeder directory uncommitted as well as helpful backsheesh on how to find responsible breeders with character dogs . TheAmerican Kennel Club Marketplacepage also has a breeder search . look to pay off around $ 700 to $ 1,200 , although higher - end show click from champion lines can cost as much as $ 5,000 .
Rescue Organizations
If you would favour a rescued bounder , the stock breeder list on the CTCA lists breeders who are involved in rescuing Cairns . you’re able to also contact these breed - specific cairn rescue :
Is the Cairn the Breed for You?
Cairn Terriers make delicious fellow traveler for experient owners who understand the importance of establishing themselves as their pet ’s leader . Cairns require combat-ready possession , so if you ’re looking for a fellow couch Solanum tuberosum , you ’d be better off with a Japanese Chin . On the other hand , if you take an active lifestyle and you ’re looking for a dog to share your adventures with you , the Cairn is more than equal to the challenge .
