Cairn Terrier History
The Cairn Terrier is a tiny terrier
originated in the Western Highlands and Islands of
Scotland, where it was originally called the
"Short-Haired Skye Terrier", and is considered to be
the oldest of the British Terrier breeds. In order
to avoid confusing this breed with the Skye Terrier,
fanciers later changed the name to Cairn Terrier. At
one time, the small and feisty Cairn Terrier was
used to hunt rats and other vermin and keep their
populations down.
Cairn Terrier Temperament:
Cairn Terriers make wonderful family
pets. They are active and intelligent and full of
fun! Cairn Terriers love to play and are a great
choice for well-behaved children (older than 4 is
recommended, as younger children may inadvertently
harm the small pooch). Cairn Terriers are
well-suited for live in almost any setting, from
apartments in the city to large acreages. They are
quite active and need to be given plenty of
opportunity to exercise, preferably a safely fenced,
outdoor area to play in.
Cairn Terrier Physical Description:
Cairn Terriers stand about 10 inches
at the shoulder and have a thick, harsh coat that
comes in a variety of shades. Regular combing is
required to remove dead hair, and occasional
"hand-stripping" is also recommended to keep the
outline of your Cairn Terrier's coat trim.
