Cairns

The Cairn Terrier is “an active, game, hardy, small working terrier of the short-legged class” that originated on the Isle of Skye, Scotland over 200 years ago.  They may be the oldest know terrier, still close to the original in size and style.  The Cairn and Skye Terriers owners both lay claim to the First Terrier but both are closely related in origination and purpose.  Joining the line of breeds originating from the Cairn are the Scottie, West Highland, Norwich and Norfolk Terriers.

The Terrier designation comes from the Latin “terra” which means earth and cairn is the Scottish word for a pile of rocks.  Throughout the Highlands of Scotland, these cairns were made to mark territory, paths, and some religious sites.  They have dotted the landscape for centuries and over the centuries became the homes and nesting sites for foxes and many small vermin.  The Cairn Terrier became the prefect dog to clean out the vermin and joined in the family units of most Highland Folk.  This game little Terrier with its fierce independent attitude bigger than it’s size fits right in with personalities of the crofters who lived in Early Scotland.

The Cairn became admired by others too. The early Cairn was referred to as the “earth dog of Argyllshire”long before we created our Earthdog Tests.  Others refer to the early Cairn as the “earth dog of the North,” King James VI of Scotland , also known as King James I of England, had six of these “earth dogges,”   specifically from Argyllshire, sent to a friend in France. They were so prized that he sent them across English Channel in two ships to insure their survival.  (Clink the underlined link for the actual text.)

With it’s perky attitude it is easy to forget that the Cairn is a hunting dog and quite different than most hunting breeds. It is a classic independent, make that often very independent, terrier.  They are fearless with a gay disposition, assertive but not aggressive.  Raised properly they are very accepting of other breeds.  Coming from very old stock, with relatively large gene pool and not manipulated as some breeds, they are comparatively free of congenital diseases.

The Cairn comes in many colors, cream, wheaten, red, gray or nearly black. Brindling in all these colors is acceptable.  They do NOT have solid colored coats or patches of black and tan. Dark points such as ears, muzzle, and tail tip are very typical. Some, but not all, will change their colors over the course of their life spans. They may go from light to dark or the reverse. This coat of many colors will be a double coat, with a soft undercoat and hard, weather resistant outer coat.  Because of the double coat, the Cairn does not shed hair like many other breeds.  It does lose some of its soft undercoat but not that much which makes it the perfect pet for those with dog allergies.

A very short history of the breed can be read at the web site of the The Cairn Terrier Club of UK.