|
|
Cairn Terrier |
Return to
A~ Z index |
|
Description... |
|
 This
hearty, spirited, plucky, and bold little dog is the archetype of
all terriers (remember Toto in "The Wizard of Oz"?). These dogs tend
to have large teeth for their size, large feet and strong nails.
They have muscular shoulders, and very strong legs for digging.
Cairn Terriers have waterproof, rough coats that do not shed. They
come in many colours, but brindle predominates (black hairs
interspersed with other fur colour). These dogs are "people" dogs,
thriving indoors with the family. If left alone for too long, these
dogs will put chew furniture. In addition, they like to dig, so find
a nice spot that they can tear up, OR perhaps put them to work in
your garden before planting season!
|
|
History...
|
|
The Cairn Terrier was developed in
Scotland on the Isle of Skye as a rugged hunter of fox, otter, and
rats; and takes its name from the rocky cliff dens, or "cairns,"
where the dog found its prey. The original Cairn line was the source
for other terrier breeds, such as the Scottie and the West Highland
White. Today, most of these dogs serve as companions rather than
vermin hunters. They were brought to the United States in 1913.
Toto, from the film "The Wizard of Oz," was a Cairn Terrier!
|
|
Traits...
|
 Cairn
Terriers are especially well-suited for "go to ground" events. This
is a show event designed for dogs who are bred to go to ground for
vermin. Because these dogs are good with digging and seeking out
hidden, buried objects, you might play a bit of bury-and-find with
your pet. Also, these dogs love chewing, so give them something to
chew on or play a friendly game of tug-of-war with a chewable toy.
|
|
Good aspects...
|
|
The Cairn Terrier is a moderately
active dog that bonds well to the entire family. This breed sheds
very little, and is good with older, considerate children. Although
it can be stubborn, the Cairn Terrier does want to please and
responds well to firm and consistent
obedience training. They are active dogs indoors and shed very
little, making them well-suited to living in a small apartment. In
addition, they make a wonderful pet for a novice owner.
|
|
Health...
|
|
Cairn Terriers tend to be very
healthy. The most common health problem is skin allergies.
|
|
Be aware...
|
|
If you leave your Cairn Terrier
outside, all alone for far too long, this little dog will bark and
bark and bark! In addition, these dogs can be voracious chewers if
so inclined. These dogs require a lot of trimming and clipping. They
can also be reserved with strangers, and scrappy with other animals.
The Cairn can also be a very territorial dog, leading to aggression
when confronted with other dogs. Finally, this breed does not seem
to recognize its own (small) size and tends to not back down when
confronted by a larger, more aggressive dog.
|
|
Summary...
|
|
When choosing your puppy, do not opt
for the boldest, scrappiest one of the bunch. Such an extreme in a
breed known to be bold and scrappy can make for a non-stop battle of
wills between you and your pint-sized dog.
|
|
source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
|
|
|
|
Further resources... |
|
|
|
|
|
