Cairn Terrier

Dog Breed Group

Terrier Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Scotland, sporting terrier. 

Life Expectancy

12 - 15 Years 

Color

Cream, wheaten, red, gray or nearly black. 

Coat

Hard, longer, outer coat, an abundant soft undercoat. Weather resistant. 

Exercise Needs

Exercise should consist of free roaming in a fenced yard or daily walks. 

Temperament

The Cairn Terrier is bold, alert, intelligent and gentle. He makes a very active, inquisitive and "ready to go" dog. 

Good with Children

Enjoys children's playful activity. Good with other pets, but males of this breed may tend to fight themselves. 

Grooming Needs

Never scissors trim his coat, except for the shaping of the feet. Weekly brushing or rubbing with a damp towel. Minimal bathing. 

Average Size - Male (in)

10 

Average Size - Female (in)

9.5 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

14 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

13 

Health Issues

Allergies, dislocating kneecaps and hereditary eye diseases.v

Living Conditions

House with a yard, apartment, country or city the Cairn Terrier will thieves in any environment as long as he receives attention 

Breed Description

The vivacious little Cairn Terrier is an active, hardy, small working terrier. He is able to prove his worth as a dispeller of vermin. He is free in movement, strong, but not heavily built. His head is shorter and wider than any other terriers and well furnished with hair giving a general foxy expression. He is a wonderful family dog, but will always remember his ancestry as a "sporting terrier". He is a great dog for the house and is very good with children. Energetic and always on the watch, he will alert you to the presence of strangers by growling. Originating in the Western Highlands, he is likely a cross between the White Terrier and the Black and Tan Terrier.

Breed Infobits

The Cairn Terrier is best known as Toto in the Wizard of Oz.