Cairn Terrier
dog Breed Profile
Cairn terriers stand only nine to 10 to inches tall, are about 15 inches in length and weigh about 13 or 14 pounds.
In this article
Upright ears (naturally)
Size
Weight
13-16 lbs.
13-16 lbs.
Height
9
(at withers)
10
Coat
Length
Medium
Color
All except white
Care
Exercise
>40 minutes/day
Energy level
High
Longevity
12-15 yrs.
Needs
Moderate
Traits
High
Low
Drooling
Low
Digging
High
Grooming Needs
Moderate
Social Needs
Moderate
Club recognition
AKC Class.
Terrier
UKC Class.
Terrier
Prevalence
Common
The cairn terrier has a renowned Hollywood connection. Toto in ”The Wizard of Oz” was played by a cairn terrier.
Cairn terriers stand only nine to 10 to inches tall, are about 15 inches in length and weigh about 13 or 14 pounds.
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Cairn terriers are considered intelligent, loyal family pets that adapt to most environments. They are true terriers, however, and consequently extremely active dogs. Some may be prone to excessive barking and others can be diggers. This is not a dog for someone who wants a quiet lap dog. They can be feisty with other dogs, and deadly with small pets and errant rodents.
On the other hand, cairn terriers are an excellent choice for families who want a playful, cheerful pet always up for a game of fetch or a brisk walk around the neighborhood.
Cairn terriers are active dogs that should be given the opportunity to romp and play, but they do not need great amounts of space to obtain the needed exercise. Walks on a leash, in-house play sessions or runs in a fenced-in backyard will suffice.
Their coat sheds little and although it requires regular brushing and trimming, it is not difficult to care for.
The cairn terrier is the energetic, brave and devoted little dog that most of us know as Toto in “The Wizard of Oz.” But his roots extend farther back in time than that, and his accomplishments, too, are far greater.
The Cairn terrier may have existed as long ago as the 16th century, helping to control vermin on the Isle of Skye. Their specialty was in bolting quarry, particularly otters, from heaps of stone known as cairns. The breed is related to the Scottish and West Highland white terriers, and crosses with Westies occurred as recently as the 1920s. Today, the Cairn terrier is an excellent all-around family pet and show dog.
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