AIMFOR Cairn Terriers

Val Palmers new import @ Towsytyke:

Raskins Rompin Popinjay (Imp SWE)

THE CAIRN TERRIER

This dog belongs in the Terrier group. (Group2)  They are a scruffy, hardy little dog with very high prey drive.

Life Span: 12 -14 years

Colours: Any colour except white or black.  Most common colour is a brindle (grey, brown etc) They have a double coat with a harsh, weatherproof outer and a softer, short undercoat. (This is usually lighter)

Grooming:  To keep in tip top show condition hand stripping is required (Grooming page) Pets can be clipped or just left and tidied with scissors.  A good brush is recommended weekly.

Height/Weight: Dogs: 10 inches (at withers), Bitches 9.5 inches (at withers) average weight approx 13 pounds.

Alrighty then, someone has brought to my attention the height standard I have here, so I went back through a couple of my books and this is correct  (USA) - as is what they have stated 11- 12 inches (in the UK)...I do know that this breed is getting bigger here in Australia.

"...The dogs of Great Britain are allowed to be somewhat larger, 11 to 12 inches in height as opposeed to the recommended 10 inches for a dog in the United States." 

Excert taken from;  " The Cairn Terrier - History, Training, Selection, Care and Breeding :By Christine Carter "

Trainability:  Good if CONSISTANT, not a top obedience dog though!

Character:  Fearless and friendly, independent, adaptable

A good junior handler dog! Baby Guinness and his 10 year old handler

This is not the dog for everyone.  The Cairn originated in Scotland  and is one of the oldest breeds.  They are related to the Sky Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Scottish Terrier and West Highland Terrier.

They were the last of the Scottish breeds to be recongnised as a show dog and was registered with the English 'Kennel Club' in 1909.

These terriers are capable of going to ground (down a hole) after vermin and are tough and fearless.

Cairns can change colour continuely through their life, please try not to ask for a particular colour when getting a puppy!

Mother and Daughter