|
Cairn Terrier Puppies
|
|
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest of the British terriers, originating on the Isle of Skye. He has always been and still is a great favorite with the Scottish lairds who use him to rout foxes, badgers, vermin, and otters. The smallest of the working terriers, the Cairn is the ancestor of several terriers: the Scottish ("Scottie"), the West Highland, and the White and Long-haired Skye. Cairn Terriers are intelligent, strong, and fearless. Like most terriers, they are stubborn and love to dig after real or imagined prey.
The Cairn was developed as a killer of the rodents that infested the cairns, or piles of stones, that were found on the game moors. These rodents were a threat to the game and it was the special task of the Cairn Terrier to reduce that threat.
Cairn Terriers are little bundles of energy. These dogs are very playful and high energy, making them great pets for families with children.
Due to their small stature, the Cairn Terrier does not require a great deal of space. This makes the Cairn Terrier a great choice whether you live in the city or the country, as long as you can give it ample love and attention. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Cairn Terrier will also help you exterminate the rodents from your yard.
The Cairn is reserved with strangers. He is single-heartedly devoted to his master. He is also a natural retriever. Indoors he makes for a well mannered, quiet housedog. He is also a good watchdog with a quick ear and the sharp bark of all terriers.
Cairn Terrier Breed Outline
|
Country of Origin: | Great Britain |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 3 - Terriers; Section 2 - Small-sized Terriers |
| Utilization: |
Terrier |
| AKC Classification: |
Terrier Group |
| Personality: | Cairn Terriers are independent, friendly, alert and quiet. They make good watchdogs but are not aggressive toward strangers. |
| Size: | Small |
|
Height: | 11-12 inches |
| Colors: |
Cream, wheaten, red, grey or nearly black. Brindling in all these colors is acceptable. Dark points on ears and muzzle are very typical. |
|
Other Names: | Cairn |
| Average Litter Size: | 5 |
|
Life Span: | 9-15 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Cairns should be brushed weekly and bathed only when needed. Special care must be taken of their eyes and teeth. |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Social skills: |
Cairns get along with other dogs, but will chase cats. Early socialization with other household pets is a must. |
| Suitability for Children: | Cairns are wondeful playmates for children. They have a remarkable ability to sense a child's mood and adjust their behavior accordingly. Cairns will tolerate even rough play. However, close supervision of children and dogs is advisable, as some Cairn puppies can be nippy. |
| Exercise Needs: | They are high energy dogs and should be allowed to run in the yard for 40-60 minutes a day. |
| Train Ability: | Can be slow to house break. They preserved a very strong chasing instinct and will run after cats and rabbits given a smallest chance. They should never be off leash. |
| Health Issues: | Patellar luxation (knee dislocation), PRA (blindness), glaucoma, cataracts, hemophilia B (a severe bleeding disorder), atopic dermatitis, cryptochidism, craniomandibular osteopathy (abnormal bone growth on the skull and lower jaw). |
|
|