Dog And Dog Blog: Cairn Terrier Dog

The history of the Cairn Terrier is enhanced by the fact that the modern Cairn is an attempt to preserve in typical form the old-time working terrier of the Isle of Skye. Known in his native Scotland for over 500 years the Cairn Terrier is believed to be the oldest of the British terriers. The Cairn Terrier was originally bred as a hunting dog, working in packs to kill rats, badgers, fox, weasel, and other small vermin. He hails from the Isle of Skye but to avoid confusion with the existing Skye Terrier, he was named the Cairn Terrier in honor of the piles of rock he scrambled over while on the hunt. In the Scottish Highlands, the Cairn's forebears worked for centuries driving pests from the piles of small stones, called cairns, that commonly marked Scottish farm borders and graves. In this line of work, the dog's scrappy attitude and deadly jaws were of utmost importance, and ensured that the dog always had a place on Scottish farms for hundreds of years. Cairn Terrier was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913. Cairns are working dogs and are still used as such in parts of Scotland.

The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these color. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs. While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917 the American Kennel Club required them to be registered as West Highland White Terriers. A notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change color throughout their lifetime. It is not uncommon for a brindled Cairn to become progressively more black or silver as it ages. The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. A well-groomed Cairn has a rough-and-ready appearance, free of artifice or exaggeration.