Breed: Cairn Terrier
Temperament: bold and alert
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Maintenance: medium
Recommended for: families and the active elderly
History
A Cairn is a Scottish word for a formation of rocks piled on top of each other to identify boundaries and marks graves. The Cairn Terrier originated in Scotland and was bred to flush out vermin and game which hid in these rocky piles. The breed was officially called Cairn Terrier in 1909, a change from its original name, Short-haired Skye terrier. The Cairn is most well known for featuring in one of the greatest stories of all time, ‘The Wizard of Oz’. In this famous 1939 movie version of a broadway play, Dorothy, played by the young Judy Garland, is swept ‘over the rainbow’ with her dog, Toto, a Cairn terrier. And for those trivia buffs, Toto’s real name was Terry and he, in fact, was a she.
Appearance
The Cairn Terrier has a shaggy, double-layered, water resistant coat, giving the dog a tousled appearance. One of the largest of the terrier breeds, it stands between 28 and 31 cm (11-12″), larger than a Silky or Yorkshire. It has a solid, ‘squared’ body and sturdy legs. The breed comes in a variety of colours, including red sandy, grey, brindle and dark to almost black. Dark masks and tips of ears are typical. As a pup grows into an adult, the coat colour may change too.
Temperament
The dog’s mischievousness is part of the appeal of the breed. If you want something that’s going to be very well behaved and particularly amenable to discipline don’t get a Cairn! It’s a bold, happy and fearless breed, with great affection for its master. Its wariness towards strangers and the inclination to bark makes the Cairn an excellent watchdog. Breeders say that the allure of a Cairn as a puppy is quite seductive and owners often let their new dog do what ever it wants. But Breeders warn not to let them do something at 12 weeks which you’re not happy to have them do at 12 months.
Health and lifespan
Cairn terriers are tough, low maintenance dogs with few health problems. Night blindness, caused by the degeneration of the retina is occasionally encountered.
Exercise
Cairns require exercise. Daily walks are recommended to keep the dog stimulated and help burn off that ‘fizz’ that is so common to terriers. The breed’s instinct to chase is still strong so be wary if exercising your dog off lead.
Grooming
The breed has a waterproof, double coat which can be groomed quite easily with either a short stiff bristled brush or a short wire brush about 2 to 3 times a week. Only bath when necessary as bathing can break down the water resistant coat.
Ideal owner
Cairn Terriers make excellent companions for those elderly who area able to exercise their pet. Ideal for families, the breed loves playing with children and make suitable watchdogs.
National contacts
To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations.
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au
Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872
Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599
Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 – Fax: (02) 6241 1129.
Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190
Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797
Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864
Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844
Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au
Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872
Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599
Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 – Fax: (02) 6241 1129.
Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190
Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797
Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864
Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844
Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409