Cairn Terrier

Pet Road Tests > Dogs

Breed:Cairn Terrier
Temperament: bold and alert
Cost: $500+
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.

Further information

We filmed this segment with Cairn Terrier owners and members of the A.C.T Cairn Terrier Club. Robert Bartram, Cairn Terrier breeder can be contacted (02) 6297 2891.

NSW
Cairn Terrier Club of N.S.W Inc.
Secretary Margaret Hill (02) 9746 6475

NT
North Australian Canine Association Inc
Phone: (08) 8984 3570 QLD

SA
Canine Control Council
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

South Australian Canine Association Inc
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

TAS
Tasmanian Canine Association
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

VIC
Cairn Terrier Club of Victoria Inc.
Secretary Fiona Ward (03) 5629 9311

WA
Canine Association of Western Australia
Phone: (08) 9455 1188

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