Cairn Terrier Garry B. Peters Size: 9 to 10 in. tall (shoulder) Weight: avg. 13 pounds Color: Varies. (see below) Origin: British Isles Modern Purpose: companion Historical Purpose: Small game hunter Photo: This is Garry & Christine's cairn Formal Name: CH McCairns Anna Owen Everyday Name: Anna

The Cairn Terrier is a true people dog. You do not own them. They own you; and what an ownership of love, trust and devotion it is. Their sole purpose in life is to please their "HUMANS." Cairns were originally bred in the British Isles as a hunter of rats, badgers and the like. Although this ancestral purpose is not altogether useful in today's society it is the background for their faithfulness today. They will work diligently without question at whatever task their owner demands of them. Be it catching a ball, keeping the yard clear of those pesky cats or guarding that new baby from all perils that may befall it, the Cairn is always on duty.

Although small in size at nine to ten inches at the shoulder with weight ranging from thirteen to fourteen pounds, the Cairn is a big dog trapped in a little dog's body. That is their only true fault. They do not know when to back down. Many a fine young Cairn has taken on a much larger and fiercer dog only to come out on the losing end because he wouldn't back down. For that reason the Cairn must be kept in a suitable enclosure. A fully fenced back yard or a dog run with NO and I must repeat NO breaks in the fence that would enable the Cairn to escape is the ideal setup. Thus it is that our CAIRN can patrol his territory without danger from outside forces. This inexpensive fencing - usually chain link - will keep our pet safe for another day.

These animals are extremely tough, resilient, and not prone to injury. Our male - the #5 CAIRN in Canada in 1995 - has a habit of sleeping on the back of the couch. Yes, he regularly falls off in his sleep and through sleep-filled eyes he shakes himself off and jumps back up to try and get in the last 5 minutes of his dream. He has yet to hurt himself.

These dogs were not originally bred for looks but for their fierce determination, harsh coat, and extreme resilience to injury. Like all terriers, they are frisky, independent bundles of energy. They have few health problems and many live well into their late teens. Coat colors may be any color except white, as a white Cairn is an albino; we call those Westies. (No, I don't want Westie lovers to flood my E-mail with insults. This is just some good natured ribbing.) Most Cairn Terriers will start off as brown or red brindle (a combination of black, brown and red or wheaten [blond]) but as they grow older they will almost always darken. A puppy's color is no indication of its final adult color. They have fairly large heads for their size and long, strong teeth, large feet and strong claws.

As stated, Cairns are people dogs. They will thrive indoors with the family. They love children and roughhousing but one must be prepared not to let the kids ride the doggie as they are still only 14 lbs. They thrive on attention and are NOT suitable for people without any time for a dog. If you leave them for long stretches they will become very unhappy and will let you know be chewing or leaving a "MESSY MEMO" in the middle of the floor. That is not to say that you cannot leave them alone while you are at work. We have one male and two females and we leave them alone for eight hours a day while at work. But they know that when we get home the rest of the evening is theirs. If we have to go out again in the evening, we will lavish as much attention as possible on them before we leave. When we arrive home again all are happy and there is no mess to clean up. It does take effort. But in return the rewards are worth it. Their love and devotion makes up for your efforts, AND they will never ask for the keys to the car or to have a sleep over!!!!! :-)

Cairns are known for their digging ability so if Grandma's prize roses are to grow another year fence them off. Although they are not chronic barkers, they are quite verbal. They will talk and grumble to let you know their wishes. They are easily housetrained (usually 2-4 days) and are very territorial. They cannot be let loose to wander the neighborhood as any dog (Doberman, Rottweiler) will incur the wrath of our mighty Cairn. You know who will come out the loser and our Cairn need not go through the suffering and possibly injury at the hands of these larger dogs. Always remember that a Cairn is a BIG DOG TRAPPED IN A LITTLE DOGS BODY.

Related Reading:
The Cairn Terrier, by Christine Carter
The New Cairn Terrier, by Betty E. Marcum
The New Complete Cairn Terrier, by John Marvin
Your Cairn Terrier, by Girard A. Jacob

Garry B. Peters
Chriscairn Kennels
chriscairn@sasknet.sk.ca
Copyright 1996. All rights reserved.