Cairn Terrier - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin

The Cairn Terrier probably existed in the 16th century, when he was helping to kill vermin on the Isle of Skye. They are closely related to the West Highland white terriers and the Scottish Terriers.

2) Name

Cairn Terrier is a named for the rock piles where they hunted. The word cairn is an old scottish word which means a mound of stones piled up either as a memorial, to mark property lines, or as a trail/path marker. Cairns were used to hunt rodents and those rodents lived under these rocks.

3) Toto

The most famous Cairn Terrier of all times? Well that would be with no doubts the Toto from the Wizard of Oz. And it was a typical Cairn! Independent, feisty, smart and bold. The dog who played Toto was named Terry and she (YeS! Toto was a girl!) appeared in many other movies as well.

4) Go Getters

Cairn Terriers like to work and they must get the job done. I found this story about one Cair Terrier on the AKC website: It is about a terrier whose job was to help clear otters from seaside rock formations. The terrier grabbed the otter and held tight even after the animal plunged into the sea. His owner had to dive underwater to rescue his dog and found the little terrier, with his teeth still in the otter.

5) Barking

Cairn Terriers are barkers. Especially if they are bored. They will bark when something suspicious is going on around the house, when they want your attention or when they found something interesting and want to show you.

6) Around Kids

Cairns love to play and they are very active. That is why they enjoy a good playtime with children and they are happy around them. They are also very affectionate and pretty tolerant and friendly. They make good companions for older children.

7) Chasing

Cairn Terrier is a typical terrier. They were used to hunt and they still have their hunting instinct in them. That is why they have tendencies to chase smaller animals, even your pets. Hamsters are definitely not safe around Cairns.

8) Size

Cairn Terrier is a small dog with compact body. They should be between 9-13 inches tall which is 23-33 cm and their weight should be between 13-18 pounds which is 6-8 kg.

9) Energy Level

If we compare them to other Terriers they are not extremely hyperactive. But Cairns are still active dogs that need proper daily exercise. If you will not provide them daily long walk or vigorous play time, they might become destructive. The thing they love the most is digging, and trust me, they are ready to dig up your whole yard if they are bored.

10) Health

Cairn Terrier is pretty healthy dog breed with good lifespan, around 14 years. But as all dogs they are prone to some health issues. The most common include problems with liver and bones