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Cairn Terrier Information
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The creation of the Cairn Terrier was an attempt to preserve the old time working terrier. The terriers from Scotland had been all grouped together until 1873 when they were separated into two classifications, Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Skye Terriers. The breeds we now know as the Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Cairn Terriers were included in classes for the Skye Terrier. These breeds had developed from the same stock and were often found in the same litter, simply distinguished only by their color.
Until 1923, the breed standard for Cairn Terriers permitted white as a color. The interbreeding of Cairns and West Highland White Terriers had happened both in England and the United States. The Cairn was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 and in 1917 the AKC banned any Cairn from registration if it was a product of breeding the Cairn with the West Highland White Terrier.
The original purpose for Cairn Terriers was to rid their land of vermin. They would dogs were highly prized for their working ability, not appearances. They were well known for going after fox, otter, weasel, rats and mice.
Cairn Terriers are fairly small dogs. Males should be about 10 inches tall and weigh around 14 pounds. Females should be 9.5 inches and weigh 13 pounds. Their coats are hard and very weather resistant. They are double coated, having a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. Their coloring can be any color other than white.
Cairns tend to be pretty friendly, even with friendly strangers. However, if someone was intending on harming you, or simply doesn't seem right with the dog, they will bark, and possibly attack to defend you and your home.
Typically they do well with other animals, if they are raised with them. If you bring home a kitten when your Cairn is older you may have some problems. If you already have cats or other dogs in the home when you bring in your Cairn puppy, everything should be fine. Your Cairn may still chase the cat now and then, but it's solely for the chase, and it will end with a chase (no attack).
Many Cairn Terriers have problems with allergies. The main cause for the allergic reactions is the food the dogs are fed. Stay away from the dog foods that can be purchased at grocery stores- they tend to consist of mostly corn, and corn is a major allergy with dogs. Even if a dog has eaten a certain type of food his entire life, he can develop an allergy to an ingredient in the food and it can cause problems for him. Some also have seasonal type allergies where they begin to scratch at themselves or chew on their feet and legs certain times of the year. It's best to have allergy tests done on your dog so that you know the exact cause and you can give the dog allergy medication to help ease his suffering during allergy season.
Health issues that Cairn Terriers are prone to are cataracts, craniomandibular osteopathy, cryptorchidism, globoid cell leukodystrophy, thyroid conditions, legg-perthes, patella luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.
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