About Cairn Terriers
Cairn Terrier
About The Cairn Terrier
Introduction :
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognised as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs.
The breed was given the name Cairn because the breed's function was to hunt and chase quarry between the cairns in the Scottish highlands.
Although the breed had existed long before, the name Cairn Terrier was a compromise suggestion after the breed originally was brought to official shows in the United Kingdom in 1909 under the name Short-haired Skye terriers.
This name was not acceptable to The Kennel Club due to opposition from Skye Terrier breeders, and the name Cairn Terrier was suggested as an alternative.
They are usually left-pawed,which has been shown in dogs to correlate to superior performance in tasks related to scent. Cairn terriers are ratters.
History :
Cairns originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye, initially grouped in the "Skye Terrier" class alongside the Scottish and West Highland White Terriers. In the early 1900s, the three breeds began to be bred separately.
The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom gave the Cairn Terrier a separate register in 1912; the first year of recognition, 134 were registered, and it was in that year that the breed was given Championship status.
Description :
The Cairn Terrier has a harsh weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, grey, or brindled in any of these colors. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted.
A notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change colour throughout their lifetimes. It is not uncommon for a brindled Cairn to become progressively more black or silver as it ages.
The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat.
A well-groomed Cairn has a rough-and-ready appearance, with no exaggeration.
Grooming :
Cairn Terriers shed very little, but always should be hand-stripped.
Using scissors or shears can ruin the dog's rugged outer coat after one grooming.
Hand-stripping involves pulling the old dead hair out by the roots. If done incorrectly, this can cause discomfort to the dog, causing it to shy away from future hand-stripping.
Removing the dead hair in this manner allows new growth to come in.
This new growth helps protect the dog from water and dirt.
Cairn Terrier ancestors are from Scotland, where the harsh coat repels water and keeps the dog dry even in rainy or damp climates.
Keeping the Cairn Terrier coat in its original state will prevent possible skin irritations.
As dead hair is removed by stripping the coat, new growth comes in, and the skin and coat remain healthy.
Clipper-cutting a Cairn might destroy the protective wire coat unique to this breed.
Living conditions :
Cairn Terriers exist happily in an apartment when sufficiently exercised.
They are very active indoors and suffice even without a garden.
Daily walks help keep Cairn terriers happy and healthy.
Fenced-in gardens are strongly recommended for safety and well-being as well as being kept on leash when not in the garden.
Cairn Terriers are particularly easily trained; basic training must be done, to make sure your Cairn understands who is the boss.
If your Cairn is allowed to take control of the household, behavior problems may develop that only can be resolved by hiring a professional dog trainer.
Exercise :
Cairns are active dogs, which means they need a daily walk.
Play takes care of a lot of their exercise needs; however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk.
Dogs which do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems.
They also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off leash, such as a large fenced garden.