| Alternative Name Toto in the Wizard of Oz
Basic Info
The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier
category. It is one of the oldest terriers, originating
in the Scottish Highlands, used for hunting burrowing
prey among the cairns. They stand between 9 and 13
inches (23-33 cm) at the withers and weigh 13 to 18
pounds (6 to 8 kg). European Cairns tend to be larger
than American Cairns. Due to irresponsible breeding,
many dogs available today are much smaller or much
larger than the breed standard. Cairns that have had
puppy-mill backgrounds can weigh as little as 7 pounds
or as much as 27 pounds. The breed has a harsh,
weather-resistant outer coat that can be cream, wheaten,
red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors.
Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted
by many kennel clubs. While registration of white Cairns
was once permitted, after 1917 the American Kennel Club
required them to be registered as West Highland White
Terriers. A notable characteristic of Cairns is that
brindled Cairns frequently change color throughout their
lifetime. 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, free of artifice or
exaggeration.
Health
These dogs are generally healthy but many have
allergies. Often the allergies take the form of skin
conditions. Corn is often the culprit, so an owner of
this breed should routinely try to avoid feeding foods
and treats that contain corn. Even if the Cairn does not
show symptoms of corn allergy, because corn allergies
are so prevalent and can show up at any time in the life
of the dog, it is recommended to avoid corn even with a
healthy dog. This breed also suffers more frequently
than usual from dislocated kneecaps and inherited eye
diseases. Ocular Melanosis (OM) is an eye disease that
is found almost exclusively in Cairns.
Behavior
They are intelligent, strong, loyal and have some
fears. Like most terriers, they are stubborn and
strong-willed, and love to dig after real or imagined
prey. Cairn Terriers have a strong prey instinct and
will need comprehensive training. However, they are
highly intelligent and, although very willful, can be
trained. Although it is often said that they are
disobedient, this is not the case provided correct
training is applied. They are excellent with children
and make wonderful family dogs. These are working dogs
and are still used as such in parts of Scotland. Like
most terriers, they require large amounts of exercise.
Cairn Terriers are very independent and do not make good
"lap dogs". The image of Cairn Terriers being like
"Toto" from the Wizard of Oz is a misconception. In
reality, these dogs do not always like to snuggle and
would heartily object to being kept in a basket. They
like to do what they want, and will not make good pets
for someone looking for a dog to cuddle with. However,
if one wants a true best friend, Cairn Terriers are the
choice for them. They are extremely loyal and very
amiable.
Origin
Scotland
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