Cairn Terrier
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Scotland
- Weight
- 6–7.5 kg (13–17 lb) [ 1 ] [ 2 ]
- Height
- 28–31 cm (11–12 in) [ 1 ] [ 2 ]
- Coat
- abundant shaggy outer coat, soft downy undercoat
- Colour
- cream, deep red, brindle, light grey, apricot or black
intro
The Cairn Terrier is a terrier breed originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognised as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs . The name "Cairn Terrier" was a compromise suggestion when the breed was brought to official shows in the United Kingdom in 1909, initially under the name "Short-haired Skye terrier". This name was not accepted by the Kennel Club when faced with opposition from breeders of the Skye Terrier . The alternative name Cairn Terrier was adopted.
Health
A 2015 French study found a life expectancy of 13.42 years. [ 10 ] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . [ 11 ] Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are: [ 12 ] [ 13 ] The breed is predisposed to atopic dermatitis. [ 14 ]
History
Cairn Terriers originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye . [ 3 ] Prior to 1873, terriers in Scotland were collectively referred to as 'Scottish Terriers'. [ 4 ] In the early days of the breed's establishment, the name 'short haired Skye Terrier' was used. [ 5 ] [ 6 ] After concerns raised by the Skye Terrier Club, the name 'Cairn Terrier' was given to the breed instead. [ 4 ] The name 'Cairn Terrier' comes from cairns , where the terriers often flushed out vermin. [ 7 ] The Cairn Terrier was registered into the American Kennel Club in 1903. [ citation needed ] 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 the breed was given Championship status. [ 8 ] While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917, the American Kennel Club required them to be registered as West Highland White Terriers . The dog was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1963. [ 9 ]
Description
The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled . Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs . 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. Cairn Terriers tend to look similar to Norwich Terriers , but with some differences (for example the shaggy fur). The outer layer of fur is shaggy, but they have a soft, downy undercoat. The ideal height is roughly 28–31 cm , with weight in proportion, usually some 6–7.5 kg . [ 1 ] [ 2 ]