Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is probably best known as Toto from the Wizard of Oz. Other movie appearances include Twister, The Big Lebowski, Hocus Pocus, National Treasure 2, and Children of Men. This breed has also been featured on I Love Lucy. However, fame isn't everything. It is also well known as a ratter. History The Cairn Terrier originated on the Isle of Sky in the Highlands of Scotland, which is why they were originally considered as part of the Skye Terrier Class. Other members of this class include the West Highland White Terrier and Scottish Terrier. These three similar breeds began to really diverge in the early 1900's. At this time, the Cairn Terrier started becoming a distinct canine, which is why it was given its own name. Since it was adept at ratting and hunting other pests, the Cairn Terrier was named after fox and badger dens (the word "cairn"� is used to describe these holes in Scottish). Appearance A Cairn Terrier has a "foxy"� expression that is often a bit mischievous. The wide-set eyes, large teeth, and erect ears all add to this foxiness. The body is hardy with deep ribs, strong legs, and a straight tail. Though the legs are short, the body is still very muscular, so this little dog is strong for his size. Males typically measure ten inches tall at the withers, while females are nine and a half inches tall at the withers. Average weight for males is fourteen pounds and for females is thirteen pounds. Usually, the body is slightly longer than the dog is tall, making them look long and lean; average torso measurements are usually between fourteen and fifteen inches. As for the coat, it is double layered. The outer coat is normally very harsh, while the undercoat is dense and soft. Cairn Terriers can come in almost any color except white. Most have dark markings on their tail, muzzle, and ears. Temperament Cairns, like other terriers, have a unique personality typical of this kind of dog. They can be very affectionate at times and very trying at others. Cairns especially will try to test their limits by challenging their owner. However, this behavior can be minimized or eliminated altogether with proper obedience training. In training, they usually learn quickly because of their high intelligence. Cairn Terriers are also described as adventurous, loyal, and willful. Typical habits include digging holes and chasing small animals. Pet Care Obedience training is a must for these dogs; without it, they will develop bad behaviors and challenge an owner's leadership. However, training does not have to take up an extensive amount of time. Grooming is also completely necessary in order to keep the coat and skin in good health. This small breed doesn't require as much exercise as larger animals, but they must have daily walks or other activities to stay happy and healthy. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Cairn Terrier is around fifteen years, which is slightly above average for purebred dogs of this size. Common health problems include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Krabbe disease, Legg-Clave-Perthes syndrome, cataracts, ocular melanosis, corneal dystrophy, craniomandibular osteopathy (lion jaw), and hip dysplasia. Cairn Terriers also suffer from hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand disease, and luxating patellas. Good diet and exercise can help reduce risk for some of these conditions. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love this dog because of their terrier attitude. This demeanor is not for all, but those who love terriers will love this breed. They are also beloved family dogs because they get along with children. Is This Breed Right For You? If you are looking for a small dog in the Toy class that is not a delicate lapdog, then the Cairn Terrier may be for you. This is especially true if you love the typical terrier attitude. These small dogs are easy to care for because they require very little exercise. They shed minimally and don't require as much grooming as some other breeds. They are also friendly and peppy and more willing to get along with other animals and pets than other terrier breeds. Cairn Terriers work well in multiple-pet households as a result. This breed also makes a good watchdog. It will alert its masters of any approaching people, animals, or objects by barking. Despite all of these positive attributes, the Cairn Terrier is not for everyone. The Cairn Terrier is a good dog for people that want a small-sized, sturdy, tough dog that is not just a delicate lapdog. It has a natural, healthy appearance, needs just a little exercise, and makes for a keen watchdog too. It doesn't shed all too often, and it co-exists easily with other pets more so than some other terriers. However, a Cairn Terrier is not right for you if you don't like a dynamic terrier temperament, can't provide enough exercise to keep them occupied, don't like aggression toward other animals with a habit of chasing too, stubbornness or independence, digging, barking, and regular brushing of its wiry coat. It has a considerable number of health problems to top it all off. Most terriers are all the same in that they are quick to bark, quick to chase, lively, ill-tempered, feisty, scrappy, clever, strange, persistent, impulsive, and intense with stubbornness on top of that.

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