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Hill’s Brand Horizon

Cairn Terrier

dog Breed Profile

Cairn terriers stand only nine to 10 to inches tall, are about 15 inches in length and weigh about 13 or 14 pounds.

Attributes

Upright ears (naturally)

Size

Weight

13-16 lbs.

13-16 lbs.

Height

9

(at withers)

10

Coat

Length

Medium

Color

All except white

Care

Exercise

>40 minutes/day

Energy level

High

Longevity

12-15 yrs.

Needs

Moderate

Traits

Barking

High

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

High

Grooming Needs

Moderate

Social Needs

Moderate

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Terrier

UKC Class.

Terrier

Prevalence

Common

The Cairn Terrier Dog Breed

The cairn terrier has a renowned Hollywood connection. Toto in ”The Wizard of Oz” was played by a cairn terrier.

About the Cairn Terrier

Cairn terriers stand only nine to 10 to inches tall, are about 15 inches in length and weigh about 13 or 14 pounds.

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Cairn Terrier personality

Cairn terriers are considered intelligent, loyal family pets that adapt to most environments. They are true terriers, however, and consequently extremely active dogs. Some may be prone to excessive barking and others can be diggers. This is not a dog for someone who wants a quiet lap dog. They can be feisty with other dogs, and deadly with small pets and errant rodents.

On the other hand, cairn terriers are an excellent choice for families who want a playful, cheerful pet always up for a game of fetch or a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

What to expect

Cairn terriers are active dogs that should be given the opportunity to romp and play, but they do not need great amounts of space to obtain the needed exercise. Walks on a leash, in-house play sessions or runs in a fenced-in backyard will suffice.

Their coat sheds little and although it requires regular brushing and trimming, it is not difficult to care for.

History of the Cairn Terrier

The cairn terrier is the energetic, brave and devoted little dog that most of us know as Toto in “The Wizard of Oz.” But his roots extend farther back in time than that, and his accomplishments, too, are far greater.

The Cairn terrier may have existed as long ago as the 16th century, helping to control vermin on the Isle of Skye. Their specialty was in bolting quarry, particularly otters, from heaps of stone known as cairns. The breed is related to the Scottish and West Highland white terriers, and crosses with Westies occurred as recently as the 1920s. Today, the Cairn terrier is an excellent all-around family pet and show dog.

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