Breed Profile: Cairn Terrier

Many believe the cairn terrier to be a native of the western highlands of Scotland as well as the Isle of Skye, part of the Hebrides Islands in the northwest reaches of Scotland. The breed owes both its name and existence to cairns—piles of rocks erected to identify boundaries or mark graves. These cairns became favorite hiding places for foxes and other pests, so a small terrier was needed to go into the cairns and rout out the vermin. The cairn terrier’s history as a breed—largely parallel to that of the Skye terrier, West Highland white terrier, and Scottish terrier—dates back about 500 years, though some believe that the cairn is an older breed that provided the foundation for the West Highland white and Scottish breeds.

When cairn terriers were first exhibited in 1909, they were called short-haired Skyes, until a name change was brought about by Skye fanciers who objected to the original name. The breed is believed to have first arrived in the United States in 1913, when Mrs. Henry Price of Connecticut imported the first cairns from Britain. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the cairn terrier that same year, and since then, cairn terrier clubs have strived to preserve the breed as the working dog it has been for centuries.

The following description is of an “ideal” cairn. Not all cairns will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

Cairns are independent, energetic, intelligent, and sensitive dogs. They also tend to have a strong affinity for children and thrive on attention from their owners, though they may not seek it all the time.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a cairn is going to fit in with you and your family.

The cairn is affectionate and playful but also can be stubborn and willful at times. He has an independent streak that will make him less inclined to obey his owner unless the owner’s leadership status is clearly and consistently established. A cairn will gladly run a household himself if he senses that his owner is not up to the task. The cairn’s physical toughness makes him an ideal companion for children, as long as the children are instructed in the proper way to interact with a dog. A cairn will lose a bit of his energy as he ages but likely will retain many of his “puppylike” qualities throughout his life.

Cairns are indoor dogs who benefit from close contact with their human family. Their small size means that they can fit comfortably in an apartment or other small home, but a prospective owner should be aware of and prepared for the breed’s instinctual traits. For example, cairns will bark at almost anything; no one will ever come near your home without your knowing it. Many also will hunt mice and present the remains as a gift to their owner, as a cat would. They love to climb and dig, and their curiosity will draw them into every corner: opening boxes, crawling into bags, exploring your closets, or sleeping in open drawers.

The cairn terrier is a fairly active dog, but his small size means that he requires less exercise than larger energetic dogs. Long, brisk walks on a daily basis can provide adequate exercise for a cairn, and playing with a ball indoors can provide a further energy outlet or a suitable substitute for a walk in inclement weather. A securely fenced yard or exercise pen is imperative for this breed, as is constant supervision when outside. A cairn always should be on a leash when outdoors to prevent him from giving chase to squirrels, cats, or other small animals.

Cairn terriers are very smart and quick to learn but have a stubborn streak that can sometimes make them difficult to train, particularly if the owner does not establish herself as the leader. As with all dogs—but especially with more intelligent breeds such as cairns—training sessions should be short, fun, and positive, which will keep the dog both interested in the training and motivated to please his owner and learn.