One of the many terrier breeds the AKC recognizes is the Cairn Terrier! These small dogs have big, cheerful personalities and make great family pets. They have origins in Scotland, particularly on the Island of Skye and were used to root out rodents from mounds of rocks. Cairn Terriers are relatively adaptable and do well in a variety of spaces, including apartments. However, they should not be strictly outdoor dogs and they do not do well left alone for long periods of time. Without the right outlets and training, Cairns that are left to their own devices could start barking incessantly or might destroy things.
Historically, Cairn Terriers come from Scotland and like other working breeds, the breed’s exact origins are hard to pin down. However, by the 19th century, specific terrier breeds started to develop and the Cairn Terrier was one of them! It’s believed that these dogs come from the Island of Skye along the west coast of Scotland and were used by farmers to hunt rodents. Their name derives from the Scottish Gaelic word càrn; today, the English word cairn refers to a mound, landmark, or even a trail maker. This breed was called Cairn Terrier because they’d often root out rodents out of hiding spots in Scottish cairns.
Fans of The Wizard of Oz might recognize Cairn Terriers, as the dog that played Toto was one! Terry the Cairn Terrier was born in 1933 and eventually found her way to the home of Hollywood dog trainer Carl Spitz after her original owners could not housetrain her and abandoned her with Spitz. In her 11 years on Earth, Terry starred in 17 feature films, including The Wizard of Oz with Judy Garland, Bright Eyes with Shirley Temple, and Stablemates with Mickey Rooney.
Cairn Terriers are small dogs, usually standing 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 13-16 pounds. Their wiry coats can come in a range of colors and are pretty easy to groom! Despite the relative ease, it’s important to regularly brush a Cairn’s coat to avoid matting and tangles. Trimming the coat around their eyes and ears with a pair of blunt nose scissors (or taking them to a professional groomer!) can also keep their faces clear and looking great. Other types of grooming, like cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and trimming their nails, are also important parts of caring for a Cairn Terrier.
Temperament-wise, Cairn Terriers are tenacious, energetic, and affectionate. Despite their small stature, these dogs are not lapdogs and would prefer to be in an active home that includes them in any activities! They’d make great family dogs, provided that everyone respects their boundaries and understands that they’re small dogs and may not be able to handle tough roughhousing like significantly bigger breeds. Like other terriers, Cairns do like digging, which is one reason they were historically so popular for hunting small game or as pest control. However, if you have a garden or a yard that you don’t want full of holes, it might be good to supervise your Cairn while they’re outside and provide other ways to burn off some of their endless energy. Activities like fetch, fun walks, and dog sports are all fun ways to keep Carin Terriers happy!
Ultimately, Cairn Terriers can be wonderful dogs, particularly for active families and people willing to put in the work keeping them engaged, trained, and groomed. Without the proper outlets and guidance, Cairns could easily become destructive and barky; plus, their coats are relatively easy to care for but can be prone to matting if not regularly brushed. While these tenacious dogs are small, their personality is larger than life!
