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Cairn terrier

The Cairn Terrier comes from the Scottish Highlands and Skye, bred to bolt fox and other quarry from the cairns — the rock piles that give the breed its name.

It is the dog that played Toto in The Wizard of Oz, which made it famous well beyond terrier circles.

It stands 24 to 33 centimetres, weighs 6 to 7.5 kilograms and lives thirteen to fifteen years, with a harsh weather-resistant double coat. It is a genuine working terrier: hardy, bold, busy and independent, with a real prey drive and an enthusiasm for digging. It is one of the sounder small breeds, with two testable conditions worth asking about.

Origin
Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye
Size
24–33 cm; 6–7.5 kg
Lifespan
13–15 years
Coat
Harsh weather-resistant double coat; hand-stripped
Temperament
Bold, busy and independent; a working terrier
Health
Globoid cell leukodystrophy and portosystemic shunt — testable

Related: Airedale terrier · American hairless terrier · American pit bull terrier · American Staffordshire terrier · Australian terrier

2 cairn terrier photos, newest first

Cairn terrier feed
  • Quince III, a cairn terrier

    Quince III

    Quince III was promoted to mayor opening a very small fountain; unfortunately, a ribbon spool rolls across the entire set.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Quince III, a cairn terrier

    Quince III

    Quince III does not believe the camera is necessary.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a cairn terrier

Ask for the globoid cell leukodystrophy DNA test — a fatal nerve disease appearing in young puppies — and about portosystemic shunt, a liver blood-vessel abnormality that shows as poor growth and odd neurological behaviour after meals.

The harsh coat needs hand-stripping two or three times a year plus weekly brushing. Clipping softens it permanently and it loses its weatherproofing.

They dig. This is not a training failure; it is the job. Give a digging pit or accept the lawn.

Prey drive is strong and recall around wildlife is unreliable.

They are prone to weight gain under the coat. Feel the ribs monthly rather than judging by eye.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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