Cairn TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Cairn Terrier comes from the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. It is considered one of Scotland's oldest working dogs. The name comes from “cairns”, the piles of stones from which these dogs drove out vermin.

When the breed reached official shows in the United Kingdom, in 1909, it was at first called the “Short-haired Skye Terrier”. Skye Terrier breeders objected, so the name Cairn Terrier was adopted.

How the breed developed

• Before 1873 – All terriers in Scotland are called “Scottish Terriers”.
• 1909 – The breed appears at shows as the “Short-haired Skye Terrier”, then is given the name Cairn Terrier.
• 1912 – The Kennel Club opens a separate register for it; 134 dogs are entered in the first year.
• After 1917 – The AKC registers white Cairns as West Highland White Terriers.
• 6 April 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 8 September 2026 – The newest FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a small, agile and alert terrier with a natural, working-dog look. It has deep ribs, a medium-length back and stands well on its forelegs. The head is shorter and broader than in any other terrier.

General appearance

The dark brown eyes are slightly sunken, under shaggy eyebrows. The small, pointed ears stand erect. The short, well-furnished tail is carried gaily. The AKC says it has a “foxy expression”.

The accepted colours are cream, wheaten, red, grey or nearly black, and brindle in all these colours. Darker ears and muzzle are very typical. Solid black, white, and black and tan are not accepted.

Cairns are very clever and love their family, but the AKC says they may try to test their owner's limits. That is why obedience training is necessary.

It learns quickly, but the instinct to dig and chase small animals always remains. Early socialisation and puppy classes are recommended.

Tips for effective training

• Be consistent. If you allow something once, it will try again.
• Use rewards. It responds well to encouragement.
• Accept the digging. Give it a corner where it is allowed to dig.
• Try dog sports. It enjoys obedience, tracking, agility and earthdog trials.

It needs moderate exercise. The AKC says it can adapt anywhere, from a Highland farm to a high-rise flat in the city, as long as it goes out every day.

Tips for a balanced life

• Keep it on a lead: it may run after small animals.
• It barks fairly often to raise the alarm; teach it a “quiet” command.
• It loves to be close to the family.

Coat and skin care

Cairns are fairly easy to look after. The AKC recommends weekly brushing and combing and occasional hand-stripping to keep the coat harsh. They shed little.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is robust and healthy, but, as in all breeds, a few problems can occur:

Other care

• Trim the nails regularly; overly long nails bother it.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Take it for regular veterinary check-ups and keep up parasite prevention.

The AKC warns that some dogs put on weight easily. Keep an eye on calories, especially treats.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It is Toto from “The Wizard of Oz”. The AKC says it is best known as Toto, Dorothy's dog.
• The name comes from stones. “Cairn” means a pile of stones, from which it drove out vermin.
• The white ones are Westies. After 1917, the AKC registered white Cairns as West Highland White Terriers.
• “The best little pal”. A British breed club promotes it as “the best little pal in the world”.
• There is a word for its character. Breeders call its unique qualities “Cairnishness”.

Toto from “The Wizard of Oz”

The best-known Cairn Terrier is Toto, Dorothy's dog in the film “The Wizard of Oz”. The AKC says the breed is best known thanks to this role.

What breed is Toto from “The Wizard of Oz”?

A Cairn Terrier.

How big does it get?

It measures about 28–31 cm at the withers and ideally weighs 6–7.5 kg.

Can it live in an apartment?

Yes. The AKC says it adapts even to a flat, as long as it goes out every day.

Does it shed a lot?

No, it sheds little, but the coat should be brushed weekly.

How long does it live?

Its life expectancy is 13–15 years.