Cairn Terrier coat variations
Toy dogs are an excellent choice to own as house pets because of their adorable features and relatively small size. Most of the time, we often see these little dogs in dog shows where they compete by showcasing their remarkable qualities.
One good example of a small dog is the Cairn Terrier. But don’t let its adorable appearance deceive you since it is a pure-bred hunter. This breed is smart and confident, perfect for hunting small mammals and keeping intruders at bay. The Cairn Terrier is a dog that loves to dig and explore, which is an excellent combination with its incredible hunting instincts.
Moreover, the Cairn Terrier is more than just a hunter. It has many wonderful qualities that many dog lovers would sure like. With proper training and care, this dog could be a great family companion.
Origins of the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is one of the Terrier dogsused to patrol the game preserves and farm of Scotland. Because of Terrier dogs’ diversity in Scotland, there was no clear distinction betweeneach breed, and were simply called ‘Scotch Terriers.’ A more systematic approach to classifying Terrier dogs appeared in the late 1800s, and the Cairn Terrier became known during 1887, despite its existence for years prior. The earliest records of the Cairn Terrier’s existence were from the 17th century in the Western Highlands.
The name Cairn Terrier originated from the mound of stones called ‘cairn.’ It was commonly used as a marking or boundary in Scotland. However, these heaped piles of rock are the favorite rodents spot, wherein they like to live in these tight spaces. This typical scenario was the reason why breeders developed the Cairn Terrier, which is a dog that specializes in digging into cairns.
Cairn Terriers were doing an excellent job of keeping the rodents away from the cairns. Furthermore, the greatness of the Cairn Terrier is not limited to hunting rodents. They can work well in packs, wherein they hunt foxes, otters, and other small mammals. All of these are possible because of the Cairn Terrier’s confidence, toughness, and incredible hunting instincts.
Over the years, breeders developed the Cairn Terrier further, as well as many other Scotch breeds. That is why in the 20th century, terrier breeders produced distinctive pure breeds of the various Scotch dogs, which includes the Cairn Terrier.
Characteristics of the Cairn Terrier
Height: 9.5 – 10 inches
Weight: 13 – 14 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 – 15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
As mentioned earlier, the Cairn Terrier is a small dog that could stand up to ten inches tall and weighs up to fourteen pounds. Despite its relatively small size, this dog has an incredible hunting skill that a group of Cairn Terriers could take down foxes, otters, and other small mammals. However, its appearance could be deceiving since it is a small and furry creature. Its head is short and wide, along with little brown eyes and ears pointed upwards. Another recognizable feature of the Cairn Terrier is its thick fur covering its head and body.
The Cairn Terrier is not just an adorable looking dog. It is highly intelligent, which is why it is capable of hunting. It is trainable and could do well as a family companion. Along with its smart characteristic, the Cairn Terrier is also known to be an alert dog, adding up to this breed’s brilliance.
Moreover, the Cairn Terrier is an overall package for any dog lover. Its good looks and intelligence are sure to catch the interest of fur parents. This breed is an excellent family dog, especially when trained properly – it could be a very remarkable companion.
Caring for the Cairn Terrier
Like most dogs, the Cairn Terrier works best with high-quality dog food. Homemade meals also work wonders, as long as your local veterinarian approves them. And because of its activeness in the field, treats should also work fine to aid in its training. However, be mindful of the amount of food you are serving them to avoid overfeeding. Excess food consumption could lead to obesity, or worse, other medical problems in the future. So always be cautious in the calorie consumption and weight level of your dog.