Dogs: the Playful and Inquisitive Dog: Cairn Terrier

Dogs: the Playful and Inquisitive Dog: Cairn Terrier

The Cairn is assumed as one of the subcategories of Scotland’s terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish, The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes.

Cairn is the smallest breed among the terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves.  During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy. 

This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of “Toto” in “The Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy’s companion dog. Presently, like the American pit bull terriers, Cairns are used as companion dogs. Among the variety’s talents are tracking, watching over the house, hunting, and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience.   

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Cairns:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat

Colors: any color except white

Height: between 9.5 and 10 inches

Weight: between 13 and 14 pounds

Temperament: like most terriers that were bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited; also have a special connection with children age six and above

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

•      Atopy, a type of allergy
•      Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes
•      Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum
•      Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye
•      Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

Care and Exercise:

•    Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.
•    Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly.
•    Do not over feed them as they gain weight easily.
•    Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash.
•    They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.

Origin/History:

As already noted, the Cairns were existent since around the 1500s. At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers.

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns. 

In the year 1912, the Cairns receive their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers that were hiding in cairns.  However, it was in the year 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club.

The Cairn terrier is one heck of an agile little dog that is very appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying, and is always ready to join the fun. If you are still not convinced, just reckon how Dorothy was entertained and accompanied by this type of dog.

Watch the video related to Pit Bull Terriers

Help answer the question about Pit Bull Terriers

I have a seven month old american pit bull terrier who will not poop outside?
Sadie, my seven month old american pit bull terrier is excellent at letting us know when she needs to go pee. But however when she needs to poop she wont let us know and will sneak off and do it. I really need some advice on what to do from here. Thanks

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18 Responses to “Dogs: the Playful and Inquisitive Dog: Cairn Terrier”

  1. MustLoveDingos says:

    *sub*

  2. Gapfruit says:

    can’t believe it’s drawn out of nothing, could be a photography!

  3. Forbidia says:

    Brilliant Willy, Just Brilliant =D

  4. syd_32_00 says:

    All APBT's are born with floppy ears. The ones with pointed ears have had surgery "cropping" to make them look that way for aesthetic purposes.

  5. american_pitbull2006 says:

    Pit bulls were originally created in the 1800's in England. The original dogs were a mix of bulldogs and terriers. However, when I say bulldog, I'm not talking about "English bulldogs." The bulldogs in England back then were much bigger than today and they're faces weren't as smooshed. Those English bulldogs looked a lot like today's American bulldogs. They also resemble a breed called an Olde English Bulldogge.

  6. ♥ Leo ♥ says:

    http://www.netpets.com/dogs/healthspa/case4dock.html

    It is common for a lot of BYB's or others to dock, but that being said in both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the APBT breed standards, it states tail is not to be docked.

  7. Hermann759 says:

    Great talent Der Mann.

  8. sarah b says:
  9. tacdad3 says:

    If you are talking about the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier you areally wont be able to tell the differance.

    there are 3 different breeds.
    the APBT or American Pit Bull Terrier
    AST or American Staffordshire Terrier and the
    SBT or Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

    now the APBT and AST Are pretty much the same breed but reg with different registries.
    The AST did come from the APBT when AKC decided to register the APBT they changed the name.

    now the SBT is a smaller dog but has the same body type as the APBT and the AST for the most part. The SBT should never have its ears cropped like most of the AST and APBT do.

    The APBT and AST are both USA breeds but
    the SBT is a breed from the UK. it is not as popular in the USA as the APBT or the AST.

    Here is a little history on the APBT and AST .
    the APBT was the only breed to make up the Am Staffs.
    when the AKC decided to start the Am Staff breed they used only UKC registered APBT. they did change the name to get away from the fighting history of the breed though.

    in 1898 the UKC was formed for the purpose of registering the APBT as a pure breed. this was the 1st breed the UKC did recognize but later they did become a multi breed registry and the 2nd largest and 2nd oldest registry in the USA.

    then in 1936 the AKC did also register the APBT but did change the name to Staffordshire Terrier. then later in 1972 changed the name again to American Staffordshire Terrier so they would not get confused with their English cousins the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    from the AKC site
    "These dogs began to find their way into America as early as 1870, where they became known as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later American Bull Terrier, and still later as Yankee Terrier.

    In 1936, they were accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book as Staffordshire Terriers. The name of the breed was revised effective January 1, 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier"

    as the AKC doesn't recognize the APBT as a pure bred dog they really give little to no mention of them in the history of the breed and no mention of the UKC either.

    hope this helps a little bit…

    Edit to add:
    althought the Am Staff and the American Pit Bull Terrier where the same breed in the beginning they are both been bred very differently. orig the Am Staff was bred primarily for show and the APBT was for fighting they have become very different.

    The UKC does allow the Am Staffs to be registered as APBT so some people are crossing the 2 lines in UKC. I know of many people that call them Pitter Staffs ( an unofficial name)
    The AKC will not allow the APBT to be registered with their registries at this time though.
    Also People have been breeding the APBT and AST lower and thicker to make the low rider type of dogs. Many people believe others breeds may have been added tot he APBT or AST to make this new breed of dog.
    They have also started their own registry and they are being called American Bullies.

    here are some registry links for you
    AKC AST
    http://www.akc.org/index.cfm
    UKC APBT
    http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/WebPa…
    ABKC American Bully
    http://www.abkcdogs.org/
    AKC SBT
    http://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/index.cfm
    UKC SBT
    http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/e63329fac2fcceaa8525735c0061eb4d/b6077e9cd67178798525741600537076?OpenDocument

  10. mark c says:

    Any dog will guard but if you are going to use your dog as JUST a guard dog the possibility is he will turn aggressive in all situations.
    If he is going to be a pet and you want to know if he would guard you then i would say that most dogs will protect their family if they have to.

  11. Charlie Farlie says:

    In Ontario, pit bulls are banned under existing legislation (October 2005). There are tougher restrictions on breeding, tougher rules for current owners of pit bulls and other restrictions. This legislation will also affect other "dangerous" breeds.

    Since the legislation, I haven't heard of charges being brought against owners – the legislation might lack "teeth"! But another thing that is important to remember is that there needs to be enforcement officers to lay charges, etc…

    One thing I don't understand from your question is the word "scoucers". What is that?

  12. imtrudil80 says:

    Incredible! He looks so life like. Just amazing…and what a beautiful subject

  13. champ0y says:

    You’re really good man. You’ve got excellent talent.

  14. HappyNotGrumpy says:

    Excellent work. Pleasure to watch. Perfect music :-) ))

  15. Emily says:

    both dogs are very good companion dogs. How well they get along depends on you and how they are introduced and treated while together.

  16. monkeymanbob says:

    Nice work, you did pretty good.

  17. emma157 says:

    no breed of dog,large or small should be allowed in public off lead.
    i don't blame you for being afraid for your 3yr.old.
    a staffie is a powerful dog and the injuries they inflict are horrific when they attack.
    now,that being said,i have 2 staffies.there is no better breed around a child than a staffie if the dog has been properly socialized. none any worse if they have not.
    mine have been.if you ever consider getting a staffie or even a mix you should get it when it is very young and be sure it is spayed/neutered.
    a pack leader needs to be established right off to give the pup some sense of security because just like a child,they crave limits and boundaries.this lets them know where they stand within the family.
    a "spoiled" child is not really a happy child and neither is a "spoiled" dog.if you really want to learn more about the breed you can go on line and type in American Stafforshire Terrier and it will take you to a number of sites .
    also a good site for all breeds is http:/www.nextdaypets.comdirectory/breeds
    please don't condemnn the breed condem irresponsible owners.
    FYI,staffies used to be called "nanny dogs" because they are so good with children.
    if you can stand one more piece of advice.cesar milan has some excellent books on dog psychology.if you get the chance pick one up.it will help you in future with any breed you chose to get.
    long answer i know,i hope it helps you .

  18. antoniob35 says:

    whoa!!it looks like a PICTURE!
    ur an amazing painter!:D

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