Cairn Terrier Characteristics: The valiant and nimble Cairn Terrier is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1913). The Cairn Terrier, is characterized by its small, slightly shaggy, sturdy appearance with a small, broad head and mischievous expression. Other characteristics include dark hazel, medium sized eyes with shaggy eyebrows, small prick ears; a strong, supple body and a fluid gait. The temperament of the Cairn Terrier can be described as Fearless, Assertive, Active. The coat type of the Cairn Terrier is described as shaggy, weather-resistant coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Cairn Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Toto (from the Wizard of Oz)". The origin of the Cairn Terrier dog breed was in Scotland where it was developed in the Middle Ages. Fast Facts about the Cairn Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Cairn Terrier breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1913) *** Cairn Nick name: "Toto (from the Wizard of Oz)" *** Origin: Scotland *** Male Height: 10 - 13 inches (25 - 33 cm) *** Female Height: 9 - 12 inches (23 - 30 cm) *** Male Weight: 14 - 18 pounds (6 - 8 kg) *** Female Weight: 13 - 17 pounds (6 - 8 kg) *** Coat Type: shaggy, weather-resistant coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 2-10 puppies *** Health Problems: Legge-Perthes disease, Patellar Luxation, Skin allergies *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Cairn Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1913): The Cairn Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1913). Other names for the Cairn Terrier: The Cairn Terrier is known by the nickname of the "Toto (from the Wizard of Oz)". Other names for this breed of dog include the Short Haired Skye Terrier and Highland Cairn Terrier. Origin of the name: The dog is named after the place it originally hunted in the 'Cairns of Scotland. The word 'Cairn' derives from the from Scottish Gaelic word 'carn' meaning "heap of stones, rocky hill". The Cairn Terrier hunted their quarry in the crevices of the 'cairns', the piles of loose rock where their prey would retreat. The origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to pursue their prey, such as otters, fox, badgers rats and other small vermin. Cairn Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Cairn Terrier breed was in the Western Isles of Scotland during the Middle Ages. There are references to the Cairn Terrier in the 1600's, when James VI and I (1566 - 1625) the King of Scotland and England sent a group of "Earth Dogges" to his ally King Henry IV of France (1553 - 1610). The Cairn Terrier was renown for its levels of endurance and its ability to ignore pain and continue with its duties. The sturdy Cairn Terrier was originally used to control vermin by Crofters who farmed on poor quality, hill ground in Scotland. Packs of Cairn Terriers were then successfully used by hunters in their search for small game. The Cairn Terrier was recognized by the UK Kennel Club in 1910 and was first exported by Mrs. Byron Rodgers and Mrs. Henry F. Price to the United States in 1913 and the Cairn Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the same year. Cairn Terrier - Toto and the Wizard of Oz: The most famous Cairn Terrier is Toto, the beloved dog of Dorothy Gayle in the 1939 movie 'The Wizard of Oz'. The role of Toto was played by a female brindle Cairn Terrier whose real name was Terry. Toto was one of the stars of the movie - and was paid a $125 weekly salary (that was double the amount paid to the actors who played the Munchkins). Due to her famous role in the Wizard of Oz the little Cairn Terrier was no longer called Terry - her name was changed to Toto which she was called until her death in 1945. Cairn Terrier Modern History: The modern history of the Cairn Terrier moved on and the breed is now used as a fun-loving family pet that is able to settle in all different settings and is happy in both urban and rural environments. Cairn Terrier Height: This breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 10 - 13 inches (25 - 33 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 9 - 12 inches (23 - 30 cm). Cairn Terrier Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 14 - 18 pounds (6 - 8 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 13 - 17 pounds (6 - 8 kg). Cairn Terrier Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as shaggy, weather-resistant coat. Cairn Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Red, Grey, Cream, Brindle and Wheaten. N.B. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color. The term 'Wheaten' refers to the color of wheat, especially a pale yellow-brown color. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Cairn Terrier Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Cairn Terrier is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Cairn Terrier is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Cairn Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 2-10 puppies. Cairn Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Cairn Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Cairn Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Valiant, Fearless, Assertive, Active and Nimble. Cairn Terrier Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Cairn Terrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hour every day. This small dog has a lively, fluid gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Cairn Terrier Diet: A fully grown Cairn Terrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Cairn Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Cairn Terrier breed include Legge-Perthes disease, Patellar Luxation, Skin allergies . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Cairn Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Cairn Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Cairn Terrier breed is 12-15 years. Cairn Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Cairn Terrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Cairn Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Buddy *** Jake *** Nipper *** Peanut *** Foxy *** Bugsy *** Rascal *** Button *** Pip *** Incy *** Middy. Cairn Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Cairn Terrier names are Roxy *** Lady *** Bella *** Angel *** Sasha *** Abby *** Katie *** Lily *** Penny *** Cutie *** Girlie. Fast Facts about the Cairn Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Cairn Terrier breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Cairn Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1913) *** Cairn Size: Small *** Country of Origin: Scotland *** History / Date: Middle Ages *** Male Cairn Terrier Height: 10 - 13 inches (25 - 33 cm) *** Male Cairn Terrier Weight: 14 - 18 pounds (6 - 8 kg) *** Coat Type: shaggy, weather-resistant coat *** Litter Size: 2-10 puppies *** Cairn Terrier Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Cairn Terrier Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 