Immortalized forever as Toto in the “Wizard of Oz,” the Cairn Terrier is a popular pet; this scrappy little dog is the 43rd most popular breed registered with the AKC in the United States. A big dog in a small body, the Cairn Terrier is courageous and inquisitive. You’ll find this adaptable breed equally at home in the city or the country, with owners of all ages.

History and Origin

One of Scotland's original Terriers, the ancestor of today’s Cairn Terrier hails from the ancient Isle of Skye and the ScottishHighlands, dating as far back as the 1500s. Bred to hunt vermin from the rock piles (called cairns) on Scottish farms, the Cairn Terrier became known for its courage, intelligence and tenacity. This adventurous little dog has retained these admirable traits to this day. First publicly presented as a breed in 1909, the Cairn became quite popular by 1930.

General Information

The lovable Cairn Terrier is an intelligent and independent little busybody. This alert little dog is ready for anything; it loves playing with well-behaved kids in the yard as much as it enjoys taking long regular walks (or ‘fact finding missions’, as your Cairn might call them). Be warned that this noble hunter of burrowing vermin also loves digging holes in your garden; if you value your landscaping, never leave your Cairn unsupervised among the plantings. Always walk your Cairn Terrier on a leash or keep it in a secure fenced yard, as it will chase after other animals – that’s what it’s been bred to do.

Like most Terriers, this breed is a bit stubborn. Without training, the Cairn can easily become destructive and may bark excessively. You’ll need to show this pet “who is boss” in a patient but persistent way. For best results, keep your training sessions short and fun, and avoid repetition. Overall, this confident little dog is cheerful and extremely quick to learn.

That deceptively "natural" looking coat actually takes a fair amount of maintenance, as a neglected coat soon becomes a matted mess. Brush gently several times a week to keep the coat healthy and untangled. Trim around the eyes and ears as needed with blunt-nosed scissors, and clip the nails regularly.

Health Ailments

The Cairn Terrier is a long-living breed that tends to be very healthy, although it is susceptible to allergies, eye diseases and patellar luxation.

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