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History of The Cairn Terrier

Please join us for a short trip as we discover the history of the unique Cairn Terrier.

The Cairn Terrier is one of the original breeds of Scottish terriers developed to hunt vermin, rodents and other small animals in the rugged countryside.

Known as one of the founding dogs of most of the terrier breeds they were, and still are to this day, a hearty and lovable breed.

The Cairn Terriers are believed to have got the name Cairn from their ability to move through the stone piles or cairns used to mark property, graves and other monuments when hunting.

The Cairn Terrier is first recorded in writing and historical documents in the 15^th century.

It is believed to have originated in the Isle of Skye and the western Scottish Highlands.

The original breed was independent and highly athletic, and spent its day hunting and being outdoors, no matter what the weather.  The dogs were not bred for appearance, rather for hunting ability and relatively small size to allow them to move through the cairns.

Tough Enough to Survive the Scottish Highlands

There were many different coat colors available, but generally they were darker colors at least on the tips of the ears, tail and muzzle, traits that are still desirable in modern Cairn Terriers. The coats needed to be thick and wiry both to provide protection from the brambles and sharp rocks, as well as to repel the rain, snow and sleet of the Scottish Highlands.

In the turn of the century Cairn Terriers were known as the “Short-haired Skye Terrier” to distinguish them from the Skye Terrier breed. They continued to be a sporting and hunting dog, and were bred for their hunting ability rather than any particular coat color as some of the other terrier breeds were.

Migration To Canada

Captain Martin McLeod of the Isle of Skye was one of the first supporters of the Cairn Terrier breed, keeping a large collection of the dogs for otter hunting. When he immigrated to Canada he took some of the exceptional otter hunting animals with him, so they were quickly established in that country as well.

The Cairn Terrier became recognized as a separate breed by the Kennel Club in 1910, and obtained a separate registry in 1912. Two influential women, Mary Hawkes and Mrs. Alistair Campbell were central in this decision as they promoted the Cairn Terriers as a separate breed from the Skye Terriers.

 Arrival In The United States

The first Cairn Terrier came to the United States in 1913 and was imported by Mrs. Henry Price.

The breed was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917.

Cairn Terriers continue to compete in show classes, trials or “go to ground” events as well as obedience and athletic competitions.

 Splinters The Famous Cairn Terrier

One of the most famous original Cairn Terriers was Splinters of Twobees. Not only was he eight times English champion but he also sired a huge number of offspring, many that went on to win championships of their own.

One of his many puppies, Redletter McRuffie, was imported to Canada by Betty Hyslop.

This line was then introduced to the United States through Redletter McRuffies sons, Cairnwoods Quince and Cairmar Fancy Dancer. Virtually all Cairn Terriers in the United States and Canada can trace their lineage back to these champion dogs.

 Over The Years

The Cairn Terrier has changed its looks over the many years that it has been a recognized breed, although it still retains the original foxy looking intelligent face and mischievous gaze. The original Cairns were larger and more rangy looking than the current breed, and were less of a companion dog and more of an outdoor working animal.

The original Cairn Terrier is believed to be the founding stock of the Scottish, West Highland White, and Skye Terrier breeds, and most likely has had some influence on all of the terrier breeds from Scotland.

 That's all for now on the amazing history of the Cairn Terrier

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