Cairn Terrier
Breed Description

The Cairn Terrier has been known by several names throughout its development in the Scottish Highlands. Originally, these dogs were collectively referred to as "Scottish Terriers" along with other terrier breeds from Scotland, before breed distinctions became more clearly defined in the late 19th century.

In the early stages of breed development, Cairn Terriers were sometimes called "Short-haired Skye Terriers," reflecting their close relationship with other Highland terrier breeds. This name was used until breed enthusiasts sought to establish a distinct identity for the Cairn, leading to the adoption of their current name in 1909.

The name "Cairn Terrier" itself derives from the Scottish word "cairn," which refers to the stone piles or monuments traditionally used as landmarks and burial markers throughout the Scottish countryside. These stone formations provided ideal hiding places for small prey animals, and the terriers that worked among them became known for their ability to root out vermin from these rocky structures.

Regional variations in Scotland sometimes referred to these dogs simply as "Highland Terriers" or "Island Terriers," particularly when found on the Isle of Skye and surrounding areas. Today, while "Cairn Terrier" remains the official and most widely recognized name, some enthusiasts still use affectionate nicknames like "Cairn" or refer to them as part of the broader "Scottish Terrier family" when discussing the related breeds that share common Highland origins.

The Cairn Terrier represents the quintessential small working terrier, embodying centuries of selective breeding for functionality over form in the rugged Scottish Highlands. These compact, sturdy dogs display a natural, unrefined appearance that reflects their working heritage as fearless hunters of foxes, badgers, and other small prey among the stone cairns of Scotland. Their overall impression is one of determined confidence packed into a small but substantial frame.

Standing between 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder and weighing 13 to 18 pounds, Cairn Terriers present a well-balanced, slightly longer than tall silhouette that emphasizes agility and endurance over speed. Their size makes them perfectly suited for underground work while maintaining enough substance to handle larger prey and challenging terrain. The breed's compact build allows them to maneuver through tight spaces while possessing the strength and determination necessary for their traditional hunting role.

The head of a Cairn Terrier is notably broad in proportion to its body length, creating a distinctive fox-like expression that combines intelligence with alertness. The skull is wide between the ears with a pronounced stop, while the muzzle is strong and well-filled beneath the eyes without being overly long or heavy. This head structure provides ample space for strong jaw muscles and a full complement of teeth, essential for their work as earth dogs.

Their eyes are medium-sized, set wide apart, and dark in color, conveying an expression of keen intelligence and fearless determination. The eyes should appear bright and alert, reflecting the breed's natural curiosity and confidence. Small, pointed, and well-feathered ears stand erect, providing excellent hearing for detecting prey underground and alerting to approaching threats or opportunities.

The double coat of the Cairn Terrier serves as essential protection against harsh Highland weather and rough terrain. The outer coat is hard, dense, and weather-resistant, lying close to the body without being long or silky. Underneath, a soft, close-lying undercoat provides insulation and additional weather protection. This coat texture allows the dog to work in wet, cold conditions while shedding dirt and moisture effectively.

Cairn Terriers come in a variety of acceptable colors including cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, and brindle. The breed standard permits any color except white, and darker points on the ears and muzzle are common and desirable. Color often changes with age, and many Cairns experience several color transitions throughout their lives, a characteristic unique among terrier breeds.

The body structure emphasizes working ability, with a level back, well-sprung ribs providing adequate lung capacity, and strong, muscular hindquarters that enable the quick bursts of energy needed for hunting. The tail is short, well-feathered, and carried gaily but not over the back, serving as a convenient handle for extracting the dog from underground pursuits.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard describes the Cairn Terrier as an active, game, hardy working terrier with a natural appearance and fearless disposition. General appearance emphasizes a small working terrier that is agile and alert, with a shaggy, weather-resistant coat. Height should be 9-10 inches for males and slightly less for females, with weight proportionate to height, typically 13-18 pounds. The head is shorter and wider than other terriers, well-furnished with hair giving a somewhat foxy expression. Eyes are dark, medium-sized, and set wide apart. Ears are small, pointed, and well-feathered. The body is compact and well-ribbed, slightly longer than tall. The coat is double with a hard, weather-resistant outer coat and soft undercoat. All colors are permissible except white, with darker ears and muzzle desirable. Movement should be free and easy with good reach and drive. Temperament should be fearless, gay, assertive but not aggressive.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard emphasizes the Cairn's function as a working terrier from the Scottish Highlands, capable of going to ground after fox and other vermin. Size specifications call for dogs to measure 28-31 cm (11-12 inches) and bitches 25-30 cm (10-12 inches), with weight proportional to size. The standard describes a well-balanced dog with a fox-like head featuring a definite stop. The coat must be double, with the outer coat profuse, hard but not coarse, and slightly wavy but never curly. Colors include cream, wheaten, red, grey, and nearly black, often with darker points. The gait should be free-flowing with good drive from behind and reach in front. The standard emphasizes that the breed should maintain its working character and natural appearance without excessive grooming or stylization. Temperament descriptions focus on the breed's alertness, activity, and hardiness.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard, established when the breed was recognized in 1959, emphasizes working ability and natural appearance over cosmetic features. The standard describes a small working terrier that is agile, alert, and hardy, with a weather-resistant coat and natural presentation. Size requirements specify 9-10 inches in height for dogs and proportionally smaller for bitches. The head should be broad in skull with powerful jaws but not long or heavy. Eyes must be dark and well-sunken with shaggy eyebrows. The body should be compact with good spring of rib and strong hindquarters. The coat description emphasizes functionality, requiring a hard, dense outer coat with soft undercoat for weather protection. Colors follow similar guidelines to other standards, excluding white. The UKC standard particularly emphasizes the breed's working heritage and the importance of maintaining physical and mental characteristics that enable them to perform their original function as earth dogs.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club of Great Britain maintains the original standard from which other international standards derive, emphasizing the breed's Scottish Highland origins and working function. Their standard includes detailed descriptions of historical working practices and emphasizes maintaining the breed's natural, unrefined appearance. The Canadian Kennel Club follows AKC guidelines closely while incorporating elements that acknowledge the breed's continued working role in rural areas. Regional terrier clubs often maintain additional guidelines focusing on temperament testing and earth dog trials that evaluate natural hunting instincts. These organizations typically require proof of working ability or temperament testing for breeding certification. European breed clubs may have stricter requirements regarding coat care and presentation, often mandating hand-stripping rather than clipping to maintain proper coat texture and appearance.

The Cairn Terrier traces its origins to the mist-shrouded highlands and islands of Scotland, where these hardy little dogs developed over centuries as indispensable working companions to Highland farmers and crofters. Archaeological evidence suggests that small terrier-type dogs have inhabited the Scottish islands for over 500 years, with the earliest recognizable ancestors of modern Cairns documented in the 1500s on the Isle of Skye and surrounding Hebridean islands.

The development of the Cairn Terrier is intrinsically linked to the practical needs of Scottish Highland life, where small but determined dogs were essential for controlling populations of rats, mice, foxes, badgers, and other vermin that threatened crops and livestock. The unique terrain of the Scottish Highlands, characterized by rocky outcroppings, stone walls, and the titular cairns (stone piles used as landmarks), required dogs that could work effectively in tight, rocky spaces while possessing the courage to face determined prey.

Prior to the formal establishment of breed registries in the late 19th century, Scottish terriers were broadly categorized together regardless of their specific regional variations. The dogs that would eventually become Cairn Terriers were initially lumped together with what are now recognized as Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Skye Terriers under the general designation of "Scotch Terriers" or "Highland Terriers."

The breed's modern development began to take shape in the late 1800s when dog enthusiasts started documenting and preserving distinct regional variations of Scottish terriers. Captain Martin MacLeod of Drynoch, Isle of Skye, is often credited as one of the most influential early breeders who worked to establish the breed's characteristics during this period. His dogs represented the foundation stock for many modern Cairn bloodlines.

The formal recognition process for the Cairn Terrier proved more complex than anticipated due to objections from existing breed clubs. Initially, breed enthusiasts attempted to register their dogs as "Short-haired Skye Terriers" in 1909, but this was rejected by the Skye Terrier Club, which argued that it would create confusion with their established breed. After considerable debate and negotiation, the name "Cairn Terrier" was accepted as a compromise, officially recognizing these dogs as a distinct breed.

The Kennel Club of Great Britain granted separate registration to Cairn Terriers in 1912, marking the official beginning of the breed's documented history. The first year of recognition saw 134 Cairns registered, and the breed was immediately granted championship status. This rapid acceptance reflected the breed's already established popularity and the quality of the foundation stock that early breeders had developed.

American interest in Cairn Terriers developed quickly following their British recognition, with the American Kennel Club registering the breed in 1913. Early imports to America included dogs from the most respected British breeding programs, ensuring that American bloodlines maintained the quality and characteristics established in the breed's homeland. The breed's popularity in America was further enhanced by cultural connections, as many Americans of Scottish descent appreciated having a piece of their heritage.

The interwar period saw significant development in Cairn Terrier breeding programs on both sides of the Atlantic. Breeders worked to refine type while maintaining the breed's essential working characteristics. The establishment of breed-specific clubs led to more standardized breeding practices and the development of detailed breed standards that preserved the Cairn's unique characteristics.

World War II presented challenges for Cairn Terrier breeding, as it did for all dog breeds, with many breeding programs disrupted and some bloodlines lost entirely. However, the breed's popularity and the dedication of key breeders ensured its survival. Post-war breeding programs focused on rebuilding and expanding genetic diversity while maintaining breed quality.

The modern era has seen Cairn Terriers maintain their position as popular companions while preserving their working heritage. Contemporary breeding emphasizes health testing, genetic diversity, and maintaining the breed's essential terrier character. Today's Cairns continue to excel in their original role as vermin hunters while adapting successfully to modern roles as family companions, therapy dogs, and competitors in various dog sports that showcase their intelligence and agility.

The primary function of Cairn Terriers centers on their role as earthdogs, specialized hunters bred to pursue and eliminate vermin that posed threats to Highland farms and crofts. This fundamental purpose shaped every aspect of their physical and mental development, creating dogs capable of working independently in challenging terrain while maintaining the courage and determination necessary to face formidable prey underground or among rocky cairns.

Traditional hunting methodology with Cairn Terriers involved systematic patrol of farm boundaries, stone walls, and cairns where foxes, badgers, rats, and other vermin typically established dens or sought shelter. Their small size allowed them to pursue prey into tight spaces where larger dogs could not follow, while their sturdy build and powerful jaws enabled them to dispatch quarry effectively when cornered. The breed's natural instinct to "go to ground" made them invaluable for eliminating threats to livestock and grain stores.

The working style of Cairn Terriers emphasizes independence and problem-solving ability, traits essential for dogs that often worked alone or with minimal human direction. Unlike pack hunting breeds, Cairns developed the ability to make quick decisions when confronting prey, assess dangerous situations independently, and adapt their tactics based on terrain and quarry behavior. This independence of thought and action remains a defining characteristic of the breed today.

In contemporary settings, Cairn Terriers have successfully transitioned to various roles while retaining their essential hunting instincts. Many still serve as effective vermin controllers on farms and rural properties, where their natural hunting abilities remain as valuable today as they were centuries ago. Their size and temperament make them ideal for controlling rodent populations in barns, stables, and other agricultural settings without the destructive tendencies that larger dogs might exhibit.

Modern dog sports have provided excellent outlets for the Cairn's natural abilities and drive. Earthdog trials, designed specifically for terriers and dachshunds, allow Cairns to demonstrate their inherited instincts in controlled environments. These events test the dog's willingness to enter underground tunnels and work toward quarry, evaluating the natural behaviors that made their ancestors so valuable to Highland farmers.

Agility competitions showcase the Cairn's intelligence, athleticism, and trainability while providing mental and physical stimulation that satisfies their need for purposeful activity. Their compact size and quick thinking make them competitive in agility courses, while their natural confidence helps them tackle challenging obstacles without hesitation.

As family companions, Cairn Terriers function as alert watchdogs and engaging family members. Their natural wariness of strangers and tendency to bark at unusual activities make them effective home security systems, while their size makes them suitable for various living situations. Their playful nature and intelligence create entertaining companions that bond closely with family members while maintaining their independent character.

The breed's function in modern households often includes serving as confidence-building companions for children and adults alike. Their fearless, determined nature can inspire people to approach challenges with greater courage, while their loyalty and affection provide emotional support. Many Cairns work informally as therapy dogs, though their independent nature may make them less suitable for formal therapy work than some breeds specifically selected for that purpose.

Training and obedience work allow Cairn Terriers to use their intelligence and problem-solving abilities in structured environments. While their independent nature can present challenges for trainers accustomed to more biddable breeds, their intelligence and desire to please make them capable students when training approaches respect their terrier heritage and work with rather than against their natural instincts.

Contemporary breeding programs increasingly focus on preserving the Cairn's essential working characteristics while adapting them for modern roles. This includes maintaining their natural hunting drive and courage while ensuring they possess the temperament stability necessary for family life. The challenge lies in preserving what made the breed valuable historically while ensuring they remain suitable for contemporary needs and expectations.

The behavioral profile of Cairn Terriers reflects their heritage as independent working dogs bred to make quick decisions while hunting vermin in challenging Highland terrain. This background has produced dogs with strong personalities, high intelligence, and a unique combination of loyalty to family and self-reliant thinking that makes them both rewarding and occasionally challenging companions for modern families.

Intelligence in Cairn Terriers manifests as both analytical problem-solving ability and creative thinking that sometimes leads to mischievous behavior. These dogs excel at figuring out how to obtain what they want, whether that involves opening cabinets, escaping from yards, or training their humans to provide treats on demand. Their intelligence requires consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behavioral problems such as excessive digging, barking, or destructive chewing.

The hunting instinct remains powerfully embedded in Cairn Terrier behavior, regardless of how many generations removed they are from actual working roles. This drive expresses itself through intense interest in small moving objects, digging behaviors, and an irresistible urge to investigate holes, burrows, or any opening that might harbor interesting prey. Understanding and managing this instinct is crucial for successful ownership, as attempting to suppress it entirely often leads to behavioral problems.

Social behavior in Cairn Terriers is characterized by confidence and assertiveness tempered by genuine affection for their families. They typically establish clear preferences among family members while remaining friendly with all, though they may show initial wariness toward strangers until properly introduced. Their social confidence can sometimes manifest as a willingness to challenge much larger dogs, requiring careful management to prevent conflicts.

Territorial behavior is moderate but consistent in Cairn Terriers, making them excellent watchdogs who will alert to visitors or unusual activities without becoming overly aggressive. They naturally patrol their territory and investigate any changes or intrusions, behaviors that stem from their working heritage of protecting Highland crofts from unwanted vermin and predators.

Communication patterns in Cairn Terriers include a range of vocalizations from barks and yips to more unusual sounds that some owners describe as "talking." They are generally more vocal than some breeds but less so than others, with most of their vocalizations serving specific communicative purposes rather than being excessive noise. Understanding their vocal patterns helps owners respond appropriately to their needs and concerns.

Play behavior in Cairn Terriers often incorporates elements of their hunting heritage, with preferences for games that involve chasing, digging, and problem-solving. They enjoy interactive toys that challenge their intelligence and provide opportunities to "hunt" and "capture" prey substitutes. Their play style can be quite intense and focused, reflecting the same concentration they would apply to actual hunting situations.

Learning behavior demonstrates the breed's intelligence and independence, as Cairns learn quickly but prefer to understand the reasoning behind commands rather than simply following instructions blindly. They respond best to training approaches that engage their intelligence and provide clear, consistent expectations while respecting their need for some autonomy in how they achieve desired outcomes.

Stress responses in Cairn Terriers typically involve increased activity levels, heightened alertness, or intensification of natural behaviors such as digging or barking. Some individuals may become more independent or withdrawn when stressed, while others might become more clingy or attention-seeking. Recognizing these signs early allows owners to address underlying causes before behaviors become problematic.

The relationship between Cairn Terriers and other pets requires careful management due to their strong prey drive and sometimes assertive personality. While they can learn to coexist peacefully with other household pets, supervision is often necessary, particularly with small animals that might trigger hunting instincts. Their interactions with other dogs are generally positive but may require monitoring to prevent the Cairn's confidence from leading to conflicts with larger or more dominant dogs.

Attention-seeking behaviors in Cairn Terriers often reflect their intelligence and desire for interaction rather than simple neediness. They may develop creative ways to gain attention, from performing tricks to engaging in mildly naughty behaviors that they know will elicit a response. Understanding the difference between legitimate needs for interaction and manipulative behavior helps owners respond appropriately while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Seasonal and environmental factors can influence Cairn Terrier behavior, with many showing increased activity and hunting drive during spring and fall when prey animals are most active. Weather changes may also affect their behavior, as their Highland heritage makes them generally comfortable in cool, wet conditions while potentially making them less tolerant of extreme heat or prolonged indoor confinement during harsh weather.

Integration of Cairn Terriers into family life creates a dynamic that balances their independent nature with their genuine desire for companionship and involvement in household activities. These dogs thrive on being included as full family members while maintaining their characteristic self-reliance and decision-making independence that made their ancestors successful working dogs in the Scottish Highlands.

The establishment of hierarchy within families often occurs naturally with Cairn Terriers, as they tend to form strongest bonds with family members who provide consistent leadership, training, and activities that engage their intelligence. However, unlike some breeds that focus exclusively on one person, Cairns typically maintain positive relationships with all family members while showing preference for those who understand and work with their terrier nature most effectively.

Children's relationships with Cairn Terriers are generally very positive, as the breed's size, playfulness, and durability make them excellent companions for youngsters who treat them respectfully. Cairns often display remarkable patience with children's games and activities while their natural protectiveness makes them gentle guardians. However, very young children require supervision around Cairns, not because the dogs are aggressive, but because their confidence and quick reactions might startle small children during play.

Educational opportunities arise naturally when children participate in Cairn Terrier care and training, as these intelligent dogs provide excellent learning experiences about responsibility, animal behavior, and the importance of consistency in relationships. Children who grow up with Cairns often develop strong problem-solving skills and confidence, influenced by their dog's fearless approach to challenges and their need to think creatively when training a clever, independent breed.

The breed's role as family entertainers emerges from their intelligence, playfulness, and natural clownish tendencies. Cairns often develop amusing habits and routines that delight family members, from elaborate greeting rituals to creative play behaviors that showcase their personality. Their ability to learn tricks and their willingness to show off makes them entertaining companions that bring joy and laughter to household life.

Routine establishment benefits both Cairn Terriers and their families, as these dogs appreciate predictability in daily schedules while their intelligence allows them to adapt to necessary changes when properly prepared. Regular exercise times, feeding schedules, and training sessions help Cairns feel secure while providing structure that channelstheir energy and intelligence productively. Their adaptability means they can adjust to family schedule changes more easily than some breeds while still appreciating consistency.

Exercise requirements significantly impact family lifestyle choices, as Cairn Terriers need both physical activity and mental stimulation to remain happy and well-behaved family members. Families must be prepared to provide daily walks, play sessions, and interactive activities that challenge their dog's intelligence. Their size makes them suitable for apartment living, but their energy and intelligence mean they need more than just basic exercise to thrive.

Multi-pet households can work successfully with Cairn Terriers when introductions are managed carefully and ongoing supervision maintains harmony. Their confidence and sometimes assertive nature mean they often become pack leaders regardless of size differences, which can work well with submissive dogs but might create conflicts with other dominant personalities. Small pets such as hamsters, rabbits, or birds require careful management due to the Cairn's strong prey drive.

Indoor behavioral expectations must be clearly established and consistently enforced with Cairn Terriers, as their intelligence and independence can lead to creative interpretations of household rules. They generally adapt well to house training and basic household manners when expectations are clear and consistent. Their natural cleanliness and moderate size make them suitable indoor companions when their exercise and mental stimulation needs are adequately met.

Family stress and emotional dynamics affect Cairn Terriers significantly, as their intelligence and sensitivity to human emotions make them responsive to household tension or changes. They often provide comfort during difficult times while potentially becoming anxious themselves if family stress becomes prolonged or severe. Their loyalty and affection make them excellent emotional support companions for family members dealing with challenges.

Travel and vacation planning requires consideration of the Cairn's attachment to family and their adaptability to new environments. Many Cairns travel well and enjoy new experiences when properly prepared, making them suitable companions for family adventures. However, their territorial nature means they may need time to adjust to new environments, and their intelligence makes them capable escape artists if not properly secured in unfamiliar locations.

Aging family dynamics present unique considerations with Cairn Terriers, as their longevity means they may outlive elderly family members or need to adapt to changing household compositions. Their intelligence and adaptability generally help them adjust to necessary changes, though their strong family bonds mean significant transitions require careful management to minimize stress and maintain their emotional well-being.

Cairn Terriers are generally considered a healthy and robust breed, benefiting from their working heritage and the natural selection pressures that favored hardy, resilient dogs capable of surviving in the challenging Scottish Highland environment. Their genetic diversity, resulting from centuries of practical breeding for function over form, has helped maintain overall breed health compared to many breeds developed through more intensive selective breeding programs.

The breed's longevity is notably good, with most Cairn Terriers living 13 to 15 years and many reaching their late teens when provided with proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention. This excellent lifespan reflects the breed's fundamental soundness and the absence of the severe hereditary problems that affect some purebred dogs. However, like all breeds, Cairns can be affected by certain health conditions that responsible owners should understand and monitor.

Cardiovascular health in Cairn Terriers generally remains excellent throughout their lives, supported by their active nature and lean body composition. Heart problems are relatively uncommon in the breed, though routine cardiac monitoring during regular veterinary examinations helps ensure early detection of any developing issues. Their athletic heritage and continued activity requirements support good cardiovascular fitness when provided with appropriate exercise.

Orthopedic health is typically good in Cairn Terriers, though their active nature and fearless personality can occasionally lead to injuries from overexertion or accidents. Hip dysplasia occurs in the breed but at relatively low rates compared to many other breeds. Luxating patella (kneecap dislocation) appears more frequently and can range from mild to severe, requiring veterinary evaluation when symptoms appear.

Eye health requires attention in Cairn Terriers, as the breed can be affected by several hereditary eye conditions. Progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma have been reported in some lines, making regular ophthalmologic examinations important for breeding dogs and helpful for early detection in pet dogs. Most eye conditions, when caught early, can be managed effectively to preserve vision and comfort.

Skin health considerations include the breed's predisposition to allergic dermatitis and certain skin conditions that may require ongoing management. Their double coat can sometimes harbor moisture and debris that leads to skin irritation if not properly maintained. Regular grooming and attention to coat cleanliness help prevent many skin problems, while prompt veterinary attention addresses more serious conditions effectively.

Preventive healthcare for Cairn Terriers should follow standard protocols for small breed dogs, including regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine veterinary examinations. Their curiosity and tendency to investigate their environment thoroughly makes them susceptible to exposure to various parasites and environmental hazards, making consistent preventive care particularly important for maintaining optimal health.

Nutritional management plays a crucial role in Cairn Terrier health throughout their lives, as their active nature requires adequate nutrition while their small size makes them prone to weight gain if overfed. High-quality nutrition appropriate for their life stage and activity level supports their energy needs while maintaining ideal body condition. Obesity can exacerbate orthopedic problems and should be prevented through careful portion control and regular exercise.

Dental health requires regular attention in Cairn Terriers, as small breeds are generally more prone to dental problems than larger dogs. Regular brushing, appropriate chew toys, and professional dental cleanings help maintain oral health throughout their lives. Early establishment of dental care routines makes ongoing maintenance easier and more effective for both dog and owner.

Exercise-related health considerations include monitoring for signs of overexertion, particularly in hot weather, as their enthusiastic nature may lead them to overdo physical activity. Their small size makes them vulnerable to temperature extremes, requiring protection from both excessive heat and cold. However, their Highland heritage generally makes them quite tolerant of cool, wet weather conditions.

Reproductive health in breeding Cairn Terriers requires attention to genetic testing and careful selection of breeding partners to minimize the risk of passing hereditary conditions to offspring. Small breed considerations during pregnancy and whelping may require veterinary assistance, and responsible breeders should be prepared for potential complications. Spaying and neutering of pet dogs should be timed appropriately based on current veterinary recommendations for small breeds.

Senior health management for Cairn Terriers focuses on maintaining their quality of life as they age while monitoring for age-related changes in mobility, cognitive function, and organ systems. Many Cairns remain active and alert well into their teens when provided with appropriate care modifications for their changing needs. Regular monitoring and proactive management of age-related changes help ensure comfortable, healthy senior years.

If you're looking to adopt a Cairn Terrier, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Cairn Terriers waiting for their forever homes.