Cairn Terrier

Last updated
Cairn Terrier
Cairn-Terrier-Garten1.jpg
OriginScotland
Traits
Height
28–31 cm (11–12 in) [1] [2]
Weight
6–7.5 kg (13–17 lb) [1] [2]
Coat abundant shaggy outer coat, soft downy undercoat
Colour cream, deep red, brindle, light grey, apricot or black
Kennel club standards
The Kennel Club standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog ( domestic dog )

The Cairn Terrier is a terrier breed originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognised as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs.

Contents

The name "Cairn Terrier" was a compromise suggestion when the breed was brought to official shows in the United Kingdom in 1909, initially under the name "Short-haired Skye terrier". This name was not accepted by the Kennel Club when faced with opposition from breeders of the Skye Terrier. The alternative name Cairn Terrier was adopted.

History

Cairn terriers originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. [3] Prior to 1873, terriers in Scotland were collectively referred to as 'Scottish Terriers'. [4] In the early days of the breed's establishment, the name 'short haired Skye Terrier' was used. [5] [6] After concerns raised by the Skye Terrier Club, the name 'Cairn Terrier' was given to the breed instead. [4] The name 'Cairn Terrier' comes from Cairn, where the terriers often flushed out vermin. [7]

The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom gave the Cairn Terrier a separate register in 1912; the first year of recognition, 134 were registered, and the breed was given Championship status. [8] It was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationalein 1963. [9]

Description

The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs. While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917, the American Kennel Club required them to be registered as West Highland White Terriers. A notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change colour throughout their lifetimes. It is not uncommon for a brindled Cairn to become progressively more black or silver as it ages. The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. A well-groomed Cairn has a rough-and-ready appearance, free of artifice. The Cairn Terrier was registered into the American Kennel Club in 1903.

Cairn Terriers tend to look similar to Norwich Terriers, but with some differences (for example the shaggy fur). The outer layer of fur is shaggy, but they have a soft, downy undercoat. The ideal height is roughly 28–31 cm, with weight in proportion, usually some 6–7.5 kg. [1] [2]

Health

A 2015 French study found a life expectancy of 13.42 years. [10] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds. [11]

Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are: [12] [13]

The breed is predisposed to atopic dermatitis. [14]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 FCI-Standard N° 4: Cairn Terrier. Thuin, Belgium: Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed December 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 Breed standards: Cairn Terrier. London: The Kennel Club Limited. Archived 18 May 2024.
  3. ↑ "Cairn Terrier History". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
  4. 1 2 "History of the Cairn Terrier". Kennel Club of Canada. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  5. ↑ "Cairn Terrier". The Kennel Club. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  6. ↑ "About the Cairn Terrier". Cairn Terrier Club of America. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  7. ↑ "7 Facts about the Cairn Terrier". 7 Facts about the Cairn Terrier. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  8. ↑ "swwectc- cairn history". www.swwectc.freeuk.com. Archived from the original on 2018-10-18. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  9. ↑ FCI breeds nomenclature: Cairn Terrier (4). Thuin, Belgium: Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed December 2024.
  10. ↑ Leroy, G. G.; Phocas, F.; Hedan, B.; Verrier, E.; Rognon, X. (2015). "Inbreeding impact on litter size and survival in selected canine breeds" (PDF). The Veterinary Journal. 203 (1): 74–8. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.11.008. PMID   25475165. S2CID   27631883. mean=12.23 ± 4.18 median=13.42
  11. ↑ McMillan, Kirsten M.; Bielby, Jon; Williams, Carys L.; Upjohn, Melissa M.; Casey, Rachel A.; Christley, Robert M. (2024-02-01). "Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death". Scientific Reports. 14 (1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w. ISSN   2045-2322. PMC   10834484 .
  12. ↑ "Health Related Concerns". Cairn Terrier Club of America Inc. Archived from the original on 7 May 2010. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
  13. ↑ Alex., Gough (2004). Breed predispositions to disease in dogs and cats. Thomas, Alison, 1964–. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Pub. ISBN   978-1405107488. OCLC   53231203.
  14. ↑ Rhodes, Karen Helton; Werner, Alexander H. (2011-01-25). Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell. p. 94. ISBN   978-0-8138-1596-1.
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