• Fact 2 - Description and Definition of Cairn Terriers: These are small short-bodied breeds dating back to the Medieval period originally trained to hunt animals living underground such mice and rats. Click here for facts about different Breeds of Terriers
  • A Cairn Terrier was the breed of dog who played Toto in the famous movie the Wizard of Oz
  • Temperament: Lively, feisty, inquisitive, loyal and energetic but can require firm handling
  • They are considered suitable as a family pet  
• Fact 3 - Size: The weight of Cairn Terriers range from 13 - 14 pounds
• Fact 4 - Size: The height ranges from 9.5 - 10 inches, up to the shoulder
• Fact 5 - Alternative Names of Cairn Terriers and Nicknames:
  • The word 'Cairn' derives from the word used to describe a pile of stone (under which the Cairn Terrier could find its quarry)
  • Origin of the name 'Terrier': This originates from the Latin word 'terra', meaning earth and the French name 'chien terrier' literally meaning 'dog of the earth'
• Fact 6 - Coat and colors of Cairn Terriers: The coat is normally harsh, long, weather resistant outer coat with a soft undercoat and comes in a range of colors including cream, wheaten, red, grey or nearly black
• Fact 7 - Life of Cairn Terriers: the life expectancy of this breed of dog is between 12 - 15 years
• Fact 8 - The names of dog breeds are separated into different dog types which are referred to as Dog Groups. The name of the dog group for Cairn Terriers is the Terrier dog breed
• Fact 9 - After the first year of life, dogs are considered to be adults - they equivalent to 16 human years!
• Fact 10 - Choosing Cairn Terriers as pets! The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing this particular breed of dog as a pet:
  • How much it will cost to feed and train the dog?
  • How much time will it take to groom the dog?
  • How much time will it take to exercise the dog on a daily basis?
  • Are Cairn Terriers suitable for children?
  • How much will it cost for vet bills, pet or dog health insurance, medication and vaccinations?
• Fact 11 - Every breed of dog is susceptible to certain health problems and illnesses. Cairn Terriers are prone to health problems and illnesses such as:
  • - Patellar Luxation - the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place
  • - Legge-Perthes disease - A disease of the hip joint that results in abnormal deformity of the ball of the hip joint
  • - Skin allergies
• Fact 12 - Cairn Terriers were first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1913
• Fact 13 - Breeding Cairn Terriers for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century
• Fact 14 - It is estimated that 85% of dogs visit a vet in a year
• Fact 15 - The average cost of owning a medium sized dog, over a 10 year period, is estimated as over $13,000! This provides a good idea of how much it costs to raise Cairn Terriers

For in depth information we highly recommend Dog Names and Breeds.