The Cairn Terrier is a beloved breed known for its distinctive coat colors. The breed standard recognizes four main colors: red, wheaten, dark brindle, and grey.
The most common color of the Cairn Terrier is red, which can range from a deep, rich red to a lighter, more golden red. This color is often associated with the breed's rugged and energetic personality.
In addition to their main colors, Cairn Terriers can also have a distinctive black mask or markings on their face and legs. This adds a touch of elegance to their overall appearance.
The breed's coat is also notable for its wiry texture, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Cairn Terrier Colors
The Cairn Terrier has a rich history of recognition, dating back to 1913 when the American Kennel Club listed its recognized coat colors.
Initially, the breed was grouped with Skye Terriers, but it gained recognition in 1912 in the United Kingdom as a separate breed.
The Cairn Terrier's original color is the same as its Skye Terrier counterpart, ranging from black to platinum.
You can also find Cairn Terriers with fawn or cream-colored coats.
The American Kennel Club provided a complete list of recognized coat colors for the Cairn Terrier as early as 1913.
Explore further: American Kennel Club Lancashire Heeler
Dog Coat Color Genetics
The striking red coat color of Cairn Terrier is one of the standard coat colors recognized by the AKC with the registration code of 140. This color may have been the result of Phaeomelanin, a second pigment that creates coat coloring in dogs.
Genes play a crucial role in determining the coat coloration and physical appearance of Cairn Terriers. The genes have control over the production of pigments such as Phaeomelanin and eumelanin.
The dominance of either eumelanin or Phaeomelanin is entirely dependent upon the dog's genes. This means that a Cairn Terrier's coat color is determined by its genetic makeup.
Interestingly, the Cairn Terrier is a type of breed with different coat colors, which may range from red, black, grey, brindle, and with accentuated dark points in the areas of ears and muzzle.
Cairn Terrier Overview
The Cairn Terrier is a small breed, weighing in at 13-15 pounds. They're perfect for individuals or families looking for a lively companion.
Their small size belies their tough and independent nature, making them a great fit for those who want a dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle.
History
Cairn terriers originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye.
Prior to 1873, terriers in Scotland were collectively referred to as 'Scottish Terriers'. This name was later changed due to concerns raised by the Skye Terrier Club.
The name 'Cairn Terrier' comes from Cairn, where the terriers often flushed out vermin.
In 1912, the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom gave the Cairn Terrier a separate register, which was the first year of recognition for the breed.
A total of 134 Cairn Terriers were registered that year, and the breed was given Championship status.
Additional reading: Skye Terrier White
Origin
The Cairn Terrier has a rich history that dates back to Scotland, specifically the Highlands, where they were originally bred to hunt and kill small game like rodents and rabbits.
Their name "Cairn" comes from the Scottish word for "pile of stones", which refers to the stone monuments, or cairns, that the terriers would dig up in their hunting expeditions.
These feisty dogs were highly valued for their tenacity and ability to navigate rough terrain, earning them a reputation as skilled hunters and companions.
Their short, dense coats came in handy for navigating the dense underbrush and rocky terrain of the Highlands, allowing them to move quietly and efficiently through the wilderness.
Terrier History
The Cairn Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century in the Scottish Highlands. They were originally referred to as shorthaired terriers or little Skye terriers.
These small, rough-coated terriers were bred to keep farms and barnyards free of rats and other vermin, and to hunt foxes, otters, and badgers. They were highly valued for their skills.
In the early 19th century, the various terriers of Scotland were all lumped together under one name: Scotch Terriers. This category was later divided into two groups: Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Skye Terriers.
The Cairn Terrier fell into the Skye Terrier category, along with the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier. They were differentiated mainly by color.
A unique perspective: Skye Terrier Puppies for Sale
It wasn't unusual for all three breeds to be born in the same litter. They were indeed a family affair.
The Cairn Terrier kept mostly to their farms and barns until the early 20th century, when people began to exhibit them at dog shows. This marked a significant change in their lives.
They were given the name Cairn Terrier in 1912, after the piles of stones that serve as landmarks or memorials in the Highlands. This name has stuck ever since.
Coat Colors
The Cairn Terrier comes in a variety of coat colors, including red, black, grey, brindle, and fawn or cream-colored.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Cairn Terrier as a separate breed in 1912, and since then, they have provided a list of recognized coat colors, including the red coat color with a registration code of 140.
The red coat color of Cairn Terrier is striking and may be the result of Phaeomelanin, a second pigment that creates coat coloring in dogs.
Interestingly, the coat color of a Cairn Terrier will change over time, so it's not a good idea to invest your affection based on its coat coloring when choosing a pup.
Original Color
The original color of the Cairn Terrier dog is quite fascinating.
The Cairn Terrier's original color is the same as the Skye Terrier's, ranging from black to platinum.
In fact, the Cairn Terrier and Skye Terrier were even grouped together in the 1900s.
Some Cairn Terriers also have a coat coloring of fawn or cream-colored.
The variety of colors in the Cairn Terrier breed is quite unique.
It's interesting to note that these colors have been a part of the breed since its early days.
For your interest: 100 Years Ago Original Boston Terrier
Current Colors
The Cairn Terrier has a rich history when it comes to its coat colors, and it's fascinating to learn about.
As early as 1913, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed and provided a list of recognized coat colors, which included a corresponding registration code.
The Cairn Terrier was previously grouped with the Skye Terrier but gained recognition as a separate breed in 1912 by the United Kingdom.
The breed's coat colors have been officially documented for over a century, giving us a clear understanding of what we can expect from this wonderful breed.
Cream Coat Color
Cream Coat Color is a standard color for this breed, with a registration code of 76. It's a beautiful and recognizable color that many people associate with the breed.
The cream coat color is a unique shade that sets this breed apart from others.
See what others are reading: Cream Shiba Inu Puppy
Red Coat Color
The striking red coat color of Cairn Terrier is one of the standard coat colors recognized by the AKC with the registration code of 140.
This color may have been the result of Phaeomelanin, a second pigment that creates coat coloring in dogs.
It's worth noting that the red coat color will change over time, so it's not a good idea to invest your affection based on it.
Wheaten Brindle Coat Color
The Wheaten Brindle Coat Color is a unique and interesting variation found in some breeds.
It's worth noting that the Wheaten Brindle Coat Color was not part of the standard color for Cairn Terrier.
The AKC has recognized this coat color and assigned it the code 304.
A different take: Red Wheaten Rhodesian Ridgeback
Other Quick Facts
The Cairn Terrier is a rugged little dog with a shaggy coat. He’s a bit longer than he is tall and has a natural tail, meaning it isn’t docked for length.
You never know what color a Cairn puppy will turn out to be. Their coat color can change over the years, often becoming darker with age.
A Cairn's coat can be one of six colors: cream, deep red, brindle, light gray, or black.
Featured Images: pexels.com