The Cairn Terrier, a breed with a rich history that dates back to the rugged Scottish Highlands. Originating in the 16th century, they were bred to hunt and kill small game.
Their early history is shrouded in mystery, but it's believed they descended from the Old Scottish Terrier, which was a larger and more aggressive breed.
The Cairn Terrier's name likely comes from the Scottish word "cairn", which refers to a pile of stones used to mark a grave or a boundary.
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History of Cairn Terriers
The Cairn Terrier originated in the Scottish Highlands and was one of Scotland's earliest working dogs.
Captain Martin MacLeod of Drynock, Isle of Skye, played a significant role in founding one of the oldest-known strains of Cairn Terriers.
The Cairn Terrier was initially known as the "Short-haired Skye Terrier" and was used for otter hunting.
The breed was developed to burrow into rocky cairns and rout out foxes and other pests.
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In the early 20th century, Mrs. Alastair Campbell and Mary Hawke were the pioneers of the Cairn Terrier as we know it today.
Their persistence led to the Cairn Terrier being recognized by The Kennel Club in 1910.
The Cairn Terrier was given a separate register by The Kennel Club Committee on May 29, 1912.
This allowed the breed to compete at designated championship shows in the United Kingdom.
In 1933, Eng. Ch. Splinters of Twobees was whelped, and he would go on to indelibly mark the breed.
Splinters won eight CCs and was a stud dog, making him an important contributor to setting the type we know today.
The American Cairn Terrier was founded with the importation of Eng. Ch. Redletter McRuffie by Betty Hyslop to Canada.
McRuffie was a great grandson of Ch. Splinters of Twobees and was bred by Walter Bradshaw of Redletter fame.
The average life span of the Cairn Terrier is 12 to 15 years.
Meanings and Origins
The Cairn Terrier's name has a rich historical background rooted in the Scottish Highlands. The term "Cairn" refers to the rock piles and stone mounds common in Scotland, used as markers or memorials.
These rock piles were frequently used by the breed's original purpose: hunting and chasing quarry between the cairns. Hunters valued the breed for its ability to squeeze into tight spaces and flush out foxes, otters, and other small game from their burrows among the rocks.
The Cairn Terrier's name reflects both their geographic and functional origins. The breed's history dates back hundreds of years, with its origins linked closely to the Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland.
Meaning of Cairn
A cairn is a man-made pile of stones used as a landmark or marker.
Cairns have been used for centuries to guide travelers and hunters through rugged terrain.
In many cultures, cairns are believed to have spiritual significance, often serving as a memorial or burial site.
The word "cairn" is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "càrn", which means "heap of stones."
Cairns can be found in various parts of the world, from the Scottish Highlands to the American Southwest.
They often consist of a stack of stones, sometimes with a larger stone at the center.
Terrier Origins
The Cairn Terrier is a Scottish breed that originated in the Hebrides Islands to the north of Scotland. This rugged terrain is where the breed's ancestors honed their skills as pest controllers.
The Cairn Terrier was developed to burrow into rocky cairns and rout out foxes and other pests. Their ability to navigate these tight spaces is a testament to their resourcefulness.
The Cairn Terrier's development paralleled that of other Scottish breeds, including the Skye, West Highland White, and Scottish Terriers. All of these breeds have been working together to control pests for over 500 years.
The Cairn Terrier's original name was "Short-haired Skye Terriers", but it was later changed due to complaints from Skye Terrier fanciers.
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Cairn Terrier Overview
The Cairn Terrier is a terrier breed originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognized as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs.
These dogs were bred to be working companions, assisting their owners in various tasks such as hunting and gamekeeping.
The Cairn Terrier's ancestors date back to the seventeenth century, with Farquhar Kelly of Drumfearn, Isle of Skye, owning an old breed that would later influence the development of the Cairn Terrier.
Mrs. Alastair Campbell and Mary Hawke are credited with pioneering the modern Cairn Terrier, leading to its recognition by The Kennel Club in 1910.
In 1912, The Kennel Club Committee gave the Cairn Terrier a separate register, allowing it to compete in championship shows in the United Kingdom.
The Cairn Terrier Club of America was granted membership in the American Kennel Club in 1917, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Henry F. Price and Mrs. Byron Rodgers.
One of the most influential Cairns of all time, Eng. Ch. Splinters of Twobees, was whelped in 1933 and went on to win eight CCs and establish the breed's type.
Eng. Ch. Redletter McRuffie, a great grandson of Ch. Splinters of Twobees, was imported to Canada and played a significant role in shaping the American Cairn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fun fact about Cairn Terrier?
Cairn Terriers were originally bred to hunt small vermin that lived in rock piles, also known as cairns, which are stacks of stones used as road markers and memorials. This unique origin story gives the breed its name and a fascinating history.
Why not to get a Cairn Terrier?
Consider carefully before getting a Cairn Terrier as they can be aggressive towards small animals and may attack larger dogs if not socialized properly
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