The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, originating in the Scottish Highlands and

recognized as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs. The breed was given the name Cairn
because the breed's function was to hunt and chase quarry between the cairns in the Scottish
highlands.

Cairn Terriers are intelligent, lively, strong, and loyal. Like most terriers, they love to dig after
real or imagined prey. Cairn Terriers have a strong prey instinct and will need comprehensive
training. However, they are reasonably intelligent and, although willful, can be trained. Although
it is often said that they are disobedient, this is not the case provided correct training is applied.

Cairns are working dogs and are still used as such in parts of Scotland. Cairn Terriers generally
adapt well to children and are suitable family dogs.

Cairns originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye,[4] initially grouped in the "Skye
Terrier" class alongside the Scottish and West Highland White Terriers. In the early 1900s, the
three breeds began to be bred separately.

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 it was in that year that the breed was given
Championship status

The Cairn Terrier has a harsh weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red,
sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors. 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 or
exaggeration. The Cairn Terrier was registered into the American Kennel Club in 1903.

Cairn Terriers tend to look similar to a Norwich Terrier, but with some differences (for example
the shaggy fur). Their outer layer of fur is shaggy, but they have a soft, downy undercoat. Their
ideal weight is also 4.5-7.3 kg (10-16 lb), and the height 9–13 in (23–33 cm).