SCOTTISH IN ANCESTRY, THIS SMALL, sturdy terrier is in every way a game little dog. He is very natural with a slightly shaggy, but not unkempt, appearance, and his double waterproof coat takes very little effort to look after. He has a particularly expressive head set off by dark, sparkling eyes which give a good indication of his character. With his small prick ears and shaggy eyebrows his expression can change from mischievousness to one of gentle devotion very quickly.

He loves people, is an able swimmer and a great hunter. Ready for any activity, he makes an ideal companion for a family, fitting in well with any lifestyle.

The first time a dog of this breed was exhibited was in 1909 and three years later the Cairn was recognised by the Kennel Club with challenge certificates on offer. Yet, in spite of this comparatively recent emergence in our showring, dogs of the Cairn type can be traced back some five hundred years and the breed’s development runs parallel with that of the Skye, West Highland White and Scottish Terriers. In fact, when first exhibited in 1909, it was known as the Shorthaired Skye Terrier.

Breed description courtesy of