Cairn Terrier

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'. In the early days of the breed's establishment, the name 'short haired Skye Terrier' was used. After concerns raised by the Skye Terrier Club, the name 'Cairn Terrier' was given to the breed instead. The Cairn Terrier was registered into the American Kennel Club in 1903. 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 the breed was given Championship status. While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917, the American Kennel Club required them to be registered as West Highland White Terriers. The dog was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1963. == Description ==

The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs. 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. Cairn Terriers tend to look similar to Norwich Terriers, but with some differences (for example the shaggy fur). The outer layer of fur is shaggy, but they have a soft, downy undercoat. The ideal height is roughly , with weight in proportion, usually some . File:Cairn Terrier - 002.jpg|Brindle File:Керн терьер (cairn terrier).jpg|Red/wheaten File:Cairn Terrier - 001.jpg| File:9 week old cairn puppy.jpg|A nine-week-old puppy == Health ==

A 2015 French study found a life expectancy of 13.42 years. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds. Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are: • Bronchoesophageal fistula • Cataracts • Corneal dystrophy • Craniomandibular osteopathy (lion jaw) • Diabetes mellitus • Entropion • Hip dysplasia • Hypothyroidism • Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy) • Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease • Lens luxation • Luxating patella • Ocular melanosis • Portosystemic shunt • Progressive retinal atrophy • Soft-tissue sarcoma • Von Willebrand disease The breed is predisposed to atopic dermatitis. == References ==