Cairn Terrier

Other names : Cairn, Toto dog

Photo: adult dog of Cairn Terrier breed
© Marina Plevako / Shutterstock
Photo: adult dog of Cairn Terrier breed

The Cairn Terrier is typically Scottish: loyal, hardy and tenacious. It is a breed that enjoys the outdoors no matter what the weather and will forage for small furry animals all day long. The Cairn is nowadays considered a worthwhile family pet because of its intelligent and loving personality. Cairns enjoy the outdoors but are just as happy indoors cuddled up to their special person or people. One of the only drawbacks of a Cairn is the dog’s tendency to nip and bark at other dogs.

Checked by animal care professional
Comment Share

Life expectancy

The Cairn Terrier has a life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years

Temperament

Size

Small

Adult size

Female Between 11 and 12 in
Male Between 11 and 12 in

Adult weight

Female Between 13 and 15 lb
Male Between 13 and 15 lb
Coat colour
Red Sand
Type of coat
Long
Eye colour
Brown

Purchase price

The Cairn Terrier costs between £490 and £635

Good to know

The dog that starred in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz was a brindle Cairn Terrier. Although its screen name was ‘Toto’ (hence the nickname of the breed) the dog’s real name was Terry. Terry went on to star in 13 other films.

More details about the Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier: Origins and history

A dog similar to the Cairn Terrier was bred in Scotland in the 1500s. It was used by huntsmen to track and kill game, and animals such as foxes and otters that were then classed as vermin. It was one of three small terrier types used for this purpose, the other two being the Scottish Terrier and West Highland Terrier. In 1912 the Cairn Terrier was recognised as a pedigree.

FCI classification of the Cairn Terrier

  • Group 3 - Terriers

  • Section 2 : Small sized Terriers

Training a Cairn Terrier

The Cairn’s stubbornness makes training an important part of his assimilation into the home. A Cairn that is not trained in a consistent and confident manner becomes bossy and over-confident. To train a Cairn properly yields excellent results: with some reinforcement of lessons the dog can be incredibly obedient.

Cairn Terrier: Purchase price

The price for a Cairn Terrier can vary according to its origin, gender and age. For a dog registered at the Kennel Club, they will cost approximately £635.

Concerning your average monthly budget to satisfy your Cairn Terrier’s needs, it will vary between £130 to £150.

Do you want a Cairn Terrier dog ?

Danny Boy, dog to adopt

7 Years

Scottish Terrier

Edenbridge

Cairn Terrier up for adoption Animals for adoption
Do you have a question about the Cairn Terrier ?

Is the Cairn Terrier right for you?

take the test
Leave a comment on this breed
Connect to comment
If you want to share this profile: