Probably the most famous of all the Scottish terriers, the Cairn terrier was named after the small stones used as border and grave markings found throughout the Scottish countryside.
The Cairn Terrier excelled at catching vermin, and formerly searched for rodents and other small animals in those very “Cairns”.
Nowadays, this small, energetic dog breed craves social interaction and makes for a good companion. They are very patient and lovable, and get along with most everyone, though this working group dog may not serve as the best lap dog due to their independent nature.
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier dog breeds in the world, and one of Scotland’s earliest working group dogs.
The Cairn Terrier has appeared in a variety of hit Hollywood films, including the role of “Toto” in the 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz.
Keep in mind that the Cairn Terrier is susceptible to such hereditary ailments as canine hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
(photo: brettneilson)