How to Identify a Cairn Terrier

Last Updated: February 14, 2021 References

A Cairn Terrier is a smaller breed of dog, and (as you might’ve guessed by the name) a member of the terrier group. Originating in the Western Isles of Scotland, Cairn Terriers were originally referred to as “Short-haired Skye Terriers”. ^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} This wikiHow will show you how to identify whether or not a dog is a Cairn Terrier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Examining the Body Structure

1
Take note of the dog's size. Cairn Terriers are overall quite small in size, with males being around 10 inches (25 cm) in height and weighing around 14 pounds (6.4 kg), and females being only slightly smaller, at 9.5 inches (24 cm) in height and with a weight of approximately 13 pounds (5.9 kg). ^{[2]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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2
Look at the dog’s head. A Cairn Terrier’s head is relatively broad, with the top being covered in hair (that can sometimes be softer than the rest of the dog’s coat). ^{[3]
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3
Notice the dog’s ears. A Cairn Terrier has small ears that are pointed, set well apart, and carried well, without any long hairs. ^{[4]
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4
Examine the dog’s eyes. A Cairn Terrier’s eyes are medium-sized, set widely apart, with a relatively sunken appearance. ^{[5]
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- The eyes can either be hazel or dark hazel, depending on the dog’s body color. ^{[6]
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5
Look at the dog’s nose. All Cairn Terriers should generally have black noses. ^{[7]
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6
Notice the dog’s tail. A Cairn Terrier’s tail has a lot of hair but is not feathered. It is set at back level on the dog and carried in a cheerful way (though it does not curl over the back at any point). ^{[8]
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7
Take note of whether the dog’s front paws are larger than its back paws. This is one characteristic of a Cairn Terrier. ^{[9]
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8
Examine the dog’s overall appearance. Cairn Terriers move very freely, are strongly built, and have a well-proportioned build overall. ^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Looking at the Coat

1
Notice the dog’s coat color. A Cairn Terrier can be any color except white. ^{[11]
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Research source} This includes colors such as black, silver, red, and brindle, to name just a few. ^{[12]
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2
Look for a darker color in certain areas of the dog. A Cairn Terrier may have dark ears, a dark muzzle, or a dark tip of its tail. ^{[13]
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3
See if the dog is double-coated. Its coat overall is weather-resistant, and its outer coat should be relatively hard, with its inner coat should be short, close, soft, and furry. ^{[14]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Noticing the Dog’s Temperament

1
Notice if the dog displays some stubbornness. Similar to other Terriers, Cairn Terriers are occasionally known to be stubborn, and they’ll need frequent training throughout their life to help correct this behavior. ^{[15]
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2
Look for intelligence. Despite being stubborn, Cairn Terriers are also intelligent and quick learners. ^{[16]
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3
See if the dog is active. Again, similar to other Terriers, Cairn Terriers like to be active. ^{[17]
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- Because they’re so active, they may occasionally be prone to digging and/or barking excessively. ^{[18]
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4
Notice some sensitivity. Despite being stubborn, the Cairn Terrier can also be sensitive (therefore, a calm, friendly demeanor is generally best when interacting with them). ^{[19]
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5
Figure out whether the dog is adaptable. Cairn Terriers are an adaptable breed, since they can adapt to most living situations, including living in apartments and living with children. ^{[20]
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- They can, however, become aggressive towards dogs and other small animals, so be sure to keep that in mind. ^{[21]
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