Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier, also known as the Skye Terrier is an elegant dog and extremely loyal to those they hold know closely and love. Anyone who has the opportunity to share their home with a Skye is truly fortunate, as they are a rare breed.

Given the opportunity, and with careful loving instruction, Skyes participate in Obedience, Agility, Tracking, and Pet Therapy, as well as serving as sofa companions. They are known to be fearless, good-tempered, loyal and canny. They are friendly with those they know and ca be quite reserved and cautious with strangers.

Cairn Terrier History:

The Cairn Terrier is thought to be one of the oldest terrier breeds having believed to have first been bred in Scotland over 400 years ago. Also, commonly known as the Skye Terrier, they derived their common name from their homeland, the Isle of Skye. Having been first recorded in the 16th century, the Skye Terrier is known for its striking long coat. Originally they were used to hunt otter and fox.

For many years the Cairn Terrier was only found in the northwestern part of Scotland. In 1840, Queen Victoria began breeding both the drop-eared as well as prick-eared varieties in her royal kennels. This led to the breed becoming very popular, especially among the nobility. In 1887, the breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club and has subsequently become a favourite at dog shows.