Description: The Cairn Terrier dog has a fox like expression; and is a hardy little terrier. The head is wide and in proportion to its length, with a strong muzzle, that is medium length. The nose is black, with the muzzle covered in hair giving this dog its softer appearance. With triangular, pointy ears, giving it an alert look, and having wide set eyes, that are hazel in colour, and wonderful shaggy eyebrows and a topknot. Their teeth meet in a scissor or level bite. This dog has a shaggy, water resistant, double coat. The outer coat is harsh, whereas the undercoat is soft.

The Cairn Terrier dog breed can come in any colour, except for white. It is hard to predict the coat colour of this breed, as it will change several times over the years. Colours that are known in this breed, red, sand, shades of grey, brindle, often we see dark on the ears, muzzle and tail tip. The height of this breed is 10 to 13 inches for a dog, and 9 to 12 inches for a bitch. The male dog weighs in at 14 to18 pounds and the female bitch, 13 to 17 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.

History: The Cairn Terrier dog comes from the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye, it is one of Scotland's original terriers, dating back to the 1500s. At one point this breed was considered the same as the West Highland Terrier, but from the 1900s, they started to be seen as separate breeds. Their name comes from the word cairns a word used by the Scottish for a small rock pile, that badgers or foxes would often live in. This was often stone and used to mark the borders of Scottish farmer's land. This breed became popular after 1930 as this was the breed, which starred in the Wizard of Oz. (Toto). Some of the talents of this breed are hunting, tracking, watchdog and more recently, agility and competitive obedience. They are also known for performing tricks.