Although small in size - 9 ½ to 10 inches at the shoulder and weighing 13 to 14 pounds - the CAIRN is a big dog trapped in a little dog's body. That is their only fault. They do not know when to back down. Many a young fine CAIRN has taken on a much larger and fiercer dog only to come out on the losing end because he wouldn't back down. For that reason the CAIRN must be kept in a suitable enclosure. A fully fenced back yard or a dog run with NO, and I must repeat NO breaks in the fence that would enable a CAIRN to escape is the ideal setup. Our CAIRN can patrol his territory without danger from outside forces. This inexpensive fencing - usually chain link - will keep our pet safe for another day.

These animals are extremely tough, resilient, and are not prone to injury. Our male - the #5 CAIRN in Canada in 1995 - has a habit of sleeping on the back of the couch. Yes, he regularly falls off it and through sleep filled eyes shakes himself off and jumps back up to try and get the last five minutes of his dream. He has yet to hurt himself.

These dogs were not originally bred for looks but for their fierce determination, harsh coat, and extreme resilience to injury. They, like all terriers, are frisky, independent bundles of energy. Colors can be any color except white, as a white CAIRN is an albino and we call them WESTIES. (No, I do not want the WESTIE lovers to flood my e-mail with insults. This is just some good natured ribbing.) Most CAIRNS will start off as brown or red brindle, (a combination of black, brown, and red or wheaten [blond]) but as they grow older they will almost always darken. A puppy's color is NO indication of its final adult color. They have fairly large heads for their size, and long strong teeth, large feet, and strong claws.

As stated, CAIRNS are people dogs. They will thrive indoors with the family. They love children and roughhousing, but one must be prepared not to let the kids ride the doggie as they are still only fourteen pounds. They thrive on attention and are NOT suitable for people without any time for a dog. If you leave them for long stretches they will become very unhappy and will let you know by chewing or leaving a "MESSY MEMO" in the middle of the floor. This is not to say that you cannot leave them alone while you are at work. We have one male and two females and we leave them alone for eight hours a day while at work. But they know that when we get home, the rest of the evening is theirs. If we have to go out in the evening, we will lavish as much attention as possible on them before we leave. When we arrive home again, all are happy and there is no mess to clean up. It does take effort. But in return, the rewards are worth it. Their love and devotion makes up for your efforts, AND they will never ask for the car keys or, "Can I have a sleep over?"

CAIRNS are known for their digging ability, so if Grandma's prize roses are to grow another year, fence them off. Although they are not chronic BARKERS, they are quite verbal. They will talk and grumble to let you know their wishes. They are easily housetrained, (usually 2-4 days), and are very territorial. They cannot be let loose to wander the neighborhood, as any dog (Doberman, Rottweiler) will incur the wrath of our CAIRN. You know who will come out the loser, and our CAIRN need not go through the suffering and possible injury at the hands of these larger dogs. Remember that a CAIRN IS A BIG DOG TRAPPED IN A LITTLE DOG'S BODY!