Over 200 years ago on the ancient Isle of Skye and on the Scottish Highlands, farmers took pride in a scruffy little dog that earned its keep ridding the rock piles (called cairns) of vermin. Cairn Terrier puppies of today look much like the puppies of those days, as it is important in the breed standard of today's Cairn Terrier that they remain true to the type of dog originally bred two centuries ago.
Cairn Terrier
puppies of 200 years ago in Scotland were bred for courage in bolting fox, otter and weasel from the rocks. It was important that the puppies grow into adult dogs with big teeth in strong jaws, strong feet and nails for digging and a weather-resistant coat for protection from Scotland's harsh weather. Today's Cairn Terrier puppies will grow into adults which show those characteristics and are by nature sensible, confident, independent and friendly with nearly everyone.
The impression a Cairn Terrier gives is of a small, shaggy dog: head, ears and tail up; alert, intelligent and ready for anything. Cairn Terrier puppies are still highly sought after as farm dogs, for it is said that a farm with Cairn Terriers will be free of mice, rats, moles and other burrowing rodents.
Cairn Terriers come in a variety of colors, including black, cream, gray, red, silver and wheaten. There are also brindle versions of these, and in addition, there is red wheaten and silver wheaten. It is desirable to have darker masks, ears and tail tips. It is almost impossible to tell when looking at Cairn Terrier puppies, though, what color they will be as adults -- color changes in Cairns can continue well into their adulthood, with most brindles becoming much darker and almost black, and some wheatens darkening considerably as well. But no matter what color they may eventually be, a litter of Cairn Terrier puppies is practically irresistible.
Cairn Terrier puppies will grow into "a big dog in a small package." The American Kennel Club (A.K.C.) states that there is only one appropriate size for a Cairn Terrier: 14 pounds for males and 13 pounds for females, with the dogs' bodies being in proper proportion to these weights. This generally works out to about 9 1/2 inches at the withers for females and 10 inches for males. But Cairn Terrier puppies don't care about any of that, they are as big as they think they are, and that is big, indeed! These dogs are courageous and tenacious in the true terrier fashion, although they should never be aggressive or vicious.
Cairn Terrier puppies, like many other terriers, have independent streaks in them, so it is important from the beginning that you let your puppy know who the leader is. This will avoid unhappiness in training. Cairn Terriers are very sensitive little dogs, 
so harsh punishments will most likely not be necessary. Rather, using a firm, consistent manner will accomplish much. Cairn Terrier puppies will prove to be good companions for children, as this breed seems to enjoy children. However, it is a good idea to remember that all puppies will require time away from children when they can rest until they are ready to play again.
Cairn Terrier puppies and adults are not dogs well-suited to living outside. They do best as house dogs in close contact with people. They are easy to care for, requiring only about an hour or so of grooming a week to keep their shaggy coats in condition, and brisk daily walks will satisfy their exercise requirements.
Perhaps the most famous of all Cairn Terriers was "Terry," who portrayed "Toto" in the film "The Wizard of Oz." Give your Cairn Terrier puppies loving care and attention and, you too will have companions ready to accompany you anywhere.
