Once upon a time. . . Cairn terriers patrolled Scottish crofts (farms) where nasty vermin threatened their masters' and mistresses' food supplies. In the Highland country lairds kept packs of these hardy little dogs to rout fox, badger, otter, and other animals from their hiding places. These opportunistic predators often found shelter in the rock cairns after which these terriers were named.

Frequently, farmers kept one or two of these feisty and loveable Earthdogs as house pets, proving that this breed was both versatile and adaptable. The Cairn terrier's double weather-resistant coat protected him from the inclement and misty weather and from the thorny brush. His rugged and functional build made navigating the north of Scotland's rough and rocky terrain with endurance and amazing agility a given. Cairn terriers, Scottish terriers, West Highland White terriers, and Dandie Dinmont terriers descend from common ancestors. However, many people believe that Cairns remain closest to that original precursor, the Scotch terrier.

Early terriers from Scotland. These are the ancestors of the modern Cairn terrier, which should be able to accomplish the same work as this industrious pack.

Modern terriers (circa 2000) of Scottish origins at their Colorado home hard at work among the rock cairns. Alas, Kaitlen Cairn terriers have maintained their innate hunting instinct.

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