Sorry to those who thought I was going to disclose my part in the production of 'Like A Rolling Stone'....that will have to remain ultra confidential. Instead, we are going to look at one of the most delightful of dog breeds - the Cairn Terrier, in the person of one of our family dogs, Dylan!
The Cairn Terrier is a true Scot. The breed hails from western part of the Highlands and the Hebrides, and probably has the same ancestors as the West Highland Terrier and the Scottish Terrier, with possibly some 'help' from the Skye Terrier, too. A real working dog, it has often been described as 'a big dog in a small dog's body', and the Cairn's personality and behaviour reflects that assessment. Their main work was to root out vermin from the farmyards of the Western Isles and Highlands, and also to work at eradicating badgers, foxes, wildcats and similar creatures from their hiding places, which were sometimes found in rough piles of stones, hence the name Cairn Terrier. This kind of hunting demanded great courage and confidence, and that is still shown in the breed to this day.
They have a coarse, weather-proof, hairy outer coat, and a soft, furry undercoat. There are various colour combinations:- wheaten, light brindle and fawn are the most popular, all of which have dark 'masks'. The ears are erect and pointed - and best described as 'cute'! They are roughly 10" high and weigh around 12-15lbs. The tail is short and carried upright.
Dylan is one of my favourite family dogs, and he is a most handsome lad. He's an intelligent and energetic dog, as all Cairn’s are, and enjoys playing, and I have great fun with him. I am pleased to say that, fortunately, the breed lives well into their teens. Dylan loves to play, and here he is, a very superior woozle, telling me to get a move on, there's a ball to be thrown!
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