Promoting quality in the Cairn Terrier breed and connecting people with this working breed.
Cairn Terrier Club of America
Welcome to the official website of the Cairn Terrier Club of America, proudly serving as the American Kennel Club’s parent club for the Cairn Terrier since 1917. As preservationists of the old working Skye and West Highlands terriers—now known as the Cairn Terrier—the club is dedicated to protecting the heritage, character, and purpose of this spirited and beloved breed.
We provide resources for owners, breeders, exhibitors, and Cairn enthusiasts across the country while promoting responsible breeding, education, and breed preservation. We invite you to explore our rich history, learn about the breed standard, discover upcoming events, and connect with a community passionate about the Cairn Terrier.
Membership Benefits include:
- Mentoring in a variety of activities
- Receiving publications such as The Highlander newsletter
- Voting for club officers and show judges
- Supporting the preservation of the Cairn Terrier
- A gratis copy of the CTCA Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier which is essential to interpreting the breed standard
We and our members adhere to these standards:
Membership
If you are interested in joining as a member, our benefits include:
- Our quarterly newsletter, The Highlander, filled with upcoming events, health information, training tips, conformation and performance articles, new litters and puppies, personal stories, and photos of Cairns.
- The annual yearbook packed with pedigree and member information.
- Becoming eligible for CTCA awards presented at the annual membership banquet.
- Receiving periodic Club emails and mailings throughout the year and access to the members-only section of the website.
- Voting for officers and judges.
- Joining the Breeders’ Referral list (when qualified)
- Organizing and participating in Performance and Conformation events.
- A gratis copy of the CTCA Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier which is essential to interpreting the breed standard
If you are interested in any of these benefits, apply for membership!
Cairn Terrier FAQs
What is a Cairn Terrier?
The Cairn Terrier is a small, sturdy terrier breed from Scotland in the 1800s trained to assist in hunting otters, foxes, and similar animals. Their coat is very weather-proof and their personality tends to be friendly and independent. They are highly intelligent, and so they want enrichment in the form of training, games, and activities like diving, Barn Hunt, scent work, and more.
For those who may think “Why does the Cairn Terrier look familiar?” this is because the famous Toto from The Wizard of Oz (1939) movie was a Cairn Terrier named Terry!
Do Cairn Terriers make good pets?
Yes! Cairn Terriers are great pets for several reasons.
- Intelligent – Originally bred for hunting, this breed greatly enjoys training, agility courses, Barn Hunts, diving, scent work, therapy, and more.
- Good with children – Its strong personality and sturdy body means Cairns tend to get along very well with children, though of course children should be supervised until they learn how to treat their Cairn kindly.
- Playful – Due to the Cairn enjoying a large variety of dog sports, they make very playful companions. You may never run out of new games to play with your dog.
- Flexible home environment – This dog breed can thrive in city apartments, modest suburban homes, or quiet rural farmhouses. With leashed walks, attention, and games to test its intelligence, a Cairn Terrier can bring joy to your home.
Are Cairn Terriers high-maintenance?
Cairn Terriers are not high-maintenance dogs, but they do need regular exercise, playtime, and attention. This is not a sedentary lapdog – Cairns are a working dog breed used for hunting in Scotland in the 1800s.
Read more about care and grooming to decide whether a Cairn Terrier may be the right dog breed for you.
Where can I adopt a Cairn Terrier?
The Club keeps a list of reputable breeders throughout the United States. While we do not endorse any of these breeders, we keep this list to make it easier for people to start their search. Find a Breeder on our website or fill out a Request Form to get started on your search for a Cairn Terrier companion. We advise you check references, visit potential breeders, and evaluate options before buying a puppy from a breeder.
We also support animal rescue efforts and can suggest some Cairn Terrier rescues in the country if you are looking to rescue instead of adopt.