If you have visited the many Cairn Terrier Web Sites on the internet you have probably already read much about our beloved Cairn Terriers. Briefly, they originate from the northwest Highlands of Scotland and were kept by Scottish Lairds as a hunting dog.  In this rough, harsh terrain they evolved naturally over hundreds of years.  They were bred solely for their hunting ability and were used to hunt in packs ("cullach de madaidhean").  As far back as the 15th Century there are references to hardy, game, rough coated, low bodied dogs who would "go to ground" to flush out vermin.  These are the ancestors of our Cairns today. Most responsible breeders today are keen to maintain the true nature of the original Cairns - which is alertness, gameness, soundness and, of course, a truly great temperament!

 Cairns are adaptable !   "The Crew"  Namely, Sandy & Flora.  (Lochrin Silent Witness & Lochrin Fireflie)

Cairns make great pets!  They require little grooming and are extremely adaptable.  They are equally as happy to live with a boisterous young family with a number of children or with a quieter family of adults.  They usually respond quite well to training, (although sometimes a bit stubborn!) and can be toilet trained quite easily.

Their needs are few - a securely fenced yard, warm shelter, exercise (they love their walks), minimal grooming and adequate diet.

Cairns come in a wide variety of colours, often brindled and often changing!  The cute little wheaten puppy that you purchased can end up a beautiful silver grey or nearly black dog in 3 years time.  Others stay the same, except when their winter coats are removed and another colour appears underneath.  They are truly a "magic dog"  with their ability of changing colour!

Barney ponders some trout fishing. (Lochrin Catalyst)

On this page are photos of some very special Lochrin Cairns, pictured "doing what cairns do", with their families.  We see some of them regularly, (for grooming, or visiting, etc.,) and others we just see photos and hear of their exploits. Some live in far away places, and others just around the corner.  They are all loved dearly by their owners and they all hold a special place in our hearts.

Archie, Brydie & Maggie enjoy a day motoring!  (Lochrin Arnies Wink, Lochrin Smokebush Mist & Lochrin Nordic Echo)

I would now like to indulge myself with my own personal opinion of the Cairn (with my sincere apologies for being so biased).  I believe that once you own a Cairn it will be difficult for you to ever own any other breed of dog.  Their expressive little faces (and their ear carriage) will endear them to your heart and you will spend hours watching their amusing and engaging antics.  The more time you spend with them, the more they respond - not only to your words but to your body language as well.  They love humans and are natural "sticky beaks", wanting to know everything you are doing.  They have great intelligence and curiosity, and they remain "young" until they are quite old.  So, I warn you - if you buy yourself a Cairn Terrier, expect a lifelong obsession with this wonderful little character!!

Rupert plans tomorrow's adventures. (Lochrin Maestro)