"The Lochrin Cairns" Lord Lochrin's passion for his dogs was matched only by his thirst for victory on the battlefield.  His pack of highland terriers was known far and wide for their tenacity and gameness.  Working closely with their master these hardy terriers hunted amongst the boulders and stone markers, (known as "Cairns"), and entered passages so narrow and twisting that no man could enter.  They hunted foxes, badgers, wild cats, otters and other small game and could squeeze through the smallest openings in the rocks, even turning and twisting their agile bodies to emerge "right way up".  They had large mouths with fine strong teeth and jaws and their coats were rough and hard and they were not bothered by the harshness of the highland climate or the rugged terrain.    These highland terriers, owned by Lord Lochrin were long-bodied, short legged and foxy faced with rough wiry coats.  They were not bred for their appearance, but for their gameness and hunting ability.  The Lochrin pack were not a fancy, pretty group. Some missing part of an ear, others scarred and bitten, but all were loyal, faithful, brave and bold.  Each terrier had its own history.  One who nearly drowned, one so torn from battling its prey, it was a miracle of survival and others again with such vivid pasts that Lord Lochrin would never tire of telling their tales over and over again to visitors in the evenings around the hearth - watched, of course, by his beloved dogs as they lazed in their various positions near the warmth of the fire.
"The Unique Lochrins" A well known tale by people in those wild, untamed times, is about a hunting expedition led by Lord Lochrin and ten or so members of his clan.  On this particular day they ventured to a remote, rocky outcrop, further than their normal hunting grounds, accompanied by a pack of about 20 terriers and a couple of hounds.  The hunt was progressing well when a group of approximately 30 warriors from an opposing Clan came upon them.  A battle ensued,  with the Lochrins being completely outnumbered.  The story goes that the brave terriers, seeing their masters being threatened and charged by their  enemies, bolted from their rocky lairs and joined in the battle as best they could.  Some clung to the ankles of the enemy, forcing them to fall to the ground, whereupon others would seize onto their throats, finishing them off in a frenzy of anguish and blood.  When the enemy realized that they had to contend with the pack of terriers as well as Lord Lochrin's men, they turned and fled, with the dogs chasing at their heals!  Later that same day, when the men had finished their evening meal, a knock at the door heralded a visit by some ladies from a nearby village.  Noticing the little dogs lying in their usual positions all around the room, one lady commented on their sweet dispositions, but was disappointed that none would awaken, even when she stroked and cajoled them.   Lord Lochrin replied (with a wry smile), "The wee sweeties are all done in from their romp in the heather my lady."  To which the lady replied, "Shame on you, my Lord, these dogs should be out hunting and earning their keep, not romping in the heather.  They are obviously an unfit lot if their mere playful jaunts has tired them so, they will not lift their heads to greet me."   "Lochrin Cairns Today" Today the descendants of these brave, loyal terriers can still be found in the beautiful Macedon Ranges area of Victoria.  Lochrin Cairn Terriers, owned by Lyn Barclay and her family, is a Kennel devoted to the breeding of sound, delightful Cairns that are true to type and a joy to own.  Descendents themselves of the old Scottish Clans (Barclay and Sutherland), Lyn and Kerry Barclay have a commitment to breeding Cairn Terriers that continue the tradition of the true working terrier.  Hence their motto - "Lochrin Cairns - Brave 'n bold, wi' heart o' gold."   For puppy sales, please contact us on lbarclay@harboursat.com.au or phone us on 0354284739.  (Cairn Terrier grooming and boarding also available - prices on application.)   Back To Home