Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Description
          The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a low to the ground, longer than he is tall, little dog. The large head has a topknot that is in proportion to the body. The skull is broad between the ears, gradually tapering to the eyes. The muzzle is deep, with a well defined stop. The large teeth meet in a scissors bite. The moderately, large nose and the lips are dark in color. The large, round, wide-set eyes come in dark hazel with dark eye rims. The 3 to 4 inch (7-10 cm.) ears are pendant, set low and wide, hanging close to the cheeks.
          The legs are short with the back legs being a little longer than the front legs. The "scimitar" tail looks like a curved sword and is about 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm.) long, thicker for about 4 inches then tapering to a point. Dewclaws may be removed when puppies are three or four days old.. The coat is about 2 inches (5 cm.) long with with a mix of soft and hard hairs. Hair on the underside is softer in texture and the head is covered with an even softer, silky topknot.
          Coat colors come in pepper (dark bluish black to a light silvery gray) or mustard (reddish brown to a pale fawn). Mustard puppies are born with a dark brown coat which lightens into varying shades of red when it reaches an adult. Pepper puppies are born black and tan, that silvers later in life. Pepper coats have a silver topknot and mustard color coats have a cream colored topknot.

Height:  8-11 inches (20-28 cm.)
Weight:  18-24 pounds (8-11 kg.)
Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years.




Temperament
          The Dandie Dinmont makes a great companion dog, affectionate and happy-go-lucky. Lively, bold, brave, independent and intelligent. Because of this terrier's hunting instincts, it should not be trusted with non-canine pets, such as hamsters, rabbits, pet mice and guinea pigs. It will be okay with cats that it is raised with from puppyhood. They are not difficult to train, if you are firm and consistent. Makes a good watch dog, but needs to be told, after getting your attention with the first warning bark, it is time to be quiet and let you handle the rest.
          Because of this breeds small size, a lot of Dandie Dinmont Terriers develop small dog syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog believes he is king of the home. Led to believe they own the humans and everything else around them, and do their best to keep and defend what they own. This causes many varying degrees of behavior issues, including, but not limited to stubbornness, determined, willful, guarding, separation anxiety, hard to obedience train, reserve with strangers, snapping, biting, dog-aggressiveness, and obsessive barking, as the dog tries to keep his humans and everyone else around him in line. 
          These are not Dandie Dinmont traits, but behaviors brought on by the lack of a firm consistent pack leader, who provides, rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do, along with the lack of a daily pack walk. As soon as the humans take the control away from the dog, and the dog's instincts are met, the negative behaviors will begin to subside and the Dandie Dinmont will be a wonderful, trustworthy, family companion.  

Living Conditions: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do as long as you take them for daily walks. Likes to chase, be careful when taking them off the leash. 





Exercise
          Training must be strong and demanding so the Dandie Dinmont Terrier learns early-on (starting about 5 weeks old) that he is not going to be the boss. As long as this dog understands he is not the pack leader, all will be fine. Once a dog, any dog, gets the notion he is the alpha in the group, you’ve got problems ranging from separation anxiety to food bowl aggression. This is not the Dandie’s nature, but it will happen if his training is not done right. Be firm but calm and nice about it. Use clicker training and the positive reinforcement the is the best way to get your training across to a difficult dog. The process is very simple and effective.

note: This is a fairly easy breed to train and they can learn agility as well as obedience and manners with the clicker.

Grooming

          The Dandie Dinmont needs to be brushed regularly. They should have professional grooming. Dead hair should be plucked out once or twice a year. Show dogs require much more grooming. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Group: Terrier, AKC Terrier

Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR

Health Problems

          Due to the breed's elongated body, there can be back issues within the breed specifically with intervertebral discs in the dog's backs. These discs can sometimes "slip" resulting in spinal disc herniation. Any symptoms relating to this can depend entirely on what part of the dog's back is affected, and can range to paralysis with loss of bladder and bowel control in the worst cases.

           Following work by the breed clubs to ensure that any reoccurring health issues are dealt with, there are no especially common conditions affecting the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. However, minor issues affecting the breed can include hypotiroidsm, primary closed angle glaucoma and cushing's syndrome. In order to combat glaucoma in the breed, the breed clubs recommend that Dandies should have a procedure called a goniouscopy conducted on them at regular intervals throughout their lives. The Dandie is also at slightly higher risk of canine cancer than average. The average life expectancy of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 11–13 years.

Energy level: Medium energy

Exercise needs: Medium
Playfullness: Moderately playful
Affection level: Moderately affectionate
Friendliness toward other dogs: Friendly
Friendliness toward other pets: Friendly
Friendliness toward strangers:Shy


Origin
          The Dandie Dinmont is an old terrier dating back to the 1700s originating from the border area between England and Scotland. The breed may have been developed from the skye terrier and the now extinct Scotch Terrier (not to be confused with today's Scottish Terrier). 
          The breed was popular among the gypsies and was used by farmers to kill vermin. With its short legs it was able to go to ground hunting badgers and otter. In 1814 Sir Walter Scott wrote about the breed in is famous novel "Guy Mannering". In the book there was a character named Dandie Dinmont, and that is where the breed got it's name. It was recognized by the AKC in 1886. Some of the Dandie Dinmont's talents are vermin catcher, hunting rabbit, otter, badger, martens, weasels, and skunks.

Ease of training: Easy to train

Watchdog ability: High

Protection ability: Not very protective

Grooming needs: Moderate maintenance

Cold tolerance: Medium tolerance

Heat tolerance: Medium tolerance

Note

          The wrong food can cause chronic health problems all through your dog's life. Itching, hot spots, dry hair, oily hair, excessive shedding, ear infections, loose stools, gassiness that can clear a room... you might never think to connect these health issues with feeding the wrong food.

          The wrong vaccinations can make your dog terribly sick and too many vaccinations can weaken your dog's immune system, which leaves him more vulnerable to illness.

          The wrong flea products can be toxic – yes, even "natural" flea products.

Neutering and spaying at the wrong age can result in bladder control issues (incontinence) later in life.

          The wrong chew toys cause vomiting, diarrhea, choking, intestinal blockages, even death.

          Taking your dog to the wrong vet means an unhappy lifetime of drugs, chemicals, and medications, with their high costs and all of their side effects.

 

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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Description
          The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a muscular dog, very strong for their size. The head is short and deep with a broad skull, short foreface, distinct stop and strong jaws. The nose is black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The lips should be tight and clean. The round eyes are dark in color, in relation to the coat. 
          The somewhat small ears are either rose or half pricked. The front legs are straight. Dewclaws are sometimes removed and the paws are medium sized and well padded. The low-set tail is thicker at the base, tapering to a point, carried low. 
          The tail should not curl much and may be likened to an old fashioned pump handle. The smooth, short coat comes in red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colors with white and in any shade of brindle with or without white markings.

Height:  Dogs 14-16 inches (36-41cm)    Bitches 13-15 inches (33-38cm).

Weight: Dogs 25-38 pounds (11-17kg)   Bitches 23-35 pounds (10-16kg).

Life Expectancy: 10-16 Years.

Temperament

          The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does everything full throttle: play, work and love. It is extremely courageous and obedient, affectionate with a sense of humor. One owner of this breed says "Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very people friendly. They are not particularly wary of strangers in almost all circumstances - although I've heard a few anecdotes about some being wary of particular people. My dogs are always happy to meet new people!".

          The breeds reputation with children is second to none. Adored and adoring within its own family circle. It is usually good with other pets in the household, but without a stern, human pack leader giving timely corrections when needed, they may be combative with dogs outside the family. Socialize them well. They are intelligent, persistent and active. Not a good swimmer. As a puppy they tend to chew a great deal so make sure you provide them with plenty of chew toys.

          Their powerful jaws will tear though vinyl toys to get to the squeaker in no time. This can be dangerous if the dog swallows the plastic. Be sure to only give your Staffie strong toys. Do not let puppies chew on human hands. Do not allow it to be off its leash unless it is safe to do so. They can be trained for agility and competitive obedience. The breed competes in agility and obedience in the UK at the highest level. Staffie's love a challenge and variety. Owners need to protect these dogs from injuring themselves. Totally fearless and curious, they're liable to jump off of a deck or walk through broken glass.

          They can be difficult to housebreak. These dogs are not recommended for most families, because they need every member of their family to be a firm, confident, consistent pack leader, providing rules they must follow; placing limits on what they can and cannot do. Without this, they will become stubborn and hard to handle. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack . 

           When we human live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success.

Living Conditions: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and will do okay with a small yard.

Health Problems

          Prone to cataracts. HC & PHPV (both eye complaints) although through screening of both parents this can be avoided. DNA work in the UK is very nearly complete as to cure this (people should ensure they buy from eye tested parents, and that puppies are screened at a few weeks old. Hip dysplasia is occasionally seen and so are tumors. Puppies are prone to having an elongated soft palate. Like all the bully type breeds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers often have gas problems.

Exercise

          The Staffordshire Bull Terrier possesses tremendous stamina and must have plenty of exercise, which needs to include a daily walk or jog.

Grooming

          The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush every day with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The coat will gleam if rubbed with a piece of toweling or chamois.

Group: Mastiff, AKC Terrier

Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR

Origin

          The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in the region of Staffordshire, England in the nineteenth century from crosses between Bulldogs and various local terriers, which were similar to the Manchester Terrier. The Staffordshire Bull was developed for the then-popular sport of bull baiting. 

          The breed's popularity waned as interest in the sport waned. Then, in the twentieth century, interest in the breed grew again, especially in the United States. It returned to the show ring in 1935. In the U.S. it is now well bred in a size slightly larger than that called for in the Etropean standard.

          The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a dog for every family, but in the hands of a dominant, experienced owner; it can be a successful pet and family guardian. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1975.

Norwich Terrier

Description
          The Norwich Terrier is a short, sturdy, strong little dog. The head is slightly rounded, wide with a good amount of space between the ears. The wedge shaped muzzle is strong, with a well-defined stop. The small, oval shaped eyes are dark in color. The medium sized ears stand erect.  
          The legs are straight and the feet are round with black toe nails. The medium sized tail is set high level with the topline and is usually docked by half. Note: it is illegal to dock tails in most of Europe. The wiry, straight coat is about one and a half to two inches long. Coat colors include red, wheaten, tan, black and tan, or grizzle with or without dark points and occasionally with white markings.

Height: 10 inches (25cm.)
Weight: 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.5kg.)
These are the smallest of the Terriers.
 Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years





Temperament

          Among the smallest of the working terriers Norwich Terriers are active, courageous, affectionate, balanced and without any nervousness or quarrelsomeness. They are easy to train, and need consistent rules to follow. 
          These little dogs love everyone and are good with children. Because of their ratting instincts they tend to love anything you can toss so they can chase after it, such as toys, balls, sticks or bones. If left outside for along period of time with nothing to do, without providing a long pack walk to drain their energy, they can become barkers and diggers.
          This breed is generally good with other pets such as cats and dogs, but should not be trusted with small animals such as hamsters, pet rats, mice or guinea pigs. Do not allow this little dog to develop small dog syndrome, where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This can cause many varying degrees of behavior problems including, but not limited to, separation anxiety, jealousy and guarding behaviour. They can be difficult to housebreak.

Health Problems: Some lines are prone to back problems and genetic eye diseases, but are generally healthy.
Living Conditions: The Norwich Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.



 Exercise
          These little dogs were bred to work. They are energetic and thrive on an active life and need to be taken on a daily walk. They can jog for short distances. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Teach them to enter and exit all door and gateways after the human.  
Grooming
The shaggy, medium-length, waterproof coat is relatively easy to care for, but daily combing and brushing is important. Little clipping is required. Take extra care when the dog is shedding.  Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is a light shedder.

 






Group: Terrier, AKC Terrier.
Recognition:  CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR






 Origin
         Developed in East Anglia, England, the Norfolk and Norwich Terriers used to be the same breed with two different ear types, both were referred to as the Norwich Terrier. The English were the first to separate them in 1964. In 1979 the AKC officially deemed them as separate breeds. 
          The Norwich having small perked ears and the Norfolk with dropped ears. Another slight difference is, the Norfolks are angular in shape and the Norwich Terriers are more round. The dogs were used as barnyard ratters and to bolt foxes that had gone to ground during a fox hunt. 
          Their small size allowed them to get in and out of fox dens easily. After the foxes were flushed from their dens hunters on horseback would resume the chase with their hounds.

Norfolk Terrier

Description
          The Norfolk Terrier is a strong, sturdy, short little dog. The head is slightly rounded, wide with a good amount of space between the ears. The wedge shaped muzzle is strong, with a well-defined stop. The small, oval shaped eyes are dark in color. The ears are small, hanging tight to the cheeks.
          The legs are straight and the feet are round with black toe nails. The medium sized tail is set high level with the topline and is usually docked by half. Note: it is illegal to dock t`ils in most of Europe. The wiry, straight coat is about one and a half to two inches long. Coat colors include red, wheaten, tan, black and tan, or grizzle with or without dark points and occasionally with white markings.

Height: 10 inches (25cm.)
Weight: 10-12 pounds (4½-5½kg.)
These are the smallest of the Terriers.
Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years


















Temperament
          The Norfolk Terrier is among the smallest of the working terriers. Active, courageous, affectionate, balanced and without any nervousness or quarrelsomeness. They are easy to train, and need consistent rules to follow. These little dogs love everyone and are good with children. Because of their ratting instincts they tend to love anything you can toss so they can chase after it, such as toys, balls, sticks or bones.
          If left outside for along period of time with nothing to do, without providing a long pack walk to drain their energy, they can become barkers and diggers. This breed is generally good with other pets such as cats and dogs, but should not be trusted with small animals such as hamster, pet rats, mice or guinea pigs. 
          Do not allow this little dog to develop small dog syndrome, where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This can cause many varying degrees of behavior problems including, but not limited to, separation anxiety, jealousy and guarding behaviour. They can be difficult to housebreak.

Living Conditions: Norfolks will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Health Problems

• Hip dysplasia - Hind end limping, hind/back leg acts lame, can't move, weak legs. Wear and time causes the femur to fit poorly into the pelvic socket with improper rotation causing the Plott great pain, weakness and difficulty walking. You may notice the dog “hopping”” like a rabbit when running plus hesitating to climb stairs, all due to pain in the hind quarters. The problem actually starts as a very young puppy with an abnormal formation of the hip joint and grows progressively. A vet can locate this with a diagnostics test.
  
  
  
• Atopic dermatitis's—Atopy. Hereditary. Shows at 1 to 3 years age. Skin allergy triggered by dust mites, pollen, poor quality foods and other garbage we put into the dog’s environment. Many breeds are prone to this. The dog will lick, rub, chew and scratch the infected areas. Allergens can also come from fleas, bacteria and yeast infections. See your vet. There are many treatments ranging from medicines, antihistamines, diets, bathing, cleansing the house of dust mites and so on.
  
  
• Patellar luxation—Limping, Hind Leg Held Up, Can’t straighten back leg, weak legs. Caused by an unusually shallow spot on the femur, weak ligaments and misalignment of tendons and muscles that align the knee joint and allow the knee cap (patella) to float sideways in and out of position. This can be caused by injury or be present at birth and can affect both rear legs. It’s most common in small dogs like the English Cocker Spaniel. If your dog has trouble straightening the leg, is limping, lame or is walking on three legs and holding one hind leg up, look for patellar luxation. Several of my dogs have had the problem and all I’ve done is reach down, massage the knee a little until they drop their leg, and we’re good to go for another 3 or 4 months. Severe cases require surgery for a fully lame leg.
  
  
• Heart murmurs—Caused by congenital heart problems of acquired heart disease. A murmur can suggest an abnormal; heart valve, muscle disease, and abnormal opening, heartworms, a thyroid problem, or even anemia. Symptoms: Breathing problems, slow or fast heart rate, loss of appetite, total collapse, weakness, couching. There are many causes of murmur. Treatment depends on the cause and type of source.
  
  
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy—(PRA) An inherited, untreatable disease of the retina affecting both eyes causing blindness. It’s in thd genes of the dog and is not painful. Starts with night blindness and progresses as the retina gradually deteriorates.
  
  
• Cataracts—Hazy or cloudy vision which if not treated can cause total blindness.
  
  
• Glaucoma—A painful pressure in the eye which if not treated early on, will lead to total blindness.
  
  

Note: Other health problems could occur with your Norfolk Terrier. If you notice any problems with your dog, take it to the vet immediately. 

Group: Terrier, AKC Terrier
Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR
Intelligence: The Norfolk Terrier will learn quickly what is expected of it, but the training*must be consistent as this terrier has a will of its own. As puppies they could try the patience of a saint at times, as they are so lively and playful.




Grooming

Although the hard adult coat doesn’t appear until the puppy becomes an adolescent, grooming should be started at an early age; as this terrier can object to being restrained due to its independent streak. The coat is relatively easy to keep in good condition and will need to be hand plucked twice a year. A professional groomer or the breeder will be able to give advice on this.          The shaggy, medium-length, waterproof coat is relatively easy, but daily combing and brushing is important. Little clipping is required. Take extra care when the dog is shedding. Bathe and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is a light shedder.

Origin
          Developed in East Anglia, England, the Norfolk and Norwich Terrier used to be the same breed with two different ear types, both were referred to as the Norwich Terrier. The English were the first to separate them in 1964. In 1979 the AKC officially deemed them as separate breeds. 
          The Norwich having small perked ears and the Norfolk with dropped ears. Another slight difference is, the Norfolks are angular in shape and the Norwich Terriers are more round. The dogs were used as barnyard ratters and to bolt foxes that had gone to ground during a fox hunt. 
          Their small size allowed them to get in and out of fox dens easily. After the foxes were flushed from their dens hunters on horseback would resume the chase with their hounds.

Colour: They came in variety of colour, more commonly seen in self colours such as all shades of red, wheaten, tan, grizzle or black, some may have limited white.
Coat Length: Short/Medium














Exercise
          These little dogs were bred to work. They are energetic and thrive on an active life, and need to be taken on a daily walk. They can jog for short distance. 
          While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Teach them to enter and exit all door and gateways after the human.
          The Norfolk Terrier puppy can be stubborn and hard to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done.
          Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

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Cairn Terrier

Description 
          The Cairn Terrier is a hardy little terrier, with a fox-like expression. The head is broad in proportion to the length. The strong muzzle is of medium length with a defined stop. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The nose is black. The deep, wide-set eyes are hazel in color with shaggy eyebrows and topknot. 
          The erect ears are small and set wide apart covered in short hairs. The tail is in proportion to the head with short hairs. The shaggy, double, weather-resistant coat has a harsh outer coat with a soft undercoat.
          The coat comes in any color accept for white, including red, brindle, blackish, sand and various shades of gray, often with dark ears, muzzle and tail tip. The final coat color of a Cairn is hard to predict as the coat changes many times for several years. 

Height: Dogs 10-13 inches (25-33 cm)     Bitches 9-12 inches (23-30 cm).
Weight: Dogs 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg)       Bitches 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg). 

Temperament 

          The Cairn Terrier is an alert, animated, hardy, little dog. Loyal, curious, cheerful, lovable and friendly, they enjoy playing with children. Independent, but will listen if they see the human is stronger minded than themselves. Meek and/or passive owners will find the dog to be willful. This breed can be taught to do tricks. A fearless, bold vermin hunter, Cairns like to dig.   

          With enough mental and physical along with consistent leadership they will be calm and easy-going. Cairns adapt well to their new homes. They need firm, but not harsh, training and discipline. Without the proper leadership, the Cairn can become destructive and/or bark excessively If they spot a rabbit or other small animal they may take off chasing it. 

          Do not allow this little dog to develop small dog syndrome, human induced behaviors, where they believe they are pack leader to humans. Cairns with this syndrome will develop all types of varying degrees of behavior problems, including, but not limited to separation anxiety, stubbornness, snapping, growling and guarding.

Living Conditions :The Cairn Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Life Expectancy : About 12-15 years.

The most common health problems in Cairn Terriers:

          Allergies (causing itchy skin and often leading to bacterial skin infections called pyoderma) are common in all terriers.The most common orthopedic disease in Cairn Terriers is luxating patella (loose knees). Other orthopedic diseases occurring in Cairns are craniomandibular osteopathy and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Even hip dysplasia occurs in Cairns.

          The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 64 Cairn Terriers and found 6% dysplastic. Compare that to Australian Terriers with a 2% rate.The most common eye disease is cataracts. When cataracts appear before 2 years old, they often progress to blindness. Another eye concern in the Cairn Terrier is lens luxation leading to secondary glaucoma. 

          Occasionally, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) has been reported in Cairns.Ocular melanosis (pigmentary glaucoma) is an eye disease that occurs ONLY in Cairn Terriers. Appearing at 8-12 years old, pigment granules form in the whites of the eye, making it harder for fluid to drain out, which leads to elevated fluid pressure (glaucoma) in the eye. Older Cairns should be checked yearly for pigment changes in their eyes.

          Lysosomal storage disease (specifically, globoid cell leukodystrophy) is a degenerative disease of the brain and spinal cord. It appears at 2-6 months old and is rapidly progressive, with death usually occurring prior to a year old. Fortunately, a simple DNA test is available for GCL so you can find out at any time whether your Cairn Terrier has the disease, carries the disease, or is completely clear of it.

          Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease where your Cairn's lungs become chronically inflamed and scarred to the point where he has a very hard time breathing. It appears around 9 years old and the prognosis is very poor.

          There are quite a few other diseases to be concerned about in Cairn Terriers, most of them serious. These include epilepsy, heart disease (mitral valve disease), blood-clotting diseases (von Willebrand's and hemophilia B), kidney disease (polycystic kidneys), liver shunt, pyruvate kinase deficiency, cerebellar ataxia, hypothyroidism, and hernias.

Group :Terrier, AKC Terrier

Recognition :APRI, CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, ACR, DRA, NAPR

Exercise 

           These are active little dogs, who need a daily work. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. 

Grooming 
Pet coat (less work): Cut his coat short every few months and then it only needs to be brushed every so often. 
Show coat (more work): Strip his coat every six months and brush it daily. 

          That shaggy "natural" looking coat actually takes quite a bit of maintenance and a neglected coat soon becomes a sorry, matted mess. Brush several times a week, being gentle with the soft undercoat. Once a month, bathe the dog and brush the coat while it dries. Trim around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clip the nails regularly. The Cairn sheds little to no hair. 

Origin 

          The Cairn Terrier originated in the 1500s, in Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye and is one of Scotland's original terriers. At one point it was considered the same breed as the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier up until the 1900s when the breeds began to be bred separately. The Cairn is also said to be related to the Skye Terrier.

          The Cairn was named for the way it would squeeze down into "cairns" and bark at fox and badger until the farmer could arrive to kill it. "Cairns" were rock dens where badgers and fox lived, usually in piles of small stones used to mark Scottish farm borders and graves. 

          The breed was first publicly presented in 1909 and became popular after the 1930s. It was first recognized by the AKC in 1913. It was a Cairn Terrier who played "Toto" in the Wizzard of Oz. Some of the Cairn's talents are hunting, tracking, go-to-ground trials, watchdog, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. 

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West Highland White Terrier

Description 

          The West Highland White Terrier, often simply called the Westie is a small, sturdy dog. The head is in proportion to the body and when viewed from the front gives off a round appearance. The blunt muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull and tapers towards the nose. There is a defined stop. The nose is black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite with teeth that are large in proportion to the dog. The almond-shaped, deep-set, dark brown eyes are set wide apart. 

          The ears are erect set wide apart on top of the head, triangular in shape coming to a point. The legs are somewhat short but not too low to the ground. The undocked tail is relatively short, about 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm.) long, thicker at the base and tapering to a point. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The double coat has a straight, hard outer coat that is about 2 inches long (5 cm.) and a soft, dense undercoat. Coat colors come in solid white. 

Height:  Dogs 10-12 inches (25-30cm.) Bitches 9-11 inches (23-28cm.)

Weight: Dogs 15-22 pounds (7-10kg.)  Bitches 13-16 pounds (6-7kg.) 

Health Problems : Prone to chronic hernias, liver disease Legg-Perthes disease (hip problems), jawbone calcification and skin problems.

Exercise 

          These little dogs, need a daily walk.  Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. 

Grooming 

          The harsh, straight, short-haired double coat is fairly easy to groom and sheds little to no hair. Simply brush regularly with a stiff bristle brush. Brushing should keep the coat clean, so bathe only when necessary. Trim around the ears and eyes with blunt-nosed scissors. The whole coat should be trimmed about every four months and stripped twice a year. 

Living Conditions : West Highland White Terriers are suitable for people in towns and cities as well as in the country. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Life Expectancy : About 15 or more years.

Origin 

          The West Highland White Terrier originates from Poltalloch, Scotland and was once called the Poltalloch Terrier and later was called the Roseneath Terrier, named after the Duke of Argyll’s estate. The breed came about in the mid 19th century when a Scottish breeder of the Cairn Terrier whelped some white pups in his litters. 

          Those pups were selected and bred to obtain the West Highland White Terrier, which is simply a white Cairn. The West Highland was first shown in the USA in 1906 and first recognized by the AKC in 1908. In 1909 the breeds name was changed from the Roseneath Terrier to the West Highland White Terrier. Like the Cairn, the Westie was originally bred for controlling the population of rats, fox, badger, otter and other vermin. 

Temperament 

          West Highland White Terriers are game and hardy little terriers, which are easy to train. They are fairly friendly toward strangers and get along well with children. Easy dog to travel with. They are lively and extremely self-assured toward other dogs, but will not pick fights, if their owners know how to display proper leadership. They may chase a cat for fun, and need to be corrected if they do attempt this. Robust, friendly and spirited. Westies just love companionship. 

          Despite its size, they make a very good watchdog. The Westie likes to dig and bark. If a Westie is allowed to become the pack leader, they may snap when irritated and be combative with other dogs. A lack of leader ship on the owners part can cause many behavior problems, such as biting,guarding food and furnitures.

          A Westie who has an owner who knows how to display firm, confident, consistent, leadership will not experience these behavioral problems. These problems can be corrected once the owner becomes the dogs true pack leader. Do not allow the Westie to develop small dog syndrome. 

Color : White as defined by the breed's name. Faults- any coat color other than white. Heavy wheaten color.