Difference Between a Scottie & a Cairn

Scottie's History

• Scotties were originally bred to kill unwanted vermin on farms, and to roust badgers and foxes for hunting parties in the Highlands of Scotland. At their origin, Scotties were lumped together in a group generically called "little Skye terriers". During the late 1800s, and with the advent of organized dog shows, breeders began specifying Scottish terriers traits to develop authentic bloodlines and a single breed.

  Dog shows also popularized Scottish terriers as companion dogs. Prior to such close handling by humans, Scotties were considered a leary breed known to bite first and shy away from human affection.

Physical Characteristics of the Scottie

• The Scottish terrier is a short-legged, stout little dog of strong bones and a muscular make-up. His head is proportionately lengthy to his size. He has a stiff, wiry, water-resistant coat.The Scottie has an erect stance and an up-lifted tail, giving the dog a bold, confident and noble appearance.

  Scotties are 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and should weigh between 19 and 23 pounds. They come in three colors including, black, brindle and fawn. Scotties live to be an average of 14 years and, other than Scottie Cramp, a movement issue caused by an interruption in serotonin, it is a healthy breed. This dog has continuously growing fur that requires regular professional grooming (twice annually) to meet breed standards and maintain a healthy coat.

Scotty Temperament

• According to the AKC, the Scottie should be alert and determined. Considered a high-energy dog, Scotties require daily exercise and mentally stimulating athletics. Obedience training is recommended for Scotties and a strong, consistent hand is necessary to overcome this dog's stubborn streak.

  Scotties are good with their people, but unless raised together, should not be trusted around other animals. With their strong prey hunting instinct, Scotties should always be walked on a leash.

Cairn Terrier History

• The modern Cairn terrier's lineage is enhanced by a continued effort to preserve the original working dog from the Isle of Skye. Prior to their AKC distinction, Cairns were often found in the same litters with Scotties and West Highland White terriers and could only be distinguished by their color.

  This dog gets his name from the rocky Scottish Highland crags, called cairns, where he was used to roust rats, fox, otters and other vermin. Because of their keen alertness, farmers often used these dogs to watch over their crops and farm animals.

Physical Characteristics of the Cairn

• A Cairn terrier should be short in stature with strong legs and a stout body. Built much like the Scottie, Cairns have a shorter nose and muzzle and their bodies are not as long.

  Cairns should be shaggy looking, but regular brushing and professional grooming is necessary to avoid mats. They have a double coat that is weather-resistant and wiry. Cairns come in a variety of colors, including red, brindle, blackish, sandy and shades of gray. The ears are darker than the rest of the dog's body and so is his muzzle and tail. The true coat color of a Cairn is impossible to predict and the coat changes often for the first few years.

Cairn Temperament

• A highly trainable dog, made famous by his role as Toto in the film "The Wizard of Oz," the Cairn terrier is favored as a family companion dog. Like their ancestors, Cairns are always looking to their owners for instruction: a desirable trait that should be channeled into activity. A Cairn is a fun-loving dog that is always ready to play. "The AKC Complete Dog Book" describes these dogs by advising, "Cairns love their families, but may try to test their owner's limits, so obedience training is necessary."