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 For families and people that want a dog that is energetic, happy, intelligent and a very loyal pet and protector the Cairn Terrier is a perfect match. They are outgoing in their personalities and often don’t seem to realize that they are a small dog. A natural watchdog, the Cairn Terrier can be stranger, dog and pet aggressive if not properly socialized. The Cairn Terrier will often attack much large dogs in their role as protectors, so care must be taken to keep them safe and away from larger breeds that could easily cause the smaller dog injury. With proper socialization they can be excellent companion dogs for both other breeds of dogs as well as non-canine pets. A natural hunter, Cairn Terriers will chase and need to be kept within a fence or on a leash to prevent them from running off on a hunt.

Cairn Terriers are good family dogs although they can be snappish and somewhat possessive of their food and toys. In a family with children the Cairn Terrier will always be involved in the children’s games and play and loves to run and romp. Their boundless energy makes them a terrific pet for active families. Chasing balls, like kong dog toys, and playing fetch is a favorite pastime of many Cairn Terriers.

Cairn Terriers are a people breed of dog and need to have contact with their owners and family on a regular basis. They do not do well if left alone for long periods of time or kept in a kennel. Bored or lonely Cairn Terriers can quickly develop destructive or problematic habits such as constant barking or problem digging. Consistent, positive training and challenges keep this breed stimulated both mentally and physically. Cairn Terriers quickly learn new skills and tricks and love to work for praise and attention. Cairn Terriers do need affection and attention and love to find a comfortable spot on the couch or, even better yet, on a lap and spend time with the family. They make an excellent housedog and will be very active. They do love to be outside and run and play, so a yard is recommended but with regular walks it is not absolutely required. Without the right amount of exercise the Cairn Terrier can become somewhat difficult to work with and may become less compliant and more headstrong.

Despite the natural good humor and rather independent attitude of the Cairn Terrier they are a breed that does not respond well to punishment. They are surprisingly sensitive to reprimands and changes in the owner’s voice, so care needs to be taken to avoid speaking in harsh tones or raising your voice with this breed. Although not prone to being timid they can become more aloof and independent if they are mistreated, teased or not attended to in a positive fashion.

 The Cairn Terrier was originally used as a ratting dog, hunting throughout farmlands in the areas around the Isle of Skye in Scotland in the 1500’s. There are many terrier breeds that came out of this area, but the modern Cairn Terrier is considered to be the closest in appearance and personality to the actual ancestors of these terrier breeds. The Cairn Terrier received its name though its ability to push itself through the rocks that formed the cairns or stone fences after rodents and vermin that were problematic in the area. They were experts at driving the larger rodents or animals such as otters and badgers out of the cairns as well as hunting and killing the smaller animals. Although independent and prized for its ability to hunt, the Cairn Terrier was also valued as a watchdog and companion. They also love playing with a variety of toys, including kong dog toys.

The breed became increasingly popular through the 1900’s as more people in large cities looked for active and energetic smaller dogs for city living conditions. The Cairn Terrier today is primarily used as a companion dog although they are also used in earthdog trials, in obedience and agility competitions as well as for watchdogs.

 The Cairn Terriers coat consists of a wiry, coarse outer coat that covers a very fine, downy under coat. The outer coat may be any color except white and the inner coat will be the same color or slightly lighter in color than the outer coat. The coat is medium in length and is very straight, with very slightly longer hair on the furnishings on the legs and around the neck acceptable. A soft or curly coat is considered a fault in this breed.

White spots on the chest or feet are considered a fault but darker points are acceptable in all colors.

 Most of these dogs really enjoy playing with all sorts of toys, including kong dog toys with the stuffing treats.

 The Cairn Terrier is a small athletic looking dog that has a mischievous and intelligent look. Often their face is described as being almost fox-like in appearance with sharp pointed ears that are set relatively high on the head. The ears are always carried erect and the bushy topknot and longer hairs on the ears give a softened outline to the head. The muzzle is strong looking but not square and is somewhat pointed in appearance. The face has a definite stop between the deep set brown or hazel eyes that are framed by bushy eyebrows. The eyes of a Cairn Terrier seem to sparkle with intelligence and good humor and they are very interested in watching everything around them.

The body is relatively short and very compact. The dogs are sturdy looking without being heavy or stocky in appearance. The Cairn Terrier has different sized feet, with the front feet slightly larger than the back feet. The legs are short and very straight with longer, harsh fringe and feathering over the legs for added protection in moving through dense vegetation and brambles.

The short tail is always carried high and is usually wagging and in motion, especially when these active little dogs are one hunt or are out on a walk. They have a very springy gait and move fluidly despite their smaller size. Since they were originally a ratting breed, they have the coarse, outer coat that provides both protection and water resistance and the softer, insulating under coat keeps them warm even in cold weather. The coat is slightly wavy to straight but is never curly. The breed can be found in many different colors including gray, black, red, sand and brindle but cannot be white. White patches on the chest or feet are considered faults, but darker hair on the ears, legs, muzzle and tip of the tail is acceptable.

 These dogs thoroughly enjoy playing with all sorts of toys, including kong dog toys.

The Kuvasz is named after a Turkic word that means guard or soldier. The prime function of a Kuvasz in Hungary was as a protector for nobility. It wasn’t until later that the dog was used by local peasants to guard and herd sheep. First, they would train their dog on dog leashes before letting them run the herd. The dog is usually white, bred this way so that the shepherds could tell the dog from the wolves that liked to prey on the livestock, especially at night. The dogs were all over Hungary until around World War II when the Nazis killed most of them off as they swept through villages. This was because the dog was so loyal and fierce a protector that often soldiers would have to kill the dog to take a farmhouse. It is estimated that less than 30 Kuvasz remained in Hungary after World War II.

The Kuvasz has a very stubborn temperament and is used to making its own decisions. This comes from its long history of being used as a guard dog for livestock and nobility. It will tend to make up its own mind and it will want to control almost any interaction. This is a dog that is dominant and isn’t afraid to push your buttons. You can expect that even when you think the dog is trained and taking your lead on dog leashes, that it may suddenly test your boundaries one more time to see if you really mean business. It is up to you to be consistently firm and not waffle or let the dog take the lead at any time, or it will think you are a pushover

A Kuvasz is a large dog that excels at being a guard dog. It has a naturally aggressive nature towards strangers, but can be devotedly loyal to its handler. Make sure to be careful when walking on dog leashes, as he is very loyal to his owner. The aggression can come out as an overall suspiciousness or it can provoke barking and biting behavior. In order to handle the dogs natural aggressiveness, you have to understand the mind of a dog that was bred to guard nobility and then later to herd sheep.

The Kuvasz is often compared to a large white bear. It has a very thick fur coat, which is usually white, and has a wavy to straight texture. The coat can grow as long as six inches in length. The Kuvasz sheds, also known as moulting, twice a year. It moults once in the spring and another time during the autumn months. During those times, the normal shedding accelerates and the Kuvasz can lose an enormous amount of hair in a relative short space of time. If the dog is an indoor dog, the hair will land on your carpets, in your draperies, and on your furniture.  Make sure to take him on walks with proper dog leashes to shed some of that hair outside.

The Kuvasz has a booming bark befitting this large dog. It is an excellent watchdog and will be on watch all night long. This can be great if you live out in the country, but hardly ideal if you live in the city. The Kuvasz is not a dog that does well in urban environments for this reason. Instead of using its great watchdog instincts for protecting your property, in the city you will probably end up with the animal control people being called every time your dog becomes a noise nuisance. Be aware that when walking him on dog leashes, he will have a tendancy to bark at strangers.

The Kuvasz is of Hungarian origin where it was often used as a personal bodyguard for nobility. Later, it became a good dog for herding sheep and watching the farmhouses. In World War II, the encroaching German armies practically decimated the species because they had to kill the dogs as they tried to take a farmhouse. The dogs would often warn the owners of potential intruders and also give its life to protect the family. It is a fierce guard dog that takes its role seriously. When walking the Kuvasz, make sure you always use the proper type of dog leashes.