Terriers

The Cairn Terrier. The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest Scottish breeds. This breed was so named because it worked at finding and killing foxes and otters in the cairns, or piles of rocks and stones, of the Scottish Western Highlands. If there is not such work for it to do, you may consider him an ideal pet. Active and game, strong and compactly built, standing on short legs, the little fellow seems ready for any work that he may be asked to do.

His head is smallish and fox-like in general shape. The erect ears are small and pointed and not set very closely together. The tail is carried gaily, but should not curl over the back. Legs are short and not too heavy in bone. The coat is hard but not coarse, and there is a thick undercoat. Any colour but white is approved. It is shaggy in appearance. It should be not more than 10 inches tall at the withers.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a dog with a very distinctive and engaging appearance. The large, dark eyes and the soft white top-knot belie, the stubborn, independent character. As early as 1700 the Dandie had made a formidable reputation as a vermin exterminator. But it required a century and a literary masterpiece for the Dandie to come by his name. Sir Walter Scott introduced in his novel "Guy Mannering" a character named Dandie Dinmont who kept six of the terriers, the name of the fictional master became the name of the breed.

The Dandie is not a laptop by nature, but if you are seeking a pet who makes an exciting and interesting companion and who insists on equal rights, it will suit your needs perfectly. It should be 8-11 inches tall. With soft, silky hair covering his head and a crisp body coat, the Dandie requires light grooming to appear at his best. Colour should range from blue-grey to light silver. The head looks big for his size, though it should not be out of proportion. The ears are set low and hang close to the cheeks. The body is long and flexible, with well-sprung ribs and round chest. The tail is curved like a scimitar. The front legs are short and very strong. The hind legs are a trifle longer and are placed rather wide apart.