Meet the Cairn Terrier: An active, game, hardy, small working terrier

“Tali” GCHP Nakoa Talisker

Famous as Toto from The Wizard of Oz, the Cairn Terrier is small but sturdy, bred to root out foxes and vermin from the rocky cairns of Scotland. With a weather-resistant coat and a foxlike expression, this breed is alert, bold, and always ready for action. Cairns are independent thinkers, often comical, and quick to investigate anything that moves. Though small, they all have the confidence of a much larger dog and thrive in homes that can keep up with their curious, mischievous ways.

By 1913, the first Cairn Terrier champions were recorded in Britain. The year 1913 also saw America’s first Cairn registered with the AKC. At the year’s end in 1917, the Cairn Terrier Club of America was accepted into the ranks of AKC member clubs, and the following year recorded America’s first champion of record for the breed.

Today, the Cairn’s popularity goes well beyond the boundaries of Britain and North America. Fanciers in both North and South America are adding quality animals to their breeding programs from various European countries. Influences from countries that follow the British Breed Standard for Cairns have increased the diversity seen in the breed, mainly as it relates to the overall size of the exhibits found in US show rings today.

“The Cairn Terrier: Breed History & Characteristics” by Tom Godwin SHOWSIGHT August 2014

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Meet the Cesky Terrier: Ever keen and alert in their surroundings

“Ali” MBISS GCHB Lississippis Class Act Grand Finale

Reserved but always polite, the Cesky (pronounced “chess-key”) Terrier hails from the Czech Republic and was developed by crossing the Sealyham and Scottish Terriers. With a long body, silky coat, and distinct beard and eyebrows, the Cesky is a quieter terrier—less fiery, but still full of spirit. It’s gentle with children, friendly with guests, and highly trainable. This rare breed makes an elegant and devoted companion for families who want the tenacity of a terrier without the usual volume.

The execution of this creative concept began with the Cesky Terrier creator, František Horák, a Czechoslovakian working first as an accountant, then as a technician at the Czechoslovak Academy of Science… Horák’s personal love of hunting dogs focused on developing a breed with British Isles ancestry which was both a great hunter and a wonderful companion… While the Cesky Terrier is portrayed as an aggressive accompaniment to the hunt, Horák’s dream of a family dog is secured. As a matter of fact, one could not find a more family-friendly dog. Today, living with a Cesky Terrier is exactly what František Horák envisioned.

“History of the Cesky Terrier” by Robert Comer SHOWSIGHT August 2013

Please visit showsightmagazine.com to learn more about the Cesky Terrier.