Tag: Terrier Breeds

If ever there were a dog trapped in the wrong body, it would be the Cairn Terrier. BestBullySticks.com is amazed at how such a lively, energetic being could be such a small creature! Read more about the Cairn Terrier in the BBS Breed Spotlight!

History & Background: Originating in the islands and highlands of Scotland, the Cairn Terrier was once grouped into the Skye Terrier family that included breeds such as the West Highland White Terrier, Scottish Terrier and Skye Terrier. These dogs were bred as working dogs, to chase and corner otters, foxes and other critters. This terrier was even named after the work that it did; chasing animals into “cairns,” which were piles of rock serving as memorials, but small creatures used them as dens.

By the end of the 19th century, Scottish Terrier breeders started breeding separate lines of the Skye Terrier family. There was some confusion at confirmation showings among differentiations between “Short-haired Skyes.” So, “Cairn Terrier of Skye” was suggested, then later shortened to simply “Cairn Terrier.” The AKC recognized this breed in 1913. This breed has also had quite a career in movies and literature. The most notable Cairn in media might be the dog of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Though Baum didn’t specify Toto as a Cairn, the book’s illustrator drew him as one, and a Cairn named Terry was cast as Toto in the film adaptation. A Cairn was also Little Ricky’s dog in I Love Lucy.   

Height: 9 to 13 inches. The Cairn’s height—being low to the ground—differs from other terriers and gives the dog a distinctive looked called “Cairishness.”

Weight: 13 to 18 pounds

Coat: This terrier has a double coat that is highly weather resistant. Cairns have hard and dense outer coats and soft, short and furry undercoats. This dog has bushy eyebrows and a furry tail. Read more

The “King of the Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is not only the largest of the terriers, but has been called the dog who can do it all. Plus, isn’t he just adorable!?  Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Airedale highlights the regal, unique looking yet beautiful English breed and we know you’ll love learning about this terrier.

History & Background: First called Waterside or Bingley Terriers, the modern Airedale looks very different from the Airedale of the past. The breed originates from the Valley of Aire, a dale in West Yorkshire, England where the river Aire flows through the land. The first Airedale’s were used as all-purpose working terriers. This dog was mostly a hunter and was bred by crossing a black and tan terrier, bull and terrier dogs, and otterhounds. Hunters soon noticed this dog was adept at almost all hunting aspects; speed, quickness, cornering, following a scent and was even great in water.

When the World Wars came to Europe, the Airedale was again used in a myriad of ways. They carried messages to soldiers, transported mail, guarded camp, and found wounded soldiers on the battlefield. After their work in war, the Airedale transferred to police work. Before police forces started adopting German Shepherds for their work, Airedales were used extensively.

Airedales came to North America in the 1880s, but increased in popularity after WWI. The tales of Airedale bravery on the battlefield inspired dog lovers to have this breed in their own home. Another reason for gain in popularity was the Presidential owners of Airedales including Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding. It’s said President Harding’s Airedale, Laddie Boy, was the first celebrity White House pet. Mr. Harding even had a custom chair made for Laddie Boy to sit in during important Cabinet meetings. By the 1920s the Airedale was the most popular dog breed in the USA and continued to peak until 1949.

The Airedale is mostly a companion dog today, but is still used as a working dog in some parts of the world. The AKC recognized the Airedale in 1888, and the breed standard was approved in 1959. Read more

A breed with the “look of a lamb and the heart to of a lion,” the Bedlington Terrier is quite a unique dog. Best Bully Sticks is amazed at the distinctive look, attitude and features of this dog that truly puts this dog in a class of its own. BBS thinks you’ll be equally delighted in this friendly but feisty breed.

History & Background: The Bedlington Terrier is named after a mining town, Bedlington, in the county of Northumberland, England where it was first bred. This dog was first called the Rothbury or Rodbery Terrier after an area on the English coast where one of the first ancestors of this breed was kept for studding. This breed was originally used to hunt rodents in the mines and then later for racing. The Bedlington was also used as a hunter for foxes, hares and badgers because of its build for speed. It’s said that the Bedlington could have been the ancestor of the Irish Kerry Blue Terrier. This breed was recognized early on by the AKC in 1886.

Height: Males: average of 16 ½ inches; Females: average of 15 ½ inches

Weight: 17 to 13 pounds

Coat: The Bedlington’s coat is somewhat odd because it is made up of both soft and hard fur. The hair stands away from the body and curls, especially on the head and face. Some say this breed’s coat has a “lint” texture. Even more distinctive is the cut of this terrier. When this dog has been groomed for the show ring, the body coat doesn’t exceed 1 inch, however the face, ears and legs usually have longer hair. Pared with the shape of this terrier’s head, this cut makes the Bedlington look much more like a lamb than a dog. Read more