WordNet
n. small rough-haired breed of terrier from Scotland [syn: cairn]
Wikipedia
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds, originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognized as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs. The breed was given the name Cairn, because the breed's function was to hunt and chase quarry between the cairns in the Scottish highlands.
Although the breed had existed long before, the name Cairn Terrier was a compromise suggestion after the breed was originally brought to official shows in the United Kingdom in 1909 under the name Short-haired Skye terriers. This name was not acceptable to The Kennel Club due to opposition from Skye Terrier breeders, and the name Cairn Terrier was suggested as an alternative. They are usually left-pawed, which has been shown in dogs to correlate to superior performance in tasks related to scent. Cairn Terriers are ratters.
Usage examples of "cairn terrier".
While the tiny Cairn terrier was sniffing suspiciously at his shoes, Bradley examined her mistress.
Almost as soon as the door closed behind us, a little black Cairn terrier that looked exactly like the dog in _The Wizard of Oz_ came trotting importantly from another room.
Silence, as an elderly lady with a jutting, sour mouth walked her cairn terrier past, glancing disdainfully at them.