Lot 44: Cairn Terriers

Fannie Moody (British, 1861-c. 1897) Cairn Terriers signed 'Fannie Moody' (lower right) pastel on paper 25½ x 32¼ in. (64.8 x 81.9 cm.)

Anonymous sale; Christie's, South Kensington, 2 July 1998, lot 183.

PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION


Scotland was the birthplace of many of the rough-coated, short-legged Terrier breeds that are closely associated with each other. Many experts suggest that the Cairn Terrier was the primary type, although it is difficult to confirm. They were bred to bolt and destroy foxes, otters, badgers and other small vermin from the cairns and crags of the Highlands. They had been kept for generations both by the lairds of large estates and the farmers of the small crofts.

The origins of the Cairn can be traced at least to 1576 when Dr. Caius makes reference to these vermin-killing dogs and there are pictures of dogs resembling Cairns as we know them today in paintings of the period. The history of the breed is also closely associated with the Isle of Skye and so when they first appeared at the Inverness Dog Show in 1909, they were classified as a Short-haired Skye. However, by 1910 the name had been changed to the Cairn Terrier and two years later it was granted official breed status by The Kennel Club.