As a devoted owner of a Cairn Terrier, I have witnessed firsthand the suffering that these dogs endure when their outer coat is cut/clipped/shaved due to ignorance, lack of understanding or selfishness. The outer coat of a Cairn Terrier is not just fur; it serves as an essential external organ that plays a crucial role in their overall health and well-being.

Cairn Terriers are known for their double coat - an undercoat that provides insulation and an outer coat that protects them from weather conditions and other environmental factors. When the outer coat is clipped, it exposes these dogs to various health risks including skin infections and temperature sensitivity. In most cases it is impossible to restore the outer coat once clipped. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), improper grooming can lead to serious health issues in many breeds, including Cairn Terriers. 

It's time we recognize the importance of preserving this breed's unique physical characteristics for their quality of life. We urge pet owners, groomers, veterinarians, and all those involved in canine care to acknowledge the significance of maintaining the intact outer coat on Cairn Terriers.

Let us stand together for our beloved pets' welfare by signing this petition today. Let us strive towards creating awareness about proper grooming practices for all dog breeds starting with our beloved Cairns. Your signature can make a difference in ensuring better lives for these wonderful companions.

Since Cairn Terriers are a double-coated breed, fur must be hand-stripped. Cutting fur can damage a Cairn Terrier's fur and have long-term negative side effects for new hair growth, health and behavior. It also can lead to skin problems and issues with regulating their body temperature. The Cairns’ wiry outer coat serves as air-conditioner in hot weather and preserves body heat in the cold. It is water-proof and acts as body-armor against vermin. If you feel you need to cut your Cairn’s fur, consult with your veterinarian and a professional groomer before you proceed.

Do not clip the Cairn’s coat.  Clipping the coat will change the coat quality, softening it, lightening the color and reducing the water / dirt shedding characteristics of the coat.  Clipped coats will require more frequent bathing.  Regular bathing is not necessary for Cairns with a stripped coat. A good brushing will remove much of the dirt even after a serious digging episode!  Reserve bathing for times that your Cairn has perfumed themselves with something disgusting!   If your dog comes in with muddy feet and belly, a quick wash of the undercarriage will usually suffice. 

When Cairnn Terrier’s outer coat is clipped they will undergo considerable behavioral changes. Without the outer coat, during warm season the dog suffers from heat and will look for and stay in cool spots to cope with the heat. They will find and stay in a warm cosy spot during winter. Having lost the outer coat the normally active breed will sleep most of the day often resulting in weight problems and heart issues otherwise uncommon in Cairns.

In order to understand how grooming promotes healthy skin it is necessary first to understand the growth progression of the Cairn’s coat. Unlike most other breeds, the Cairn doesn't shed, or very little if they do. Hair growth goes through a progression of healthy new coat, "dying" coat, and onto "dead" or "blown" coat. Hair growth stops when the underlying hair follicle becomes "exhausted". The dead hair remains loosely rooted in the follicle until it is mechanically removed. At this point the follicle goes into a "resting" stage for a period of time before producing a new, healthy hair.

Cairns may be small, but they are not toy dogs, which were bred to sit in laps and snuggle. The Cairn Terrier was bred to hunt small vermin. His days were spent patrolling the croft, in constant motion and while he would have mostly trotted, there would be spurts of speed and periods of digging as well. His mind was active all the time, too. He would cover miles in a day, just cruising around, using his nose to find the creatures that were a threat to the crofter.

The Cairn’s outside coat plays an extremely important role in staying active. The most important thing to always keep in mind when living with a Cairn is not to clip his outer coat. While hand-stripping is labor-intensive and time-consuming and expensive if you must use a groomer, the reward is a generally very healthy smart and energetic low-maintenance companion filled with curiosity and joy, a quick-learner who sticks to routines well and is eager to please you. Your job is just to show him what you want and make it fun.