This name was not accepted by the Kennel Club when faced with opposition from breeders of the Skye Terrier.

[9] The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled.

The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat.

[10] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

[11] Some of the more common hereditary health problems found in the Cairn are:[12][13] The breed is predisposed to atopic dermatitis.