The hybrid called the Cairicocker is a new breed of dog that does not have a detailed history, though the two breeds that combine to create the breed have long histories. In the case of the Cairn Terrier, the breed is thought to be one member of a group of short-legged terriers from Scotland’s Isle of Skye, thought to have existed since the 15th century when the breed was used to hunt the fox, badger and otter. It is believed that the name comes from the dog being particularly skilled at chasing otters from piles of stones, or cairns, that were used as landmarks or memorials during that time period. The dogs were seen in many colors, and all were considered to be Scotch Terriers. In 1873 the dogs were divided based on color into two groups: Dandie Dinmont and Skye Terriers, with the Cairn being a member of the Skye Terrier group. In 1881 the Skye group was further divided; one group for the Skye and a second for hard-haired terriers. The hard-haired terriers were then separated into Scotch, West Highland White and the breed now known as the Cairn. In 1912 the Cairn became known as the Cairn Terrier. A famous easily recognizable Cairn Terrier is the small dog Toto from the Wizard of Oz. The English brought their version of the Cocker Spaniel to the United States in the late 1800’s. As hunters in America sought a slightly smaller dog, the American version was created to hunt quail and other small game birds. The name “cocker” is from the word “woodcock” which is a type of game bird that the dog was successful at capturing. While it is not clear how the smaller version came to be, it is believed that the first (a dog called Obo 2nd) was born around 1880. Other evidence points to there being crosses of the English cocker with smaller toy spaniels in order to create the American version. In 1935 the American Kennel Club separated the English and American Cocker Spaniels into two different breeds.
