Potomac Cairn Terrier Club - Rescue

02/09/2026

COURTESY LISTING for Cairn Rescue League. If you are interested in this dog, please go to: http://www.cairnrescueleague.com/adoption/application.html

Lola is an adorable little terrier mix. She is approximately one year old with all the energy of a puppy. She weighs 11.5 pounds, is crate-trained and house-trained.

She is affectionate and lives by the motto, “girls just wanna have fun”. She loves to chase balls and her plush toys. She’s up for any activity and/or stimulation you want to share with her. She enjoys walks but needs instruction on how to walk on a leash without pulling. Lola has a delicate trachea and pulling on the leash causes problems for her. As a matter of fact, she needs lots of instruction on basic doggy behavior and manners. She is a jumper and gets overly excited when she sees you. She has little impulse control and is always on the go. She’s an extremely active little girl. We will require that her adopters do formal obedience training with her to build her focus and confidence. Training will also strengthen the bond between Lola and her owners.

Don’t be fooled by how cute and cuddly Lola seems. She’s not your typical “toy” dog. She needs a home with younger, active adults. She is too frenetic to be around very young children. An older dog and/or experienced children should be fine. Lola is smart and very athletic. She’d make a wonderful performance dog with the proper training. A home with a fenced yard is preferred. A commitment to Lola’s well-being is a must.

COURTESY LISTING for Cairn Rescue League. If you are interested in this dog, please go to: http://www.cairnrescueleague.com/adoption/application.html

12/01/2025

UPDATE: Rufus has been matched to a new home

Rufus is a healthy 4.5-year-old Cairn Terrier that has a friendly and warm personality. He loves to go for walks outside, play in the yard, and play with balls and toys inside. Rufus is neutered, crate trained, travels in cars for long trips very well, and will be wonderful companion for any family.

05/20/2025

UPDATE: Francine has been matched to a new home

Francine is a 10-year-old female cairn terrier in need of a new home. She’s had a wonderful life in her current setting, but due to life changes she needs to move on. Francine has been very well-cared for over the years. She is spayed, house trained, crate trained and leash trained. She is up-to-date on vet care. She behaves well at the vet and at the groomer. She generally likes other dogs but doesn’t mind being an only dog. She’s used to an adult home, so young children will be too much for her. She loves going for walks and snuggling with her people. She will be a loving a special companion for anyone adopting her.

05/19/2025

UPDATE: Mollie and KT have been adopted

Mollie and KT are female cairn terriers who need new homes. They do not need to be adopted together. Mollie is 8 years, KT is 6 years. Mollie’s coat is wheaten. KT’s coat is dark brindle. They are spayed, house trained and leash trained. They are affectionate and friendly, but a bit reserved. They get along with other dogs and do well on walks. They’d also love a chance to roam a fenced in yard. Both dogs could use more exercise to help them get back to their ideal weights. Mollie had surgery on both back legs last year. She can handle only a few stairs at a time. With weight loss and more exercise things will become easier for her. They would do best in a quiet environment. KT, in particular, is shy of loud noises and shouting. Mollie and/or KT would bring warmth and companionship into the lucky new owner’s home(s).

03/16/2025

Cairn Terriers are happy, busy little earthdogs originally bred to fearlessly root out foxes and other small, furred prey in the rocky Scottish countryside.

Why do you love the breed?

08/31/2024

Cairn terriers too!

We are inviting you and your pups to be part of the Virginia Scottish Games. Lots of Scottish fun for all this weekend.

06/29/2024

DOG SAFETY DURING 4th of JULY FIREWORKS
This is the number one day dogs get lost and it is preventable. Some shelters say they take in 200+ extra dogs on July 4th. Some places do fireworks starting the weekend before so protect your dog starting today. Make sure their collars/harness is on them with ID tags. Keep your dogs inside and DO NOT leave your dogs even in a fenced yard. Potty them early so they can be inside before fireworks start. Better an indoor accident than a lost dog. Below is an article from America Kennel Club on how to keep your dog safe during fireworks.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-keep-your-dog-calm-during-fireworks/

06/13/2024

Unfortunately, the Field Trials scheduled for Saturday June 15th have been cancelled due to low entries. Thank you to those who entered. We will try again next year!

05/25/2024

These are the 3 rules of rescue. We call them the 3-3-3 Rules. Rescue dogs need time and space to adjust. If you follow these guidelines. your dog will have a smoother transition into it's new life.

08/26/2023

Come visit the Cairn Terrier tent next weekend at the Virginia Scottish Games

05/16/2020

TheraPet Pearl helps show how to properly wear a face mask.

05/01/2020

Cairn Terriers are happy, busy little earthdogs originally bred to fearlessly root out foxes and other small, furred prey in the rocky Scottish countryside.

Why do you love the breed?