Cairn Terrier. Robert Jamieson
They knew that the essential characteristics of the Cairn Terrier were unlike those of any other breed and that care must be taken that these characteristics were maintained through the generations.
As time progressed and breeders became more aware that certain areas of the dog needed a better description or more definition, breeders would meet together and work out a new standard. However, standards for any breed are never changed on a whim and serious study and exchange between breeders takes place before any move is made. The Cairn Terrier Club of America is responsible for any alteration to the standard, which are then approved by the membership and sent to the American Kennel Club.
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB STANDARD FOR THE CAIRN TERRIER
General Appearance: That of an active, game, hardy, small working terrier of the short-legged class; very free in its movements, strongly but not heavily built, standing well forward on its forelegs, deep in the ribs, well coupled with strong hindquarters and presenting a well-proportioned build with a medium length of back, having a hard, weather-resisting coat; head shorter and wider than any other terrier and well furnished with hair giving a general foxy expression.
Head: Skull Broad in proportion to length with a decided stop and well furnished with hair on the top of the head, which may be somewhat softer than the body coat. Muzzle Strong but not too long or heavy. Teeth Large, mouth neither overshot nor undershot. Nose Black. Eyes Set wide apart, rather sunken, with shaggy eyebrows, medium in size, hazel or dark hazel in color, depending on body color, with a keen terrier expression. Ears Small, pointed, well carried erectly, set wide apart on the side of the head. Free from long hairs.
Incorrect muzzle—too long.
Correct muzzle.
Incorrect head and ear set. Head is too thin and ears are too close together.
Correct head.
Tail: In proportion to head, well furnished with hair but not feathery. Carried gaily but must not curl over back. Set on at back level.
Body: Well-muscled, strong, active body with well-sprung, deep ribs, coupled to strong hindquarters, with a level back of medium length, giving an impression of strength and activity without heaviness.
Correct tail.
Incorrect tail, due to curl.
Incorrect tail, due to high set and feathering.
Shoulders, Legs and Feet: A sloping shoulder, medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone; forelegs should not be out at elbows, and be perfectly straight, but forefeet may be slightly turned out. Forefeet larger than hind feet. Legs must be covered with hard hair. Pads should be thick and strong and dog should stand well up on its feet.
Correct back.
Over-angulated stifle and roach back.
Coat: Hard and weather-resistant. Must be double-coated with profuse harsh outer coat and short, soft, close furry undercoat.
Color: May be of any color except white. Dark ears, muzzle and tail tip are desirable.
Ideal Size: Involves the weight, the height at the withers and the length of body. Weight for bitches, 13 pounds; for dogs, 14 pounds. Height at the withers: bitches, 9.5 inches; dogs, 10 inches. Length of body from 14.25 to 15 inches from the front of the chest to back of hindquarters. The dog must be of balanced proportions and appear neither leggy nor too low to ground; and neither too short nor too long in body. Weight and measurements are for matured dogs at two years of age. Older dogs may weigh slightly in excess and growing dogs may be under these weights and measurements.
Correct hindquarters.
Incorrect hindquarters; hocks turned out.
Incorrect hindquarters; hocks turned in
Condition: Dogs should be shown in good hard flesh, well muscled and neither too fat or thin. Should be in full good coat with plenty of head furnishings, be clean, combed, brushed and tidied up on ears, tail, feet and general outline. Should move freely and easily on a loose lead, should not cringe on being handled, should stand up on their toes and show with marked terrier characteristics.
The Cairn’s coat is hard and weather-resistant with a profuse harsh outer coat.
FAULTS
1. Skull Too narrow in skull.
2. Muzzle Too long and heavy a foreface; mouth overshot or undershot.
3. Eyes Too large, prominent, yellow, and ringed are all objectionable.
4. Ears Too large, round at points, set too close together, set too high on the head; heavily covered with hair.
5. Legs and Feet Too light or too heavy bone. Crooked forelegs or out at elbow. Thin, ferrety feet; feet let down on the heel or too open and spread. Too high or too low on the leg.
6. Body Too short back and compact a body, hampering quickness of movement and turning ability. Too long, weedy and snaky a body, giving an impression of weakness. Tail set on too low. Back not level.
7. Coat Open coats, blousy coats, too short or dead coats, lack of sufficient undercoat, lack of head furnishings, lack of hard hair on the legs. Silkiness or curliness. A slight wave permissible.
8. Nose Flesh or light-colored nose.
9. Color White on chest, feet or other parts of body.
Approved May 10, 1938
WHERE TO BEGIN
If you are convinced that the Cairn Terrier is the ideal dog for you, it’s time to learn about where to find a puppy and what to look for. Locating a litter of Cairn Terriers should not present a problem for