Cairn Terrier Dog Breed

Posted by Jeanne on December 5, 2008

Cairn Terriers earned their name from the nature of their work which was to enter cairn or rock piles and dislodge whatever vermin happened to be there. They hunt foxes and kindred vermin. They also take readily to water and are sometimes worked with Otter Hounds. They make good companions as they possess alertness, gaiety, sporting spirit, stick-to-itiveness, and a guiding intelligence.

• General Appearance – To be a game, alert, fearless, small terrier. To be shaggy, hardy, active, and well proportioned. To be strongly but not heavily built. To stand well forward on forefeet. To have strong hindquarters and to be deep in the rib. Coat to be harsh, resisting rain. Head to be wedge-shaped and well furnished with hair.
• Skull – Broad in proportion, with a decided indentation between the eyes.
• Muzzle – Powerful yet not heavy. Jaw very strong with large teeth neither undershot nor overshot. Nose black.
• Eyes – Set wide apart. To be medium in size, dark, and keen. To be rather sunken, with shaggy eyebrows.
• Ears – Small, pointed, widely set, well carried, and erect.
• Tail – Short, well furnished with hair but not feathery. To be carried gayly but not to curl down toward back.
• Body – Compact. Level back, well sprung deep ribs, strong sinews, and very strong hindquarters. Back to be medium in length and well coupled.
• Shoulders, Legs and Feet – A sloping shoulder and a medium length of leg; good but not too heavy bone. Forelegs not to be out at elbows, but forefeet may be slightly turned out. Forefeet larger than hindfeet. Thin, ferrety feet most objectionable. Pads to be thick and strong. Legs to be covered with hard hair.
• Coat – Very important. Must be double with profuse, harsh, but not coarse outer coat and short, close, furry undercoat. Head to be well furnished. Color any except white. Black points typical.
• Ideal Weight – Dogs, 12 to 15 pounds; bitches, 11 to 13 pounds.