| Cairn Terrier Origin: England. General Appearance: Agile, alert, of workmanlike, natural appearance. Standing well forward on forepaws. Strong quarters. Deep in rib, very free in movement. Weather-resistant coat. Characteristics: Should impress as being active, game and hardy.
Head & Skull: Head small, but in proportion to body. Skull broad, a decided indentation between the eyes with a definite stop. Muzzle powerful, jaw strong but not long or heavy. Nose black. Head well furnished. Mouth: Large teeth. Jaw strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to jaws. Neck: Well set on, not short. Eyes: Wide apart, medium in size, dark hazel. Slightly sunk with shaggy eyebrows. Ears: Small, pointed, well carried and erect, not too closely set nor heavily coated. Tail: Short, balanced, well furnished with hair but not feathery. Neither high nor low set, carried gaily but not turned down towards back. Body: Back level, medium in length. Well sprung deep ribs, strong supple loin.
Forequarters: Sloping shoulders, medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone. Forelegs never out at elbow. Legs covered with harsh hair. Colour: Cream, wheaten, red, grey, or nearly black. Brindling in all these colours acceptable. Not solid black or white, or black and tan. Dark points such as ears and muzzle, very typical. Weight & Size: Approximately 28 cm to 31 cm (11 to 12 inches) at withers, but in proportion to weight - ideally 6 to 7 kgs. (14-16 lbs.). Gait: Very free-flowing stride. Forelegs reaching well forward. Hind legs giving strong propulsion. Hocks neither too close nor to wide.
Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree. |
Temperament: Fearless and gay disposition, assertive but not aggressive.