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Lydia Coleman Hutchinson highlights key traits judges should reward in Cairn Terriers, focusing on balance, movement, and temperament.
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This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, June 2017 issue.
Cairns are a breed without exaggerations. The word “medium” is stressed, appearing four times in the Standard. This is not an elegant, stylized or flashy breed. We are currently seeing a trend towards dogs with “giraffe necks” and “German Shepherd rears”—a look totally wrong for a Cairn. These faults are usually seen on oversized dogs. Remember that Cairns, Scotties and Westies should all be approximately the same height.
Balance and proportion are very important. The total body length should be approximately longer than the height at the withers. Even though Cairns are in the short-legged class of Terriers, their legs should not be so short as to prevent them from being able to hunt effectively in rough terrain. Again, remember the words “medium” and “moderate.”
Although the classic Cairn head can be compared to that of the Westie, it has a look and feel all its own. Broad and slightly rounded in skull, well-filled in muzzle with comparatively large teeth and a deep stop combine to give it a characteristic “Cairn-ness.” Ideal proportion in length is 4 (muzzle) to 5 (skull). An impish expression from medium-sized, dark brown, oval eyes is what is desired. And if that typical expression is accompanied by a winsome tilt of the head when alert, you’ve got it all!
Cairns are to be shown as naturally as possible. They should stand on their own without being stacked or propped up. They should move freely on a loose or “give-and-take” lead. When interacting with other dogs, they should own the ground on which they stand, without being overly aggressive. If they do become aggressive, they should respond to a quick correction with the lead. It is important that judges allow Cairns to interact with other dogs to see them standing on their toes as described in the Standard.
Again, this is an honest, natural breed and should have a slightly scruffy appearance. They should not look sculpted with every hair perfectly in place. The use of artificial products is discouraged and should be penalized when judging this breed. Head furnishings should look a bit rough with no teasing or chrysanthemum styling. A double weather-resistant, harsh coat is essential. The body coat should be approximately 2″ long and should blend into the furnishings with no obvious line or definition. An improper trend in grooming is to show dogs in coat that is much too short, especially on the topline. All else being close to equal, dogs groomed in this fashion should be penalized.
Unlike the tails of several of the other Terriers of the short-legged class, correct tail carriage for the Cairn varies from vertical to somewhat off-vertical, i.e. 1:00 to 2:00 on a clock face. The latter carriage is actually preferred by many breeders in the UK. It is important that the tail itself be straight and strong. The length is generally on a line with the top of the skull.
Although the Cairn should have deep ribs well-covered with flesh, its body should not feel like that of a Scottie or Westie. The Cairn has a litheness, flexibility and scopiness about it and should be well-muscled without being heavy or thick. Most Cairns are “good do-ers” and can tend towards being overweight, which takes away from their workmanlike quality. A lean (not thin) dog is preferred to an overweight one.
Bone is of medium density and corresponds to the overall size of the dog. Strong feet with thick pads and strong pasterns are essential, given this is definitely a digging breed! Coordinated movement with balanced reach and drive is important. Lack of good muscle tone or poor angulation can lead to inefficient, short-strided movement. This fault is one of the current “drags of the breed.” Another fault that is being seen more frequently is dogs that are “tall on the hock” (lacking short hock-to-heel length), which prevents proper rear propulsion.
Cairns are generally outgoing and happy to meet everyone. Understanding judges do not penalize dogs that do not stand still during table examination, especially in inexperienced youngsters. This breed should not stand like wooden soldiers in the ring but should be ever alert!
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