IMPORTANT, DISTINCTIVE DETAILS JUDGES SHOULD LOOK FOR AND REWARD IN CAIRN TERRIERS
by LYDIA COLEMAN HUTCHINSON
MODERATION C airns are a breed without exaggerations. The word “medium” is stressed, appear- ing four times in the Stan- dard. 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. RECTANGULAR BODY SHAPE 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.” UNIQUE HEAD AND EXPRESSION 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 win- some tilt of the head when alert, you’ve got it all! PROPER PRESENTATION 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 interact- ing with other dogs, they should own the ground on which they stand, with- out 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. CORRECT GROOMING 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 fur- nishings 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. PROPER TAIL AND TAIL CARRIAGE 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 impor- tant that the tail itself be straight and A lovely, typey headstudy of a mature male Cairn. Note the keen expression and proper placement and size of his eyes. He also exhibits a correct equilateral triangle from the tips of his properly-set ears, through the center of his eyes on to his well-placed nose. He also has dark points on his ears and muzzle. His head is somewhat “overgroomed” but that does not take away from the overall excellence of this head. It is important when evaluating heads to check for breadth of skull, depth of stop, and strength and fill of muzzle.
A good example of a balanced male with a pleasing outline and proper proportions. Front and rear angulation is balanced with good pro sternum in front and “shelf” behind. Excellent tail set and carriage (although the tail carried somewhat toward one o’clock is also correct and preferred by some breeders).
This bitch is seen moving freely and easily on a loose lead. Her proper angulation front and rear allows her to move with equal reach and drive. Note that her head is not excessively elevated, allowing for freedom of motion. She also maintains a level topline on the move.
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J UNE 2017 • 281
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