Cairn Terrier Breed Magazine - Showsight

Cairn Terrier Q & A

to a show and see how they stack up. Do they have instant show attitude or are they too timid? Is the judge impressed or interested in this puppy at all? To you who judge: whether you plan to award a puppy or not, we need to get some semblance of a reaction to our youngsters. We pay attention to your level of interest. And finally, I like to take them to at least one of the parent club’s regional specialties. Get the reaction from fellow breeders. It usually defuses any “kennel blindness” that might exist. I try not to ask my fellow breeders what they think, because they tend to just be nice and say only nice things. I will just let the puppy be seen, handled, walked outside with the adults, and watch the reaction of fellow breeders. Sometimes they only have to ask, “Who is this puppy out of?” and I know they have seen something they like. I then take all of the above into consideration against a backdrop of how can I use this Cairn in future breeding plans? The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? For the Cairn Terrier, SIZE is NOT a fault. Look in the standard. There are nine fault statements and SIZE is NOT one of them. Be sure you have the new Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier put out by the Cairn Terrier Club of America to explain the breed standard. From a breeder’s standpoint: size can be changed in one genera- tion. Bad fronts can not. Bad rears can not. Do not be so focused on size that you miss the essence of the whole Cairn and its move- ment—good movement reflects proper structure. Focus more on proportions and balance. The proper outline of the Cairn is what we seek, and that outline needs to move effortlessly. Also, please consider that the standard says “general foxy expres- sion”. Not “teddy bear” expression. What does that mean to have a foxy expression? It’s one of those things your eye just identifies. You know it when you see it. You can sense a strong alertness and intentionality. It’s like having target practice with the eyes, focusing on the vermin. Teddy Bears are just cute, plush toys that you want to cuddle, which should not be in the description of the Cairn. Somebody said to me one time that the head is the most impor- tant thing about the Cairn. It reminded me of the quote of one of the early, very successful breeders of Cairns in England, Wal- ter Bradshaw of Redletter Kennel. Mrs. Drummond of Blencathra Kennel said to him, “Without the real Cairn head you do not have a true Cairn.” Of which Mr. Bradshaw replied: “Aye, but the Cairn doesn’t walk on its head.” Good movement versus pretty heads. It’s still being argued today. Disclaimer: These are my thoughts and observations, a breeder who is more interested in the whole Cairn Terrier, the one that can win on a world stage because of its high-quality and friendly ame- nability that everyone wants. The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? We all say—do more to attract juniors. Get kids involved. Yes, Yes! If you have influence in your local all-breed club, ask that they invite students from nearby schools to come work for service hours at your dog show. Then, let the exhibitors know that there are young people (clear it with the young people and their parents if present) who will help hold dogs for them or even go back in the ring for them if needed. Put a lead in a young person’s hand and they will be back next year. But, on a personal note, I sometimes feel it is an overwhelming prospect so I remind myself of one simple thing. Remember what it was like to be new, and speak positively about the sport to those around us, in and out of the sport. Be a positive influencer. Because not only are we not getting new and young people come in, but we are losing a lot of experienced older folks. When there is someone new, be supportive and encouraging. The golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.

website, the dog photographed on the page that contains our “Breed Standard” is a moving Scandinavian Cairn. So, I feel that when all of the Cairns in the USA are the best the world has to offer, I will push to popularize the breed because the public will demand them. What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house? Well, besides being on high alert to let you know of any wandering vermin that passes the window or door to your home, they will dig up moles, catch errant birds, wrestle snakes and about any other critter that ventures into your yard. What about the breed makes them an ideal companion? Cairns are very engaging, tough as nails and entertaining as family pets. They love to play, and they see it as part of their job to chase a ten- nis ball or play keep away with the toys, and for these reasons they make great playmates for the whole family. I even have Cairns that will climb tall bushes to retrieve a tennis ball. The “Best Pal in the Whole World” as they are affectionately known. At the same time, they can be a bit destructive to toys, posses- sions, etc and it can be aggravating when they play keep away and then won’t give the toy back. Or they are outside and won’t come in if there is something of more interest to them out there. Don’t ever think they aren’t smart, though. They know exactly what they want and they are hard-headed about it, at times. Having said that, Cairns are very trainable, and they want to be involved in activities with you. More and more Cairns are excelling in performance events such as agility, earthdog, scent work, trick dog, and obedience. Yes, obedience. They are definitely trainable. You just have to be diligent to train and to be involved with your Cairn because, they will think ahead of you if allowed, and will try to get away with something. Smart, is an understatement. Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? I recently read an online post that said the Cairn is listed among the 11 breeds most considered “not affectionate”. I couldn’t dis- agree more. Again, this goes back to temperament. My Cairns are extremely affectionate. Especially the boys. Well, I had one female Cairn that would lick you clean, but most of the time, the boys want to hibernate with you. Just want to sit by you and chill. The girls excitedly greet you and want all of your attention for maybe 30 seconds, and then they are off to find a job. And everyone knows the Cairn is friendly to new people. My goodness, I believe my crew would go home with just about anyone who would take them. Rehoming is a breeze for adult Cairns. They love anyone and everyone. At least that is my experience of having Cairns with good temperaments. What special challenges do Cairn Terrier breeders face in our current economic and social climate? I see people involved in the sport of dog showing, who do some degree of breeding, start “clock- ing out” if they aren’t winning in the ring. Winning in the ring involves so many factors of which having the better-quality-of-dog may not be one of them. So, what I conclude is that the reputable breeders—the ones that health-test according to the breed’s parent club recommendations, who breed quality for show—must keep in mind: It is imperative for the future of the breed to continue breed- ing. We not only are the ones charged to improve the breed, but to preserve it, no matter the challenges. Ask yourself, if we don’t do it, years from now, what will be left of our breed? To borrow a say- ing, “If it were easy, anyone could do it.” Show breeders (who are members of the breeds’ parent clubs) are the best to do it. And if not us, then who? At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I believe you are asking how I know if one of my puppies is show- worthy. Well, it isn’t a magic age. It is a combination of three things. First, I wait until they have a fair degree of maturity on them. That might be six months or it may be a year. Secondly, I take them out

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