Breed Standard

Cairn Terrier Association of Ireland

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Characteristics:- Should impress as being active, game and hardy.

General Appearance:- Agile, alert of workmanlike natural appearance. Should stand well forward on forepaws. Strong Quarters. Deep in Rib, very free in movement. Weather - resistant coat.

Temperament:- Fearless & gay disposition, assertive, but not aggressive.

Head and 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.

Eyes:- Wide apart, medium in size, dark hazel. slightly sunk, with shaggy eyebrows.

Ears:- Small, pointed, well carried & erect, not too closely set nor heavily coated.

Mouth:- Large teeth, Jaw strong with a perfect regular & complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely over lapping lower teeth & set square to jaws.

Neck:- Well set on, not short.

Forequarters:- Sloping shoulders medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone. Forelegs never out at elbow. Legs covered with harsh hair.

Body:- Back level, medium in length. Well sprung deep ribs, strong supple loin.

Hindquarters:- Very strong muscular thighs. Good but not excessive bend of stifle. Hocks well let down, inclining neither in nor out when viewed from the rear.

Feet:- Forefeet larger than hind, may be slightly turned out. Pads thick & strong. thin narrow, or spreading feet & long nails objectionable.

Tail:- Short balanced, well furnished with hair, but not feathery. Neither high not low low set, carried gaily, but not turned down towards back.

Gait:- Very free-flowing stride. Forelegs reaching well forward. Hind legs giving strong propulsion. Hocks neither too close nor too wide.

Coat:- Very important, weather resistant. Must be doubled coated, with profuse, harsh but not coarse outer coat, undercoat short soft & close. Open coats objectionable. Slight wave permissible.

Colour:- Cream, wheaten red grey or nearly black. Bridling in all these colours acceptable. Not solid Black, or white, or black & tan. Dark points as ears & muzzle very typical.

Weight & Size:- Approx. 11-12 inches at the withers, but in proportion to weight, ideally 14-16 pounds.

Faults:- Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault, & the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to it's degree.

Note;- Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.