|
CAIRN TERRIER BREED COUNCIL
|
|||||||||
|
The Cairn Terrier Breed Standard (Reproduced
by kind permission of the Royal Kennel Club) A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal
characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a
breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is
essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid
obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to
the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may
be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely,
and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information
related to this breed for details of any such current issues.
If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right
measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour
described as highly undesirable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring. 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. Should impress as being active, game and hardy. Fearless and gay disposition; assertive but not aggressive. 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. Wide apart, medium in size, dark hazel. Slightly sunk
with shaggy eyebrows. Small, pointed, well carried and erect, not too closely
set nor heavily coated. Mouth Large teeth. Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete
scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square
to the jaws. Well set on, not short. Sloping shoulders, medium length of leg, good but not too
heavy bone. Forelegs never out at elbow. Legs covered with harsh hair. Back level, medium length. Well-sprung, deep ribs; strong
supple loin. 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. Forefeet, larger than hind, may be slightly turned out.
Pads thick and strong. Thin, narrow or spreading feet and long nails
objectionable. Short, balanced, well furnished with hair but not
feathery. Neither high nor low set, carried
gaily but not turned down towards back. Very free-flowing stride. Forelegs reaching well
forward. Hindlegs giving strong
propulsion. Hocks neither too close nor too wide. Very important. Weather-resistant. Must be double-coated,
with profuse, harsh, but not coarse, outer coat; undercoat short, soft and
close. Open coats objectionable. Slight wave permissible. 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. Approximately 28-31 cms (11-12
ins) at withers, but in proportion to weight – ideally 6-7.5 kgs (14-16 lbs). Any departure from the foregoing points should be
considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be
regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the
health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its
traditional work. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles
fully descended into the scrotum. |