The Cairn Terrier Standard

Introduction.

The Cairn Terrier Standard is a diagram of the structure of the ideal specimen, set down in words.  Therefore it can be subject to various interpretations, based upon the wording.  The breed Standard that has been recognized and approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) was submitted by the Cairn Terrier Club of America (CTCA).  The Cairn Terrier Standard presently in use was approved by the AKC on May 10, 1938.  It is a great source of pride to the members of the CTCA that a Standard written so long ago is still an effective tool, for both the breeder and the judge.  Several years ago and attempt was made to standardize all breed Standards into one uniform format.  The CTCA resisted this effort, and the 1939 Standard remains unchanged.

Of primary importance, when considering the value of a breed Standard, is whether the Standard states the purpose for which this dog was bred, and draws a "diagram in words," which makes it possible to see why the dog was constructed in this fashion, and for what purpose.

A Cairn Terrier was bred to go to ground, to force out vermin in all terrain and conditions.  The expression "going to ground" means literally that the Cairns often ran with a pack of hounds that would run down weasels, foxes or other vermin, and force them into their holes.  The valiant Cairns was then brought in to either force the prey out of the den, or if necessary to destroy it in the den without severe damage to the Cairn.

In order to perform the functions described herein, a Cairn must have temperament.  Since the dogs often were used in packs, they could not be too quarrelsome; however, they had to be possessed of great courage, knowing no fear of man or beast.  In order to defend himself, the Cairns must have a good, strong mouth, with large teeth and full dentition.  Nothing could be more essential in a fight to the death with a badger or fox.  To withstand the weather in the Highlands the Cairn had to have a thick, double coat.  The undercoat must be very profuse, and the outer coat very harsh and thick.  These double coats will protect from rain and snow, and also briars, attacking animals and, of course, the cold.

All Standards are open to interpretation, which can be influenced by many things.  Amount of exposure to the breed, experience within the breed, personal likes and dislikes (which should be put aside) nevertheless enter into how one sees a breed.  A written Standard will always have limitations and this encourages differences of opinion among serious fanciers.  This is very healthy for the Cairns.  Breeders are free to interpret the Standard based on their individual education and experiences, their skills of interpretation, the type of animals they see most often and various other outside influences.  Breeders are free to produce what they believe the Standard sets forth.  Therefore there will always be variety within each breed based on the breeder's subjective opinions regarding what is called for in the Standard.  This allows for constructive controversy about the enter gamut of Cairn characteristics and is most desirable for the breed.

Breeders can become "kennel blind" without an objective view.  While we all hope that this is not the case, we should re-read the Standard often, with an eye toward refreshing our own direction in our breeding programs.  We must never forget that the Cairn is first of all a working Terrier!  All breeders should consider the Cairns Terrier's working ability an essential part of this breed.  The AKC now recognizes both working Terrier trials and agility tests.  Obedience training, which is already an option for the Cairns, does not require the same characteristics.  Failing to recognize working Terrier qualifications would be similar to no longer breeding for Cairn type as opposed to Scottish Terrier or West Highland White Terrier type.  The Cairn would lose its unique aura of antiquity in either instance.

It is interesting that the American fancy legislated the prohibition against interbreeding of the West Highland and the Cairn before their British counterparts did.  In 1917, the English Standard did not mention a color disqualification, but rather listed the most desirable colors.  The United States prohibited interbreeding of the Cairn and the West Highland some eight years before similar action was taken on the other side of the Atlantic.

The CTCA in 1985 published a clarification of its Standard.  This work was done by a committee composed of Mildred Bryant, Mark Alison, Betty Hyslop, Neal Kelly and myself.