Jamieson - Cairn Terrier

Physical Characteristics of
the Cairn Terrier

(from the American Kennel Club
breed standard)

Skull: Broad in proportion to length with a decided stop and well furnished with hair on the top of the head, which may be somewhat softer than the body coat.

Eyes: Set wide apart, rather sunken, with shaggy eyebrows, medium in size, hazel or dark hazel in color, depending on body color, with a keen terrier expression.

Ears: Small, pointed, well carried erectly, set wide apart on the side of the head. Free from long hairs.

Shoulders: Sloping.

Nose: Black.

Muzzle: Strong but not too long or heavy.

Teeth: Large, mouth neither overshot nor undershot.

Forelegs: Medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone; forelegs should not be out at elbows, and be perfectly straight. Must be covered with hard hair.

Forefeet: Larger than hind feet, may be slightly turned out. Pads should be thick and strong and dog should stand well up on its feet.

Body: Well-muscled, strong, active body with well-sprung, deep ribs, coupled to strong hindquarters, with a level back of medium length, giving an impression of strength and activity without heaviness.

Tail: In proportion to head, well furnished with hair but not feathery. Carried gaily but must not curl over back. Set on at back level.

Coat: Hard and weather-resistant. Must be double-coated with profuse harsh outer coat and short, soft, close furry undercoat.

Color: May be of any color except white. Dark ears, muzzle and tail tip are desirable.

Ideal Size: Weight for bitches, 13 pounds; for dogs, 14 pounds. Height at the withers: bitches, 9.5 inches; dogs, 10 inches. Length of body from 14.25 to 15 inches from the front of the chest to back of hindquarters.

Contents

Trace the ancient beginnings of this lively, game and hardy breed, a breed that is certainly all terrier! Follow him from his home in the rugged Scottish Highlands to show rings and pet homes around the world.

Personality-plus and intelligence in a compact size, the Cairn Terrier is ready for action. Learn about the traits that make the Cairn a wonderful companion, as well as some of the breeds physical characteristics and health considerations.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Cairn Terrier by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Be advised about choosing a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, typical puppy. Understand the responsibilities of ownership, including home preparation, acclimatization, the vet and prevention of common puppy problems.

Enter into a sensible discussion of dietary and feeding considerations, exercise, grooming, traveling and identification of your dog. This chapter discusses Cairn Terrier care for all stages of development.

By Charlotte Schwartz

Be informed about the importance of training your Cairn Terrier from the basics of house-breaking and understanding the development of a young dog to executing obedience commands (sit, stay, down, etc.).

Discover how to select a qualified vet and care for your dog at all stages of life. Topics include vaccinations, skin problems, dealing with external and internal parasites and common medical and behavioral conditions.

Consider the care of your senior Cairn Terrier , including the proper diet for a senior. Recognize the signs of an aging dog, both behavioral and medical; implement a special-care program with your vet and become comfortable with making the final decisions and arrangements for your senior Cairn Terrier .

Enter the dog show world and find out how dog shows work and how to make a champion. Go beyond the conformation ring to obedience trials, earthdog tests and agility trials.

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS C AIRN T ERRIER

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-235-1

eISBN 13: 978-1-59378-972-5

Copyright 2004 Kennel Club Books An Imprint of I-5 Press A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

Photos by Alice van Kempen with additional photographs by :
Norvia Behling, T. J. Calhoun, Doskocil, Isabelle Franais,
Bill Jonas and Mikki Pet Products.

Illustrations by Rene Low

Even though the Cairn Terrier is an ancient breed, it was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in the early 1900s.

The Cairn Terrier is the plucky little dog that hails from the rugged Scottish Highlands. Although this is a game dog with an all-terrier disposition, he is also a loving companion whether he lives in an apartment in the city or in a large house in the country.

This book will give you the history, description and the standard of the Cairn Terrier. You will also learn about puppy care, training and the health of the breed. With the color photographs, you will see that this terrier is cute as a button and a wonderful companion.

The Cairns instinctive keenness is well displayed by Dhoran, seen here with Miss Margaret Warner, granddaughter of Lord Borwick who was so influential in the development of the Cairn Terrier.

This may not be the dog for everyone as terriers are active, busy dogs and this breed is no exception. However, if you like a lively dog, one who will be a devoted family member, this may be the dog for you. And, as is true with most other breeds, once you give your heart and home to a Cairn Terrier, you will remain a devotee to the breed for a lifetime.

HISTORY OF THE BREED

In the history of the dog world, the Cairn Terrier is a fairly ancient breed. However, its official beginnings with The Kennel Club of England, dating back to the early 1900s, places it as one of the more recently recognized terrier breeds. The Cairn Terrier belongs to the group of dogs described as terriers, from the Latin word