theCairn Terrier

Cheerful, Alert, Busy
Terrier Group Terrier Group

meet theCairn Terrier

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The Cairn Terrier is alert, intelligent, active and long-lived.

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at aGlance

Energy & Size

medium ENERGY &
small size

AKC Dog Ranking

69th
Most Popular Dog Breed

Personality

  • Check Alert
  • Check Busy
  • Check Cheerful
Cheerful, alert, busy and independent-minded.

theBreed Standard

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Cairn Terrier Breed Standard Illustration 01 02 03 04 05

  • General Appearance

    That of an active, game, hardy, small working terrier of the short-legged class; very free in its movements, strongly but not heavily built, standing well forward on its forelegs, deep in the ribs, well coupled with strong hindquarters and presenting a well-proportioned build with a medium length of back, having a hard, weather-resisting coat; head shorter and wider than any other terrier and well furnished with hair giving a general foxy expression.

  • Head

    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. Muzzle - Strong but not too long or heavy. Teeth-Large, mouth neither overshot nor undershot. Nose - Black. 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.

  • 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.

  • Legs

    Shoulders, Legs and Feet: A sloping shoulder, medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone; forelegs should not be out at elbows, and be perfectly straight, but forefeet may be slightly turned out. Forefeet larger than hind feet. Legs must be covered with hard hair. Pads should be thick and strong and dog should stand well up on its feet.

  • Coat

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

A Cairn Terrier
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theCairn Terriers of AKC

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