Quotes

180 quotes

[Tail] Carriage should be up, though not necessarily vertical, and it should *never* curl over the back. Most importantly, it is a *straight* tail, and carriage at one or two o'clock when gaiting is just as correct as at twelve o'clock. Bitches, when standing, may drop their tail, and should not be faulted for this.

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)  

"Very free in its movements" indicates that the Cairn is lithe, flexible, and agile. Early in the last century, Mrs. Alastair Campbell, one of the founders of the breed, said "they should be light-footed and almost dance along … like polo ponies, sturdy, but light in their action and body."

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)  

The topline is level and the tail is set on at back level. There should be a prominent point of buttocks beneath the tail, extending out beyond the set on of the tail. Well-developed muscles should be obvious, especially in the hind quarters.

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)  

All four feet are to be tight and compact. Forelegs are perfectly straight, but the *feet* may turn out slightly.

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)  

The top one third to one half of the ear should be free of long hair, and covered with short velvety hair. The placement is critical. The ears are placed on the *corners* of the skull. They should be carried erectly, at attention, but a dog gaiting may carry his ears somewhat laid back.

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)  

[…] the Standard does not call for a foxy head, only for a "foxy expression" (smart, alert, and hard-bitten).

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)  

The coat of a Cairn is of utmost importance. A working terrier needs a "weather-resistant double coat," meaning a dense, harsh, outer coat and a short, soft, dense undercoat. A thin, open coat would leave the dog cold and wet in his native habitat.

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)  

The Cairn should always be considered a working dog, with a natural appearance. He is moderate in every way, without exaggeration in any part.

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)  

The elbow of a properly constructed Cairn Terrier should fall directly under the highest point of the shoulder blade, and a line dropped from that point should pass through the elbow and foot to the ground.

Illustrated Guide to the Cairn Terrier (CTCA)