AKC standard weight?

[rfin]

Hi Folks,

If the US AKC standard weight is about 14 lbs, why are there so many Cairns being bred to be quite a bit larger, even up to 30 lbs and more?

Is there a weight cut off for inclusion in AKC competitions?

[bradl]

There is no disqualification in the AKC standard, therefore there cannot be a cutoff, procedurally. 

Size/weight is or has been arguably one of the most divisive, lighting-rod, third-rail issues in the breed (and in the clubs) for ages. 

You're not liable to see any 30 lb Cairns in a show ring (at least I hope not). You will certainly see 16 or 18 lbs.  I've shown a 13-14 lb bitch and she was mocked as small; a very nice 14 lb male was appreciated and finished, but not specialed as too small — or at least not fabulous enough to overcome being ... standard size. 

Casually bred Cairns —  "just pets" and "I don't show, too political" — push the latitude even farther. Overfeeding clouds the issue. Everyone swears their dog is perfectly fine, their vet said so, and it's all muscle.  

[rfin]

Thanks Brad.  We've been looking for a small (14 lb) male or a pup to grow to that, but no luck.  There's one pup we might go for with a 14.5 lb sire, but a 21 lb dam.  The pup's in the middle of the litter in size and the litter is smaller overall than her previous litter.  But as a male, he'll probably at least hit 16 lb if not a lot bigger.  Having had a dozen over the decades and all about 14 lbs, it would be nice to stay in that range.

It's bad enough that the AKC is a beauty pageant and disregards the character and instinct the dogs were bred for, but to then steroid the looks totally defeats the purpose of "standards".

Thanks for the input though.

R

 

[Sam I Am]

As long as a  registered breeder breeds healthy genetically tested parents, hopefully producing healthy pups,  I personally don’t care if the Cairn weighs 14 lbs or 20 lbs.  I get very leery of “standard size and confirmation” as it’s been the ruin of many a fine breed, producing dogs that are crippled (German Shepard’s) , can’t breath, (Bull Dogs) and the list can go on for ever. The breed should represent what they were originally bred for, not just alone for appearance in the show ring.