CTCA Letter to Judges

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LETTER TO AKC-APPROVED CAIRN TERRIER JUDGES

June 6, 2003

Dear AKC-Approved Cairn Terrier Judges,

In January of 2003 the Cairn Terrier Club of America asked the Club membership to vote on whether or not they wished to amend and/or update the current Breed Standard. The members voted to retain the current Standard by a substantial margin.

Many of you are aware that there has been discussion regarding this Standard among breeders and judges. This discussion appears to be centered around the differences between this American Cairn Standard, first approved in 1938 and remaining untouched since that date, and the British Standard, revised in 1982.

The American Cairn breeders are concerned that our AKC judges recognize and reward a Cairn consistent with the American Standard whenever possible. We would ask that each of you address deviations from our Standard in direct proportion to the amount of the deviation.

The Cairn Terrier is a small, hardy breed whose purpose is to go to ground. The Breed must exhibit the turning ability and agility that he needs for his work. He requires a double coat, a head structure that protects his eyes, thick pads to facilitate his digging skills, a medium length of leg and rectangular proportions to provide flexibility. He should always show with a bold and happy temperament.

As judges we ask that you continue to choose typey, structurally sound Cairns. In addition we would ask that you reward a good dog of correct proportions over a comparable good dog that substantially exceeds the American Standard.

Thank you for your interest in our delightful breed. Comments and feedback would be gratefully received by any member of the Judges