WHY NOT MORE BIS

[Bill38112]

Ch. Winsome Fergus MacFlynn's recent BIS makes for an interesting discussion. Why are BIS Cairns so rare? Without endorsing any of the following theories, here are some possibilities:

• Cairns are just too "ordinary" looking. Well, I don't think they are. Besides if a beagle can win at Westminster, why not a Cairn?
  
• They are a relatively rare breed. Well they are in some parts of the country, but they are just as numerous as Scotties and way more common than Sealys, both of who have been very successful over the years.
  
• The over all quality of Cairns being shown is not up to the level of the breeds which do get BIS. Now, I'm no Cairn specialist, but I really think that the over all quality of Cairns is better than a lot of other breeds being shown, especially breeds outside of the terrier group.
  
• The terrier group is the most competitive group in dogs. I'm partial to this theory. Terriers dominate the big shows.
  
• There are more owner handlers in Cairns than in breeds which go BIS frequently. While this may be true, when Cairns are paired with a professional handler they still get overlooked.
  

While I have no desire to see the Cairn become so popular that we see the kind of negatives associated with top ten registrations, I would like to see Cairns recognized for their many admirable traits. I think Cairn temperament just epitomizes show attitude. I also think Cairns are just as cute as it gets. Am I just being too Walter Mitty when I dream of going BIS?

[Cairnmania]

Dear Walter

IMO we're dealing with human psychology. BIS winners tend to be "flashy" breeds. Cairns are not flashy - they are merely incredibly cute. And you are correct, most BIS winners enter the ring with a professional handler at the other end of their lead. And the fact is that unless that professional is hired specifically to "special" a dog which is already a champion; if they have had several other dogs win their breed (which is not at all uncommon) they are going to take the dog into BIS that is most likely to win. Generally, that's not a Cairn.

I also think that because Cairns are a more natural breed and truer to their original type as a working dog - there really is nothing exaggerated about their structure -- they tend not to stand out in a crowd. Even the way they are groomed, while not exactly "natural" is a long way off the way their kiss'n cousins the Westie are dolled up.

Not fair. And not exactly a testament that the purpose is to pick the dog that comes closest to the standard for their breed and not a contest between different breeds.

[Greg P]

I agree with Cairnmania.

Cairns are a small, natural and scruffy breed.

Cairns aren't considered a "movement" breed. They're a little straighter in the shoulder and rear than most working breeds. Paws can be out (a little east and west) while standing.

Sometimes it is hard to see "expression" in a dark face.

It does get discouraging at times to see 35 cairns entered in a show and then get passed over in Group competition by the one (1) Dandie Dinmont or Sealyham.

If you're looking for BIS glory (or even consistent Group placement), choose another breed. If you love cairns, enjoy conformation for what you can do then go play earthdog with your buddy!

[Aimfor]

We have a couple here, but yes, I tend to agree with the 'end of the lead' and 'flashy' theory....

Sad isnt it, that dog showing comes to that...

What really puzzles me is how many BIS winning Smooth Foxies there are..come on they are not ALL BIS winners!!