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This page contains The Australian
National Kennel Council's breed
standard for the Cairn Terrier.


Cairn Terrier
Ch. Craigend Lady Megan "Megan"
owned and shown by Kelcliffe Kennels



Why not have a look at the:

U.K. standard
U.S. standard

Note: the Australian standard is
the same as the U.K. standard.



“A dog is a smile and a wagging
tail. What is in between doesn't
matter much.” (Clara Ortega)

Kelcliffe Kennels
Breeders of Quality Cairn Terriers
• About Cairns - Breed Standard •

GENERAL APPEARANCE - Agile, alert, of workmanlike, natural appearance. Standing well forward on forepaws. Strong quarters. Deep in rib, very free in movement. Weather-resistant coat.

CHARACTERISTICS - Should impress as being active, game and hardy.

TEMPERAMENT - Fearless and gay disposition; assertive but not aggressive.

HEAD AND SKULL - Head small, but in proportion to body. Skull broad; a decided indentation between the eyes with a definite stop. Muzzle powerful, jaw strong but not long or heavy. Nose black. Head well furnished.

EYES - Wide apart, medium in size, dark hazel. Slightly sunk with shaggy eyebrows.

EARS - Small, pointed, well carried and erect, not too closely set nor heavily coated.

MOUTH - Large teeth. Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

NECK - Well set on, not short.

FOREQUARTERS - Sloping shoulders, medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone. Forelegs never out at elbow. Legs covered with harsh hair.

BODY - Back level, medium length. Well sprung deep ribs; strong supple loin.

HINDQUARTERS - Very strong muscular thighs. Good, but not excessive, bend of stifle. Hocks well let down, inclining neither in nor out when viewed from the rear.

FEET - Forefeet, larger than hind, may be slightly tumed out. Pads thick and strong. Thin, narrow or spreading feet and long nails objectionable.

TAIL - Short, balanced, well furnished with hair but not feathery. Neither high nor low set, carried gaily but not turned down towards back.

GAIT/MOVEMENT - Very free-flowing stride. Forelegs reaching well forward. Hindlegs giving strong propulsion. Hocks neither too close nor too wide.

COAT - Very important. Weather-resistant. Must be double-coated, with profuse, harsh, but not coarse, outer coat; undercoat short, soft and close. Open coats objectionable. Slight wave permissible.

COLOUR - Cream, wheaten, red, grey or nearly black. Brindling in all these colours acceptable. Not solid black, or white, or black and tan. Dark points, such as ears and muzzle, very typical.

SIZE - Height: approx. 28-31 cms (11-12 ins) at withers, but in proportion to weight - Weight: ideally 6-7.5 kg (14-16 lbs).

FAULTS - Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

NOTE - Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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