Below is the Official AKC Standard for the Cairn Terrier. Please click on the individual feature, at left, for additional analysis and clarification of the Official Standard by the Cairn Terrier Club of America's Educational Committee.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: That of an active, game, hardy, small working terrier of the short-legged class; very free in its movements, strongly but not heavily built, standing well forward on its forelegs, deep in the ribs, well coupled with strong hindquarters and presenting a well-proportioned build with a medium length of back, having a hard, weather-resistant coat; head shorter and wider than any other terrier and well furnished with hair giving a general foxy expression.

SKULL: Broad in proportion to length with a decided stop and well furnished with hair on the top of the head, which may be somewhat softer than the body coat.

MUZZLE: Strong but not too long or heavy.

TEETH: Large-mouth neither overshot nor undershot.

NOSE: Black.

EYES: Set wide apart, rather sunken, with shaggy eyebrow, medium in size, hazel or dark hazel in color, depending on body color, with a keen terrier expression.

EARS: Small, pointed, well carried erectly, set wide apart on the side of the head. Free from long hairs.

TAIL: In proportion to head, well furnished with hair but not feathery. Carried gaily but must not curl over the back. Set on at back level.

BODY: Well muscled, strong, active body with well-sprung, deep ribs, coupled to strong hind quarters, with a level back of medium length, giving an impression of strength and activity without heaviness.

SHOULDERS, LEGS AND FEET: A sloping shoulder, medium length of leg, good but not too heavy bone; forelegs should not be out at elbows, and be perfectly straight, but forefeet may be slightly turned out. Forefeet larger than hind feet. Legs must be covered with hard hair. Pads should be thick and strong and dog should stand well up on its feet.

COAT: Hard and weather resistant. Must be double-coated with profuse harsh outer coat and short, soft, close furry undercoat.

COLOR: May be of any color except white. Dark ears, muzzle and tail tip are desirable.

IDEAL SIZE: Involves the weight, the height at the withers and the length of the body. Weight for bitches, 13 pounds, for dogs, 14 pounds. Height at the withers-bitches, 9 1/2 inches, dogs, 10 inches. Length of body from 14 1/4 to 15 inches from the front of the chest to back of hindquarters. The dog must be of balanced proportions and appear neither leggy nor too low to ground; and neither too short nor too long in body. Weight and measurements are for matured dogs at two years of age. Older dogs may weigh slightly in excess and growing dogs may be under these weights and measurements.