CLARIFICATION:
This hard, double coat is most important in the Cairn, as it was designed to keep cold and water from penetrating to the skin. The profuse coat shoud be thick and a minimum of 2 inches in length. It should be the same lenght all over the body. Any appearance of the "jacketed" or "sculptured" look of the
more stylized terriers should be severely penalized.
COLOR: May be of any color except white. Dark ears, muzzle and tail tip are desirable.
CLARIFICATION:
Any color except white is permissible, however any markings resembling the old black and tan terrier (Doberman type markings), or parti-colored markings are highly objectionable and should not be allowed. Dark points-muzzle, ears and tail-are desirable.
IDEAL SIZE: Involves the weight, the height at the
withers and the length of 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 1/2 to 15 inches from the front of the chest
to back of the hindquarters. The dog must be of balanced proportions
and appear neither too short nor too long in body. Weight and measurements
are for matured dogs at two years of age. Older dogs may weight slightly
in excess and growing dogs may be under these weights and measurements.
CLARIFICATION:
While the weight and height limits are important, it should be stressed
that the overall balance of the dog is most important. A well boned,
properly-coated dog may appear larger than a light boned, shrot-coated
dog. A slightly under or oversized dog of obvious quality is preferable
to a proper sized dog lacking the desired attributes. See above illustration
for the proper way of measuring dogs at the withers and length of back.