FCI Standard

26/10/2025

Cairn Terrier – FCI Standard (Detailed)

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Official Standard Date: 1987.06.24

Purpose: Terrier
FCI Classification:
Group 3: Terriers
Section 2: Small Terriers
Working Test: Not required

General Appearance

Lively, alert, naturally looking, typical of a working dog
Front legs stand confidently and slightly forward
Strong hindquarters, deep chest, free movement
Weather-resistant coat

Temperament / Character

Should give an impression of being active, feisty, and resilient
Brave and cheerful, firm but not aggressive

Head

Small but proportionate to the body
Well-coated

Skull:

Broad, with a definite depression between the eyes
Stop: well defined

Muzzle:

Nose: black
Muzzle: strong
Jaws/Teeth: strong jaws with large teeth (not long or heavy), perfect, regular, and complete scissors bite (upper incisors closely overlapping the lower, at a right angle to the jaws)

Eyes:

Medium-sized, dark hazel
Set well apart, slightly deep-set
Eyebrows bushy

Ears:

Small, pointed, well carried, erect
Not too close together, not overly hairy

Neck:

Well-fitted to the body, not short

Body

Back: straight, medium length
Loin: strong and flexible
Chest: well-rounded, deep ribcage

Tail:

Short, proportionate, densely coated (not feathered)
Set neither too high nor too low
Carried cheerfully, but does not curl over the back

Limbs

Forequarters:

Medium length, good but not heavy bone
Covered with harsh hair
Shoulders: sloping
Elbows: never turned outward
Front paws: larger than hind paws, may turn slightly outward, thick, strong pads
Narrow, splayed feet or long nails: faults

Hindquarters:

Thighs: strong, muscular
Stifles: well-angled but not exaggerated
Hocks: well let down, neither turning in nor out when viewed from behind
Hind paws: similar to front paws but smaller

Gait / Movement:

Free, lively movement
Front legs reach forward, hind legs drive powerfully
Hocks neither too close together nor too wide

Coat

Coat: very important! Weather-resistant, double coat
Outer coat: harsh, abundant (but not rough to the touch)
Undercoat: short, soft, dense
Open, loose coat: fault
Slight wave: permitted

Accepted Colors:

Cream, Wheaten, Red, Gray, Dark gray (almost black), Brindle allowed in all shades

Not allowed:

Solid black, white, black and tan
Dark markings on ears and muzzle are characteristic

Size and Weight

Height at withers: approx. 28–31 cm
Ideal weight: 6–7.5 kg (can be more if proportionate)

Faults

Any deviation from the above is considered a fault
Severity of faults judged according to its effect on the dog's health and welfare