Appearance
The current standard of the Carin Terrier was approved on May 10, 1938 and was adopted from the The Kennel Club of Great Britain. According to the American standard, Carin Terriers should weigh 14 pounds and stand 10 inches at the withers. Females should weigh 13 pounds and stand 9.5 inches at the withers. A Cairn's appearance may vary from this standard. It is common for a Cairn to stand between 9 and 13 inches (23-33 cm) at the withers and weigh 13 to 18 pounds (European Cairns tend to be larger than American Cairns).
Coat and Color
The Cairn Terrier has a harsh, weather-resistant outer coat that can be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray or brindled in any of these colors. Pure black, black and tan, and white are not permitted by many kennel clubs. While registration of white Cairns was once permitted, after 1917 the American Kennel Club required them to be registered as West Highland White Terriers. A notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change color throughout their lifetime. It is not uncommon for a brindled Cairn to become progressively more black or silver as it ages. The Cairn is double-coated, with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. A well-groomed Cairn has a rough-and-ready appearance, free of artifice or exaggeration.
Grooming Tips
Cairn Terriers should always be hand stripped. Using scissors or shears can ruin the dog's rugged outer coat after one grooming. Hand stripping involves pulling the old dead hair out by the roots. This does not harm the dog, and is the best way to effectivly groom a Carin Terrier. Removing the dead hair in this manner allows new growth, which helps protect the dog from water and dirt.