Page 329 - ShowSight - January 2020

length proportion should remain relatively constant at a ratio of 1 to 1.5. These proportions allow a Cairn to perform its original func- tion and should be conserved. Also remember to look for an alert, mischievous expression and a happy tail carriage!
The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Promoting performance activities is a wonderful way to create inter- est in the sport. People can do agility, obedience, rally, scent work and many other pursuits that Cairns can excel at.
My ultimate goal for the breed? My goal and hope for the breed is that we can preserve this amazing little dog in its current form.
My favorite dog show memory? Winning the breed twice at Westminster is probably my favorite. But the little things—a hand shake from a well-known handler after you’ve won breed at a specialty or a compliment on your dog’s appearance—can mean so much.
LYNNE NABORS
I have lived in the city of St. Louis, in the Lafayette Square His- toric District, for 42 years, after a life of frequent moves when my husband was a pilot for the US Coast Guard. I am a widow and retired now, and enjoy my neigh- borhood very much. I volunteer for neighborhood events and that helps keep me busy. I love walk- ing in the neighborhood and know all the local dogs by name. I read a lot, too, as I always have. Most of
all, I love being the companion of a delightful 16-month-old Cairn Terrier puppy who came into my life courtesy of a great breeding couple when I lost my last two Cairns just five months apart. Nine months without a Cairn was too long!
When I first became involved with Cairn Terriers, in 1963, and became aware of their registration standings, they were somewhere in the low 30s. Now, at 69th, I am a little concerned that the trend seems ever downward. I worried in the “low 30s”, too, that they would become too popular if that upward trend continued, which it did not. I would like to see the breed stabilize at a comfortable point, perhaps the 50th percentile, or better. So many “fad” breeds have come and gone, but the Cairn is well suited for so many fami- lies, and their popularity should reflect that.
Many of the Cairn’s “working ethics” enhance their value as a companion. Their sheer stamina is great for standing up to the demands of children—they almost never get tired of playing, whether it’s chasing a ball or playing hide and seek. The Cairn has a forgiving nature and a tough, sturdy little body that shrugs off knocks and bumps. Their keen intelligence stands them in good stead with adults, as well...they are never boring. The independence so important to doing the job for which they were bred is an asset for owners who do not want a “clingy” dog. On the other hand, that persistent prey drive can be a little frustrating when they have a pos- sum treed in the back yard at midnight, and don’t want to give it up, especially when they are screaming their frustration!
One of the most important things when selecting a home for a Cairn puppy is education about the nature of the breed. A prospec- tive owner needs to know that if he is looking for a dog that will cling to his heels, will want to cuddle in his lap, and will obey his every command...he is not looking for a Cairn Terrier! Like most of the Terrier breeds, the Cairn is independent and will only “cuddle” when he’s in the mood, which in most cases is rarely when the own- er is. Some are more obedient than others, but almost all of them
have a mind of their own and will make a conscious decision to obey or not, depending on the circumstances. Although some traits are common, every dog is an individual, and blanket statements about the breed are unwise. But, after more than 50 years in the breed, I can confidently say they’re generally unlikely (at best) to be com- pletely trustworthy off leash, and I caution against ever letting them loose if there is traffic within a mile or so. A sudden appearance of a rabbit or squirrel and all bets are off. It’s just not worth the risk.
I am torn about the rising price of purebred dogs in general. I recognize that veterinary bills are also rising, and that the prices paid for stud fees have gone up steadily, and thus raising puppies is an expensive hobby. There is really no way to “make money” in dogs, and I don’t believe most breeders are attempting to do that. But, puppy prices are such now that many families of modest means can no longer afford a pure-bred puppy, especially those homes where one of the parents stays home to look after children...and that is the home we would like to have a puppy in, where the puppy will not be left in a crate all day. Breeders seem to feel that they must charge the same as other breeders in their area, regardless of the situation. I would like to see more breeders be creative in find- ing ways to make that puppy affordable for people who would make wonderful homes. I used “co-ownerships” which I would explain meant that I would sign off on the puppy in the future, thus saving the buyer’s pride in some cases. One lovely older couple were set to take a nice male pup, but when he suddenly lost his job, a chunk of money for a puppy became unwise. So the puppy went home as planned and as soon as he got a job, the money was paid. Many such ideas are possible, but my goal was to put the puppy in the best home. I think there’s a way around the sticking point of the “price”, in most cases.
I watched my puppies from birth, looking for quality, but sel- dom made a decision before about eight weeks. The indefinable “it” quality usually manifests itself at about five to six weeks, if not before. Without that special something, a puppy can be typey and sound but still not be a success in the ring. With “it” a small fault in conformation is likely to be overlooked, but its importance in the breeding program has to be taken into consideration regardless.
If a new judge is coming from a Terrier background, it’s impor- tant for him to understand this is not a “stylized” Terrier. Every- thing about the Cairn is moderate, including the grooming. It is critical for a new judge not to be carried away by a dog which has been groomed meticulously, with a tweezer, without a hair out of place, when there is a sound, typey Cairn in a more correct “slight- ly scruffy” presentation. The other thing I think some judges get wrong is the proportions...a Cairn is not square, but many Terriers are. It’s critical to the breed’s function to have the correct length of back for their leg length.
The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Wow! Wish I knew the answer to that one! I think it’s getting even harder to attract people to breeding and showing these days. In over 50 years of trying to mentor and encourage newcomers, I can’t say I have ever brought anyone into the breed long term. For a while, maybe they would show, or more often let me show, their puppy, and then, after the “new” wore off, or the championship was gained, their family life took precedence. I think the fancy is in trouble, big time. With everyone getting older, even the new people are often retirement age or close to it, and while their enthusiasm is great, their time in the breed is not going to be long. Look around at all the “seniors” in the ring...it’s alarming. The AKC is taking some action, instituting the Owner Handled competition, and informa- tive help at dog shows. I think in Cairns, at least, we are friendly and hospitable to newcomers. Regional Clubs are important, but they are not numerous in our breed. I live 600 miles from the
Cairn Terrier Q & A
ShowSight Magazine, January 2020 • 321