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

Clarification.

     This hard, double coat is most important in the Cairn Terrier, as it was designed to keep cold and water from penetrating to the skin.  The profuse coat should be thick and a minimum of two inches in length.  It should be the same length all over the body.  Any appearance of the "jacketed" or "sculptured" look of the more stylized Terriers should be severely penalized.

My Comments.

     I think it should be pointed out that the coat can be of varying lengths, but that a short jacket and long skirt are nor correct or desirable.  However, when rolling a coat, for example in order to keep a special in the ring for several years, the hair on the topline may be kept a little shorter.  This will keep the outer coat from getting too long, and blowing or dying.  The end result of the rolling process is to give the exhibitor many different lengths of coat, well blended, all over the body, particularly the head and legs.  The coat should give the appearance of a "rough" Terrier.

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.

My Comments.

     One of the most interesting things about this breed is the fact that the brindles will darken with each coat.  The totally clear wheaten and red coats will usually remain the same color for life.