Breed Appreciation Day

On behalf of the Breed Council the Club hosted a Breed Appreciation Day on Saturday 8th November 2025 held at Jed Thistle Rugby Club in Jedburgh.

We had a strong attendance, and although we had some last minute hiccups when our keynote speaker, Ann Waugh (Tribannon), was unable to attend due to illness and we lost a couple of planned handlers, also struck down with illness, and their dogs. We were therefore very grateful that Sally Latto (Pinetop) agreed to step in, Joan Percy (Winetta) put on her presenting persona, Sybil Berecloth (Sybster) took questions, and we mustered some troops and their dogs for handling duties. We extend our huge appreciation to them all for their support.

We wish Ann, and those who couldn’t attend, a speedy recovery.

The day started with meet, greet, tea, biscuits (and get the IT to work!) before the main events of the day began:

A Brief History of the Breed

Joan Percy welcomed everyone and provided a history of the Cairn Terrier. Further details on our website can be found here

Breed Appreciation Talk

Sally Latto gave an overview of the Cairn Terrier with a very well behaved dog, and then Joan Percy gave the full presentation that Ann had been due to deliver, with input along the way from Sally. The presentation was excellent and clearly defined what any budding judge (or owner) should be looking for against the Breed Standard for the Cairn Terrier.

Informal Hands On

Here it was off to the Rugby Club changing room where a number of Cairns were presented to allow people to get some guided hands on experience of the dogs. Many thanks to those who led this (Sally Latto, Sybil Berrecloth, and Pamela Gardner (Aberforth)).

Mulitiple Choice Exam

Some nerves may have been apparent for this part of the day, as Level 1 registered Judges took their exam on the Cairn Terrier.

Points of A Dog

It was back to another changing room where attendees were tested on their knowledge of the points of the dog. Massive thank you to David Alcorn (Rutilus) for assessing all those taking part.

A2 Assessment Mock Classes

This was the day’s ‘big one’ for two attendees taking their A2 Assessment. After making best use of the space we had to create two show rings, judges and handlers alike were put through their paces in showing 6 dogs and 6 bitches, with all handlers taking a dog that wasn’t their own. Both potential judges did an excellent job of keeping everyone right, ably assisted by Pamela Gardner who made sure all the exhibitors were suitably spaced whilst the judges were judging the individual Cairns.

This marked the end of a brilliant day. The Committee would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the day such a resounding success. To everyone who organised the event (in particular, Joan Percy) we are so grateful for the time, effort and understanding that went into making it happen. I think it is safe to say that we were all completely tired out (polite version) by the end of the day.