Hi All
You have got me interested in showing. I know nothing about it except what I have picked up on this forum. I have been to a cairn show and crufts thats about it. I couldn't show my cairn as he has been castrated. Suggestions and tips on how to go about it would be helpful. Should I attend more shows to get more experience before getting another puppy or should I get a pup anyway.(I have been thinking of adding to our family for a while but only as a pet but I am thinking I would like to show now). Your advice would be appreciated, you all know what you are talking about. Thanks.
Jane

You're doing the right things Jane! :)  Keep going to General Championship Shows and Cairn Breed Shows and you'll see that at first all the dogs look the same, but you'll get your eye in and spot differences!  Tell the exhibitors that you are looking to eventually buy a pup to show, and when you have decided what line appeals to you, you'll be more likely to get something nice because they will have already see you put in time and commitment.
My advice would be once you have decided which lines appeal to you, look for a breeder who consistently produces dogs that are in the line up, not necessarily the 'top breeder' but one who continually brings out nice dogs, and ask to go on their waiting list.  Enjoy your learning! :)

Thanks Val. Will check out the midland cairn terrier web site to find out where there shows are. Your advice is much appreciated. It is like a foreign language sometimes and I feel I need to ask questions but am not sure whether they are "silly" questions and I ought to know the answer. Thanks again.
Jane

No, just be honest, interested and committed and you'll be taken on board, I'm sure! 
I tend to find the people who are given short shrift at shows are the ones who bounce up and say, 'I'm looking for a bitch and I want to breed.' with no knowledge or interest in the breed.  They're not made to feel very welcome! :)