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Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Comparison - Dog breed selector: Toto Dog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd or Snap Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet" Compare Cairn Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
 
 
 
Name Cairn Terrier Shetland Sheepdog Whippet
OriginsScotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland England flagEngland
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank692461
Reviews362
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Toto Dog
Cairn
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Snap Dog
English Whippet
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which is the smallest dog, Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
Small Medium Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Shetland Sheepdog? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet weight comparison:
Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet height comparison:
Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm) Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which is more expensive?
$700-$1000 $800-$1000 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet intelligence:
Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet trainability comparison.
Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Whippet dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Whippet dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
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Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Outright
Companionable
Adaptable
Quiet
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Whippet dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?
High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet social needs comparison:
Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet playfulness comparison:
The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?
A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Cairn Terrier indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Whippet dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Whippet bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet mouthiness comparison:
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet health comparison. Which is the healthier: Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Whippet is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
Heart Murmurs
Hypothyroidism
Von Willebrand's Disease
Heart Problems
Deafness
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Arthritis
Kidney Issues
Addison's Disease
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Whippet should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet lifespan comparison. How long do Cairn Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog and Whippet breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet energy level comparison:
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Whippet dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
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Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet coat comparison:
Waterproof Dense Fine
Short
Close in texture
Colors
What are the original Cairn Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog and Whippet color?
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Fawn
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet grooming comparison:
Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:
Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Whippet dogs are low shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which dog is more friendly?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?
Yes
Cairn Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Whippet dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Cairn Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Whippet is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Cairn Terrier or Shetland Sheepdog or Whippet? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet?

Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Whippet breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Cairn Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog and Whippet have?
2-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 4-8 puppies

Cairn Terrier vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Whippet Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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