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Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Blue Heeler or Dixie Dingo or Toto Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier" Compare Australian Cattle Dog and Carolina Dog. Which is better: Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Australian Cattle Dog Carolina Dog Cairn Terrier
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia United States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank5642369
Reviews413
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier breeds.
Blue Heeler
Cattle Dog
Red Heeler
Queensland Heeler
Dixie Dingo
Indian Dog
North American Native Dog
Yaller
Yeller Dog
Yellow Dog
American Dingo
Toto Dog
Cairn
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) 30-44 pounds (15-20 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
46 pounds (20.5 kg) 37 pounds (17.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier? Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier height comparison:
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) 17-24 inches (45-61 cm) Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) 20.5 inches (53 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$700 $800-$1000 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier?
Very frequent: The Australian Cattle Dog is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Australian Cattle Dog 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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Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Carolina Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Carolina Dog dogs are average watchdogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Carolina Dog dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Aggressive
Loyal
Gentle
Adaptable
Reserved
Primitive
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier?
Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average: Carolina Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison:
Australian Cattle Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Carolina Dog dogs are a social breed.
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Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Australian Cattle Dog is strong enough to escape from home.
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Carolina Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Carolina Dog 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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Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Cattle Dog rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Carolina Dog rarely barks.
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A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly playful breed.
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Carolina Dogs are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Australian Cattle Dog breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Carolina Dog breed.
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.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Australian Cattle Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Carolina Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Carolina Dog 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.
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Cattle Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Carolina Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Carolina Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Cattle Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Carolina Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Carolina Dog: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Cattle Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Carolina Dogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Cattle Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Carolina Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Deafness
No data available Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Carolina Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs need a lot of exercises.
Carolina Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Carolina Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Cattle Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Carolina Dog has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 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. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. What colors are available?
Red
Blue
Speckled
Mottled
Tan
Red
Sable
Yellow
Orange
Beige
Ginger
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Australian Cattle Dog requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Carolina Dog doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which drools least?
The Australian Cattle Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Carolina Dog is an average drooler.
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The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Cattle Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Carolina Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense
Thick
Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier? Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or {name3 shedding:
Australian Cattle Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Carolina Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Carolina Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Carolina Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Carolina Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Carolina Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Cattle Dog or Carolina Dog or Cairn Terrier?
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Carolina Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier?
Yes
Australian Cattle Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Carolina Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Cairn Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Cattle Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Carolina Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Cairn Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Cattle Dogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Carolina Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

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 & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Cattle Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Carolina Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which has most military use?

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.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which has most puppies?
1-7 puppies, average 5 3-6 puppies 2-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. What's recommended?

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.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Carolina Dog vs Cairn Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1980 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Cattle Dog, Carolina Dog, and Cairn Terrier. Which has most recognition?
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
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Rare Breed Association
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

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