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Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Sheepdog or Toto Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier" Compare Border Collie and Cairn Terrier. Which is better: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Cairn Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank3869
Reviews133
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Border Collie and Cairn Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Toto Dog
Cairn
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Border Collie and a Cairn Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Border Collie and a Cairn Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 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?
Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Cairn Terrier? Is a Border Collie taller than a Cairn Terrier?
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 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: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Border Collie and a Cairn Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare training requirements.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Border Collie and a Cairn Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Collie 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.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
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.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
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 common health issues between a Border Collie and a Cairn Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier?
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once 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: Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare activity levels.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Border Collie and Cairn Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Border Collie and a Cairn Terrier? Compare fur types.
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Cairn Terrier? Do Border Collie dogs shed more than Cairn Terrier dogs?
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Cairn Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Cairn Terrier? Can a Border Collie and a Cairn Terrier be friends? Do Border Collie dogs get along with Cairn Terrier dogs?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier?
Yes
Border Collie 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
Border Collie 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?
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Border Collie or a Cairn Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Border Collie and Cairn Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Border Collie and Cairn Terrier. Which has larger litters?
4-8 puppies 2-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Border Collie and Cairn Terrier. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Border Collie and Cairn Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie 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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