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

"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier" Compare Border Terrier and Cairn Terrier. Which is better: Border Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Border Terrier Cairn Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank9269
Reviews13
User Ratings

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

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Border Terrier and a Cairn Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 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?
Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Is a Border Terrier taller than a Cairn Terrier?
Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 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: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Border Terrier and a Cairn Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1400 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare training requirements.
Border Terrier 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 Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Border Terrier and a Cairn Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier?
Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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 Terrier vs Cairn Terrier?
High: Border Terrier 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 Terrier vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison:
Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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 Terrier vs Cairn Terrier?
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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 Terrier vs Cairn Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
See more.
A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier 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.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
Border Terrier 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 Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier 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 Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Border Terrier 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 Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Terrier 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 Terrier and a Cairn Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
The Border Terrier 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 Terrier vs Cairn Terrier?
Average
The Border Terrier 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 Terrier vs Cairn Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
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 Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
1 to 1.5 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.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Border Terrier and Cairn Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
The Border Terrier 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 Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Border Terrier 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 Terrier and a Cairn Terrier? Compare fur types.
Rough Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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 Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Do Border Terrier dogs shed more than Cairn Terrier dogs?
Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
Border Terrier 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 Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Can a Border Terrier and a Cairn Terrier be friends? Do Border Terrier dogs get along with Cairn Terrier dogs?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier?
Yes
Border Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Terrier vs Cairn Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

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

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 Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

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
Which is better at detection work: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a Border Terrier or a Cairn Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Border Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Border Terrier and Cairn Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Border Terrier and Cairn Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Border Terrier and Cairn Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
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
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
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
Club Espanol De Terriers

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