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Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Borders or Decker Giant or Toto Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier" Compare Border Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Border Terrier Rat Terrier Cairn Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank929769
Reviews123
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier breeds.
Borders Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Toto Dog
Cairn
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 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) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier height comparison:
Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 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) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $300-$500 $700-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Border Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Rat Terrier 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 Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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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.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier?
High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Rat 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 Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison:
Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Rat 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? Which can be better for hunting?
Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
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Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat 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 Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rat 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 Rat Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rat Terrier 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 Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
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 warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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 health problems common in Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rat 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?
Average
The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rat 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 Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
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 Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. What colors are available?
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which drools least?
The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rat 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
Compare odor levels between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Dense
Shiny
Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
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 Rat Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
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Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Rat 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.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Rat Terrier or Cairn Terrier?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier?
Yes
Border Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rat 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.
No
Rat 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.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

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.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, 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 Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

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

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
Compare boating aptitude between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Rat 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
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, 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.
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.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, 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.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Which has most puppies?
2-8 puppies 5-7 puppies 2-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, 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 Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, 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.

Border Terrier vs Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers 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 Border Terrier, Rat Terrier, 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
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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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