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Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Toto Dog or Chrysanthemum Dog or Biewer à la Pom Pon? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier" Compare Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu Biewer Terrier
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Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank6920588
Reviews3192
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier breeds.
Toto Dog
Cairn
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Biewer à la Pom Pon
Biewer Yorkie
Biewer Yorkshire
German Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) 4.5-9 pounds (2.5-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) 6.75 pounds (3.25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier? Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier height comparison:
Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 7-11 inches (18-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) 9.5 inches (24 cm) 9 inches (23 cm)

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$1000 $800-$1200 $1500-$1800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier?
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu 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.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Smart: The Biewer Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Biewer Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Biewer Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Biewer Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Playful
Stubborn
Energetic
Intelligent
Friendly
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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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Biewer 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: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier?
High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Biewer Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier social needs comparison:
Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Biewer Terrier 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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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Biewer Terrier dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
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.
See more.
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Biewer Terrier barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Biewer Terrier is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Biewer Terrier breed.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Biewer Terrier bite force: Weak.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Biewer Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Biewer Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
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 Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Biewer Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier 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)
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Dental Problems
GI tract sensitivity
Bouts of diarrhea
Frequent discolored or soft stool

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Biewer Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.
Biewer Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Biewer Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Biewer Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which needs most food?
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes
No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Piebald
Black & White & Tan
Chocolate Tan & White
Blue Tan & White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
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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Easy to groom: The Biewer Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which drools least?
The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Biewer Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Biewer Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Waterproof Dense Silky
Soft
Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
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 Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier? Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Biewer Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Biewer Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Biewer Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Biewer Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Biewer Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Biewer Terrier?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Biewer Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier?
Yes
Cairn Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Biewer Terrier 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
Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Biewer Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Biewer Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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 Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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 Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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 Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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 Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Biewer Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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.
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 Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. Which has most puppies?
2-10 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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 Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Biewer Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Biewer 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
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
United Kennel Club

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