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Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Comparison - Dog breed selector: Toto Dog or Chrysanthemum Dog or Barbone? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle" Compare Cairn Terrier and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Poodle?
 
 
 
Name Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu Poodle
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Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank69207
Reviews31914
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle breeds.
Toto Dog
Cairn
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Barbone
Caniche
Chien Canne
Grosse Pudel
French Poodle
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 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) Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Poodle? Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle height comparison:
Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 15 inches (38 cm) or more
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) 15 inches (38 cm) or more

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Price and Availability Comparison

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

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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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Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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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Poodle dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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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Poodle dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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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Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle? Compare temperaments.
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Active
Alert
Intelligent
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual
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.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle?
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: Poodle 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 Poodle 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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Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 Poodle is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 Poodle breed.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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.
Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Poodle?
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.
Poodle dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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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Poodle dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 200 and 400 PSI

Poodle bite force: Ordinary.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 Poodle: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 Poodle. 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.
The Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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.
Average
The Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle 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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Ear Infections
Addison's Disease
Cushing's Syndrome
Runny Eyes
Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd)
Neonatal Encephalopathy (news)
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Premature Graying

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Brown
Fawn
Beige
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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.

Medium

The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Waterproof Dense Curly
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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.
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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 Poodle? 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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Poodle dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.

Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. Which is best with kids?
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are very 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.
Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Poodle? Which dog is more friendly?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Poodle?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu or Poodle?
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Cairn Terrier vs Shih Tzu vs Poodle?
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
Poodle 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.
No
Poodle is not the best dog breed 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.
Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 Poodle. 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 Poodle. 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.
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Yes

Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 Poodle Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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 in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Cairn Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. 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
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

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