Cairn Terrier vs Great Dane
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Cairn Terrier
Terrier Group
Great Dane
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Cairn Terrier Overview
Cairn Terriers are compact, well-muscled dogs with a shaggy, weather-resistant double coat. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pointed ears, and alert, dark-colored eyes that reflect their intelligent nature. Standing 10 inches at the shoulder, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident stance and move with agile determination.
Great Dane Overview
Majestic and noble, Great Danes stand tall with a powerful yet elegant build. Their smooth coat comes in various colors including fawn, brindle, and harlequin. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and well-defined muscular body, these giants possess a graceful gait despite their imposing size. Their balanced temperament combines dignity with friendliness, making them both impressive guardians and affectionate companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Cairn Terriers are less energetic than Great Danes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Cairn Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Great Danes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cairn Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Great Danes.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cairn Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Great Danes typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Cairn Terrier and Great Dane, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 13-14 lbs 6-6 kg | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Cheerful, Busy | Friendly, Patient, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Cairn Terrier Temperament
The Cairn Terrier is known for being alert, cheerful, busy, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Great Dane Temperament
The Great Dane is characterized by being friendly, patient, dependable, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Cairn Terrier and Great Dane, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Cairn Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cairn Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cairn Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Great Dane Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Danes need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Great Danes require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Cairn Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Ocular Melanosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
Pros & Cons
Cairn Terrier
Pros
- Excellent vermin hunter
- Adaptable to various homes
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance grooming
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tends to bark
- Can be independent
Great Dane
Pros
- Gentle with family
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal grooming needs
- Adaptable personality
Cons
- Short lifespan
- High food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Cairn Terrier and Great Dane, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.