Cairn Terrier vs Scottish Terrier
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
Scottish Terrier
Terrier 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.
Scottish Terrier Overview
Scottish Terriers showcase a distinctive silhouette with their short legs, compact body, and characteristic beard and eyebrows. Their wiry double coat comes in black, wheaten, or brindle. Standing proudly with an alert expression and dignified bearing, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident personality wrapped in a small but muscular frame.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Cairn Terriers are less energetic than Scottish Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Cairn Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Scottish Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Cairn Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Scottish Terriers.
- Trainability: Scottish Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Cairn Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 13-14 lbs 6-6 kg | 18-22 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Cheerful, Busy | Confident, Independent, Spirited |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Cairn Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Scottish Terrier Temperament
The Scottish Terrier is characterized by being confident, independent, spirited, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier, 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
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 4/5
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.
Scottish Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Scottish Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Cairn Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Ocular Melanosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Scottish Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- von Willebrand's Disease
- Scottie Cramp
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Patellar Luxation
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
Scottish Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Low shedding
- Good watchdog
- Adaptable to various living spaces
Cons
- Stubborn streak
- High grooming needs
- Can be territorial
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.