Sealyham Terrier vs Cairn Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Sealyham Terrier
Terrier Group
Cairn Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Sealyham Terrier Overview
Sealyham Terriers showcase a distinctive white coat and muscular build, standing 10.5 inches at the shoulder. Their powerful jaws and strong neck reflect their hunting heritage, while their long, broad head features dark eyes and folded ears. These sturdy terriers combine an alert, outgoing personality with a charming sense of humor, making them both capable workers and delightful companions.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Sealyham Terriers are less energetic than Cairn Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Sealyham Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Cairn Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Sealyham Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Cairn Terriers.
- Trainability: Cairn Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Cairn Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cairn Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Sealyham Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Sealyham Terrier and Cairn Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-11 inches 27-27 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 23-24 lbs 10-11 kg | 13-14 lbs 6-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Outgoing, Sense Of Humor | Alert, Cheerful, Busy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Sealyham Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Sealyham Terrier Temperament
The Sealyham Terrier is known for being alert, outgoing, sense of humor, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Cairn Terrier Temperament
The Cairn Terrier is characterized by being alert, cheerful, busy, 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 Sealyham Terrier and Cairn 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
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Sealyham Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sealyham 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, Sealyham Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Cairn Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cairn 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, Cairn Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Sealyham Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Lens Luxation
- Hip Issues
- Allergies
- Deafness
Cairn Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Ocular Melanosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Sealyham Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Requires experienced handling
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Sealyham Terrier and Cairn Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.