Cairn Terrier
VS
Irish Terrier
Cairn Terrier vs Irish Terrier
Compare Cairn Terrier and Irish Terrier side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Cairn Terrier
Irish Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
28 – 31 cm
44 – 50 cm
Weight
7 – 8 kg
11 – 15 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 17 years
13 – 15 years
Child friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
2/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
3/5
Shedding
1/5
1/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
3/5
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Characteristics
Cairn Terrier
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Irish Terrier
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Stubborn
Medium
Summary
About Cairn Terrier
Small, sturdy Scottish terrier bred to hunt among rocky cairns. Around 28–31 cm tall with a harsh, weatherproof double coat needing regular stripping and brushing. Bold, curious, affectionate, and vocal; enjoys daily walks, mental stimulation, and active family life. Generally hardy and long-lived.
About Irish Terrier
Medium, athletic terrier with a wiry red coat, low shedding when properly groomed. Intelligent, energetic, and independent, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation. Deeply loyal and people‑oriented, a keen watchdog, with strong prey drive and sometimes challenging with other dogs.
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