Cairn Terrier
VS
Miniature American Shepherd
Cairn Terrier vs Miniature American Shepherd
Compare Cairn Terrier and Miniature American Shepherd 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
Miniature American Shepherd
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
28 – 31 cm
33 – 46 cm
Weight
7 – 8 kg
9 – 14 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 17 years
11 – 14 years
Child friendly
5/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5
3/5
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
Miniature American Shepherd
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Small
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 Miniature American Shepherd
Compact, athletic herding dog bred in the U.S. as a smaller Australian Shepherd. Intelligent, devoted, and “velcro” with family, often reserved with strangers. Needs regular training, mental work, and exercise. Medium double coat in varied colors; generally healthy with 12–15 year lifespan.
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