Afghan Hound vs Cairn Terrier
Hound · Large vs Terrier · Small
Afghan HoundLarge
An aloof, dignified, ancient sighthound — the supermodel of the dog world with a flowing silken coat.
Weight: 60 lbsLifespan: 12–18 years
Cairn TerrierSmall
An alert, cheerful, busy little Scottish ratter — Toto from The Wizard of Oz, the 'small dog with big heart'.
Weight: 14 lbsLifespan: 13–15 years
Quick take
- • Afghan Hound is the larger breed at 60 lbs (males) vs 14 lbs for the Cairn Terrier.
- • The Afghan Hound typically lives longer (12–18 years).
- • The Cairn Terrier sheds less.
- • The Cairn Terrier is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Afghan Hound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Terrier |
Size | Large | Small |
Origin | Afghanistan | Scotland |
Height (male) | 27" | 10" |
Height (female) | 25" | 9.5" |
Weight (male) | 60 lbs | 14 lbs |
Weight (female) | 50 lbs | 13 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–18 years | 13–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | long | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an aloof, dignified, ancient sighthound — the supermodel of the dog world with a flowing silken coat. Originally from Afghanistan, this large hound breed typically weighs 60 lbs and lives 12–18 years. Breeders describe them as aloof, dignified, independent.
About the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is an alert, cheerful, busy little Scottish ratter — Toto from The Wizard of Oz, the 'small dog with big heart'. Originally from Scotland, this small terrier breed typically weighs 14 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as alert, cheerful, busy.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Afghan Hound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Hypothyroidism
Cairn Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism