Cairn Terrier vs Greyhound

Terrier · Small vs Hound · Large

Quick take
  • Greyhound is the larger breed at 65–70 lbs (males) vs 14 lbs for the Cairn Terrier.
  • The Cairn Terrier typically lives longer (13–15 years).
  • The Cairn Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Cairn Terrier sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCairn TerrierGreyhound
Group
TerrierHound
Size
SmallLarge
Origin
ScotlandEgypt
Height (male)
10"28–30"
Height (female)
9.5"27–28"
Weight (male)
14 lbs65–70 lbs
Weight (female)
13 lbs60–65 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–15 years10–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
wirehairedshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
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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.

About the Greyhound

The Greyhound is a gentle, independent, noble sighthound — the fastest dog (45 mph) and biggest couch potato off-track. Originally from Egypt, this large hound breed typically weighs 65–70 lbs and lives 10–13 years. Breeders describe them as gentle, independent, noble.

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Cairn Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism

Greyhound health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Bloat
  • Bone cancer
  • Anesthesia sensitivity