Cairn Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel
Terrier · Small vs Sporting · Large
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
Irish Water SpanielLarge
A playful, hardworking, brave water retriever — Ireland's sporting clown with a famous rat-tail.
Weight: 55–68 lbsLifespan: 12–13 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 14 lbs for the Cairn Terrier.
- • The Cairn Terrier typically lives longer (13–15 years).
- • The Irish Water Spaniel is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cairn Terrier | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Sporting |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | Scotland | Ireland |
Height (male) | 10" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 9.5" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 14 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 13–15 years | 12–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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 Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful, hardworking, brave water retriever — Ireland's sporting clown with a famous rat-tail. Originally from Ireland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–68 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as playful, hardworking, brave.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Cairn Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism