Cairn Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier
Terrier · Small vs Terrier · Small
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
Norfolk TerrierSmall
A fearless, alert, gregarious drop-eared terrier — one of the smallest working terriers, fox-bolter.
Weight: 11–12 lbsLifespan: 12–16 years
Quick take
- • Cairn Terrier is the larger breed at 14 lbs (males) vs 11–12 lbs for the Norfolk Terrier.
- • The Norfolk Terrier is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cairn Terrier | Norfolk Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Terrier |
Size | Small | Small |
Origin | Scotland | England |
Height (male) | 10" | 9–10" |
Height (female) | 9.5" | 9–10" |
Weight (male) | 14 lbs | 11–12 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13 lbs | 11–12 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 13–15 years | 12–16 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) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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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 Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a fearless, alert, gregarious drop-eared terrier — one of the smallest working terriers, fox-bolter. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 11–12 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as fearless, alert, gregarious.
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Cairn Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Norfolk Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye problems