Cairn Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier
Terrier · Small vs Toy · Toy
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
Yorkshire TerrierToy
A feisty, brave, tomboyish toy terrier with a glamorous floor-length silk coat.
Weight: 7 lbsLifespan: 11–15 years
Quick take
- • Cairn Terrier is the larger breed at 14 lbs (males) vs 7 lbs for the Yorkshire Terrier.
- • The Cairn Terrier typically lives longer (13–15 years).
- • The Yorkshire Terrier is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Cairn Terrier | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Toy |
Size | Small | Toy |
Origin | Scotland | England |
Height (male) | 10" | 7–8" |
Height (female) | 9.5" | 7–8" |
Weight (male) | 14 lbs | 7 lbs |
Weight (female) | 13 lbs | 7 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 13–15 years | 11–15 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) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | long |
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 Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a feisty, brave, tomboyish toy terrier with a glamorous floor-length silk coat. Originally from England, this toy toy breed typically weighs 7 lbs and lives 11–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish.
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Cairn Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Yorkshire Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Tracheal collapse
- • Liver shunt
- • Dental disease