Cairn Terrier vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Cairn Terrier vs American Mastiff - Breed ComparisonCairn Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but American Mastiff is originated from United States. Cairn Terrier may grow 58 cm / 22 inches shorter than American Mastiff. Cairn Terrier may weigh 82 kg / 180 pounds lesser than American Mastiff. Cairn Terrier may live 3 years more than American Mastiff. Cairn Terrier may have more litter size than American Mastiff. Both Cairn Terrier and American Mastiff requires Low maintenance.

History

cairn terrier - historyThe Cairn Terrier originates in the Scottish Highlands. This feisty little dog was given the name Cairn, as he used to hunt prey between the Scottish cairns. At first the dog was grouped as a ‘Skye Terrier’way back in the 1900s with the Scottish and West Highland White Terrier. Then the different breeds began to be bred separately.

The name Cairn Terrier didn’t appear in print till 1887. It was in 1912 that the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognized the Cairn Terrier.

american mastiff - historyThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

Description

Temperament:

cairn terrier puppy - descriptionThe small sturdily built working Terrier is intelligent and courageous. Bright-eyed, he is small and active and he just loves to work- and party hard with his human family. You’ll see if you’ve got a ball you want to throw for him, his tail is quivering in anticipation and his ears are erect and alert to any noise. He is smart, independent and courageous.

Coat of Many Colors:

The Cairn Terrier has a tough, weather-resistant coat that can be any color but not white. He has a waterproof double coat – the outer one being wiry while the undercoat is soft. You’ll find the coat in man colours such as grey, black, red and brindle with dark points on the ears and muzzle.

The interesting thing with a Cairn is that when you get a puppy, you can’t be sure what color he will end up being as it changes over the years. The ears are fox-like, small and erect, and the natural medium-to-short tail is held straight out.

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

Characteristics

cairn terrier dog - characteristicsThe Cairn Terrier is a fearless, jaunty little dog, known for his courageous spirit and inquisitive nature. He may be small, but he is stubborn. He will respond well to training and socialization which will turn him into the most awesome pet for families. He can make a wonderful friend and playmate for children too. Socialization and training ensures he gets on well with other pets in the household too.

He is small and energetic, and therefore not the kind of dog you can ignore in terms of exercise. He’ll need a good walk every day and he just loves to chase a ball as it takes him back to the days when he was used to chasing- and catching mice.

He isn’t your typical lap-dog at all and with the right care he becomes a devoted, loyal and loving companion.

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

Health Problems

cairn terrier puppies - health problemsThe Cairn Terrier is a robust little dog, and with good care can reach 14 years of age and even older. However, with every dog breed there are some health concerns particular to that breed. With your Cairn Terrier look out for a disease known as Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL).

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL)

Known also as Krabbe Disease, Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a rare but fatal disease. It is caused by a mutation on the dog’s DNA. There is abnormal processing of an enzyme needed for the production of myelin, a substance that protects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The dog is weak, it has tremors and isn’t co-ordinated. The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog more susceptible to GCL.

Bone and joint diseases

Your Cairn Terrier may well suffer with joint diseases. These diseases, such as luxating patella which is about loose knee joints, and hip dysplasia which is a degenerative hip disease, can cause plenty of pain and discomfort for your pet.

Eye Diseases

Glaucoma is an eye disease where there is pressure on the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage. Without treatment, there can be damage to the optic nerve which can lead to blindness.

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

cairn terrier dogs - caringThe Cairn Terrier sheds very little and the coat is easy to groom. Give him a thorough brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs. Some trimming will be needed as the coat can become shaggy and unruly.

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build up that can lead to bacteria, gum disease and possible tooth loss.

Diet:

The Cairn Terrier is small but he is an active dog and therefore needs to be on a high-quality dog food. If you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its appropriate to his age, size and activity levels.

He is a small dog so you want to be careful about not letting him become overweight. Try and alternate his commercially manufactured food with some home-made rice, vegetables and meat and also include some raw meat in from time to time. This is of particular importance as chronic skin allergies are common in all terrier breeds. Make sure that there is always a clean bowl of fresh water available to him day and night.

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
Height Female:
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
2 - 5
Size:
Small dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Cairn, Toto Dog
AM Mastiff
Colors Available:
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
Coat:
Medium length and wiry
Smooth, shorthair
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  3. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  4. Gaddi Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  5. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  6. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. Broholmer vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Dane vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  10. Newfoundland Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  11. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  13. Alaunt vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Bully Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Wolfhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Alangu Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Mountain Burmese vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Billy vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  20. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Bisben vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  22. Jack Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Cairn Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  30. Cairn Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Cairn Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Scottish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Patterdale Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwich Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. English White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Feist vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Manchester Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Cesky Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Schnorkie vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds