Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison

Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed ComparisonCairn Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Australian Terrier is originated from Australia. Cairn Terrier may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Australian Terrier. Both Cairn Terrier and Australian Terrier are of same weight. Both Cairn Terrier and Australian Terrier has same life span. Cairn Terrier may have more litter size than Australian Terrier. Cairn Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Australian Terrier requires Moderate 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.

australian terrier - historyThe Australian terrier, the little terrier, is a breed developed to control vermin. The nature of this dog is very spirited. They are alert, courageous and self-confident but still very human-friendly.

Australian terriers were breed by the mix of the Terrier with the rough coat and Scotch Dog of Great Britain. These breeds were mixed until they produced the muscular and fearless dog for the Australian settlers. Their primary job was to control the number of rodents and snakes. They were taught to tend flocks, be an excellent guard dogs but remain friendly. This breed is still very popular as a working dog, loyal companion and dogs for show, city, home or a farm.

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.

australian terrier puppy - descriptionThe Australian terrier has body longer than they are tall. They are small dogs with the long and thick coat with silky undercoat and short little legs. This smart-eyes breed is perfect for persons who live indoors. But, you must know that they really like to bark and communicate that way with everybody. They also have a high need for activity so it will be necessary to take him out so he can run, play and be social with other dogs. They are very intelligent, but not very responsive. They will quickly learn how to fetch, but they will have days when they just feel like fetching.

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.

Around children

australian terrier dog - characteristicsThe Australian terrier is very good breed to choose if you have children. They are active and always ready to play, and they will protect the children since they have watchdog gene.

Special talents

Excellent watch dog. This breed will keep your garden and home vermin free.

Adaptability

They are generally very polite towards strangers and highly adaptable among other dogs, but their adaptability in social life is totally up to the human and the training. They can grow to be adaptable dogs that fit well into almost any environment; city or country, house or apartment.

Learning ability

Since they are an intelligent breed, the Australian terrier may surprise you with their ability to learn new tricks and shock you with their ability to be very strong willed about doing what is told. It’s not that they are not the type to obey and be “a good dog”, they are so playful and silly that they will often forget that they are the god and not the human. You must start training them while they are still pups.

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.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD)

australian terrier puppies - health problemsA bone disorder, where the hip joint starts to rot caused by decaying of the femur bone which is located in the dog’s hind limb.

Luxating patella is a knee disease where one or both kneecaps can slip out of place.

Cruciate ligament rupture

Rupture of an important ligament in the knee (stifle) joints.

Epilepsy

The brain disorder that is characterized by seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy that can affect dogs.

Diabetes

A chronic disease of the metabolism which is characterised as high glucose amount in the blood. This happens when hormone insulin drops below the normal values. This condition results in malfunction of vital organs.

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.

Feeding the puppy and adult

australian terrier dogs - caringRecommended daily amount is usually found on the type of the food you choose. They like dry food, and if you are not quite sure what brand of the dry food you should choose, seek a vet’s advice. The Australian terrier has a healthy appetite, but he almost never overeats. How much your Australian terrier eats depends on his size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

Grooming

Their coat requires moderate maintenance. That means that you don’t have to groom your Australian terrier every single day, but being aware of the importance of grooming him at least twice a week is a key because lack of adequate care may lead to skin diseases. Make sure not to bathe them too much, but you can be free with their haircut. They can grow very sharp toenails, so they should be clipped regularly. Ear and teeth must be kept clean.

Points for Good Health

Lots of outdoor activity. They are lovable kind, so don’t be reserved towards them. It’s important to begin training and socializing your pup as soon as possible. Training sessions need to be consistent, firm, short and clear. Grooming is a must since you will want to prevent the tangles and mats.

The best type of activity

Find a place for them where you can take of the leash and let them run free. They love chasing birds, butterflies and anything that flies above. They will chase small rodents, other dogs and cats. After you thought you Australian terrier how to play with other dogs and cats, they will be the most wanted guest in the whole neighbourhood. Find a place where they can dig holes – and they will be so happy that they probably won’t hear you calling them home.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Australia
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
20 - 26 cm
7 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
2 - 6
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Cairn, Toto Dog
Blue and Tan Terrier, the Blue Terrier, the Broken-coated Terrier, the Australian Rough Coated Terrier, Aussie
Colors Available:
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
blue, tan, sandy and red variations
Coat:
Medium length and wiry
rough long coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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