Chinese Crested Dog vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

Chinese Crested Dog vs Cairn Terrier - Breed ComparisonChinese Crested Dog is originated from Mexico but Cairn Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Both Chinese Crested Dog and Cairn Terrier are having almost same height. Both Chinese Crested Dog and Cairn Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Chinese Crested Dog and Cairn Terrier has almost same life span. Chinese Crested Dog may have less litter size than Cairn Terrier. Both Chinese Crested Dog and Cairn Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

chinese crested dog - historyThe Chinese Crested Dog is believed to have its origins in Africa and there are many texts from the 19th Century that feature an Africa Hairless Terrier that resembles the Chinese Crested. However, the scientific and genetic evidence leads to an origin that is shared with the Mexican Hairless Dog. Any way you look at it the dog did not originate in China. The Chinese were very fond of this breed and used them on their ships to control the rat populations. This is probably how they got their name.

There are two types of Chinese Crested Dogs – the well known Hairless, and the lesser known Powderpuff. The Hairless type is better known because they carry the dominant trait and the Powderpuff is recessive. However, this recessive gene is carried by every Chinese Crested Dog so the Powderpuff can show up in all litters even those of two Hairless Crested. Two Powderpuffs will not result in any Hairless in their litters as the Powderpuff does not have the gene for the Hairless.

The “Crest Haven” Kennel was opened by Debora Wood in the 1950’s to breed the Chines Crested Dog. At the same time Gypsy Rose Lee, of the famous burlesque shows, was also breeding Chinese Crested Dogs. The two lines of Crested bred by Americans came together following the death of Rose Lee. Every Chinese Crested that lives today can trace their heritage directly to these two breeding lines. In 1959, Debra Wood founded the American Hairless Dog Club which became a part of the American Chinese Crested Club or the ACCC in 1978. This organization then became the breed’s parent club after AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the breed in 1991. Prior to this the Federation Cynologique Internationale, recognized the breed in 1987, the United Kingdom (UK)the Kennel Club recognized them in 1981 and the Australian National Kennel Council recognized the Crested in 1995.

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.

Description

chinese crested dog puppy - descriptionThis is a toy breed and very small. The Hairless and the Powderpuff are two types of the same breed, although they do not look like it. The Hairless type can have fur anywhere on its body, but it will not have much. It will have hair on its paws, tail and head. The Powderpuff on the other hand will have a thick double coat. When discussing the color of the hairless, one is referring to the color of its skin. It can range from flesh to black.

The Powderpuff has a soft, thick, straight double coat. It can have very long hair. The Hairless must have its skin taken care of and protected. Both types of Chines Crested are small in stature with well proportioned, athletic bodies.

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.

Characteristics

chinese crested dog dog - characteristicsThe Chines Crested Dog is very intelligent and love to perform for audiences. They do well with obedience courses and they are very affectionate lap dogs. They want to be with you and on you or in your arms all the time. They are loyal and playful.

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.

Health Problems

chinese crested dog puppies - health problemsThe Chinese Crested Hairless version must have its skin take care of much in the same way we take care of our own. It will burn if exposed to too much sun without protection. They can suffer from dry skin, acne, need moisturizing cremes. They get skin allergies as well and it is important to take care of the skin instead of the brushing you don’t have to do.

The Chinese Crested does not suffer from most of the diseases other toy breeds do. They can have ye issues. The Hairless have a “primitive mouth” . They have pointy teeth and poor dentition. This is not true of the Powderpuffs however. Their eye issues include:

  • Lens Luxation
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
  • Glaucoma

Other issues include:

  • Luxating Patellas
  • Legg-Perthes Disease
  • Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD)
  • Allergies

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

chinese crested dog dogs - caringLike several other toy breeds, it is easy to overfeed the Chinese Crested because it has such a small stature. Feed once or twice a day but never more than one fourth of a cup total for the day.

Health issues

  • Lens Luxation – causes blindness and is inherited
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can also lead to blindness
  • Glaucoma – also leads to blindness
  • Dry Eye Syndrome

Other issues include:

Luxating Patellas – kneecaps move out of place and cause lameness and arthritis

Legg-Perthes Disease – a hip disorder where blood does not reach the head of the femur. The bone dies, and growth stops.

Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD) – a progressive movement disorder can call falls

  • Allergies – skin and sometimes food

Exercise and games

This Breed does not need an excessive amount of exercise, but they do enjoy running. They are competitive and athletic, so they can excel at flyball, lure coursing, agility and obedience. They are sensitive and trainable enough to become a therapy dog.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Mexico
United Kingdom
Height Male:
28 - 30 cm
11 - 12 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
26 - 28 cm
10 - 12 inches
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 10
Size:
Toy dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Crested, Puff
Cairn, Toto Dog
Colors Available:
Any color or combination of colors
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
Coat:
hairless or Puff has double coat
Medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Morkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Chorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Pekingese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Chinese Crested Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Chinese Crested Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  8. Chinese Crested Dog vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  9. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  10. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  11. Chiweenie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Chug vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Chipoo vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Chiapom vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Phalene vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Cockachon vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Jack Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Cairn Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Cairn Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  34. Cairn Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Cairn Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Scottish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Patterdale Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwich Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. English White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Feist vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Manchester Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Cesky Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Schnorkie vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds