Quick Links: Table of Contents
- American Eskimo Dog Versus Cairn Terrier: Introduction
- American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier: Overview
- American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier
- The Similarities Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier
- Price of American Eskimo Dog versus Price of Cairn Terrier
- The Popularity of American Eskimo Dog versus Popularity of Cairn Terrier
- Health Problems of American Eskimo Dog versus Health Problems of Cairn Terrier
- Which one drools more, the American Eskimo Dog or the Cairn Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier
- Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the American Eskimo Dog or the Cairn Terrier?
- Does the American Eskimo Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cairn Terrier?
- Wanderlust Potential: American Eskimo Dog vs. Cairn Terrier
- Do American Eskimo Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Cairn Terriers?
- Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Are American Eskimo Dogs good family dogs? What about Cairn Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are American Eskimo Dogs and Cairn Terriers?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Eskimo Dog or the Cairn Terrier?
- Do American Eskimo Dogs shed more than Cairn Terriers?
- Is the American Eskimo Dog Easier to Train than the Cairn Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Eskimo Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
American Eskimo Dog Versus Cairn Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Eskimo Dog and for the Cairn Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Eskimo Dog or the Cairn Terrier
American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Eskimo Dog is a small-sized dog while the Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the American Eskimo Dog belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
On the other hand, the Cairn Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the American Eskimo Dog to the Cairn Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
| Factor | American Eskimo Dog | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 15 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | Starts at 30 pounds | 13 to 14 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1220 | $1600 |
| Price Range | $750 – $1500 | $1475 – $1750 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 118 | 69 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Eskimo Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Cairn Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for a American Eskimo Dog is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Eskimo Dog is a better pet than the Cairn Terrier. So, you should get the American Eskimo Dog!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier
Below is a list of where the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier
The American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier.
American Eskimo Dogs weigh Starts at 30 pounds when fully grown. American Eskimo Dogs are 15 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Price of American Eskimo Dog versus Price of Cairn Terrier
The average price of the American Eskimo Dog puppy is $1220. The price of the American Eskimo Dog typically ranges from $750 – $1500. However, the price of a American Eskimo Dog can be as low as $225 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 211 American Eskimo Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Cairn Terrier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cairn Terrier typically ranges from $1475 – $1750. However, the price of a Cairn Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 132 Cairn Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the American Eskimo Dog.
| American Eskimo Dog | Cairn Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1220 | $1600 |
| Price Range | $750 to $1500 | $1475 to $1750 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the American Eskimo Dog and Cairn Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many American Eskimo Dog puppies or how many Cairn Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of American Eskimo Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Eskimo Dog puppy or the Cairn Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Popularity of American Eskimo Dog versus Popularity of Cairn Terrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the American Eskimo Dog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Cairn Terrier is 69 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the American Eskimo Dog is 118 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of American Eskimo Dog
Popularity of Cairn Terrier
| Year | American Eskimo Dog Popularity Rank | Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 110 | 61 |
| 2014 | 120 | 69 |
| 2015 | 118 | 70 |
| 2016 | 122 | 70 |
| 2017 | 118 | 69 |
| 2018 | 122 | 69 |
| 2019 | 120 | 72 |
| 2020 | 119 | 73 |
Health Problems of American Eskimo Dog versus Health Problems of Cairn Terrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the American Eskimo Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Cairn Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Eskimo Dog than for the Cairn Terrier.
8 health tests are recommended for American Eskimo Dog while 4 tests are recommended for the Cairn Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Eskimo Dogs and in Cairn Terriers.
American Eskimo Dog Health Problems
American Eskimo Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Eskimo Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a American Eskimo Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Eskimo Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen American Eskimo Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Eskimo Dogs here.
Cairn Terrier Health Problems
Cairn Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cairn Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Cairn Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cairn Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Cairn Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cairn Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in American Eskimo Dogs and Cairn Terriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the American Eskimo Dog Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the American Eskimo Dog ranks 6 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 68 American Eskimo Dogs, 17 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in American Eskimo Dogs, and how common these diseases are in American Eskimo Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Cairn Terrier Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Cairn Terrier ranks 47 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 282 Cairn Terriers, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cairn Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Cairn Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in American Eskimo Dog and in Cairn Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier:
| Disease | American Eskimo Dog Rank | Cairn Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 6 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 9 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 48 out of 145 dog breeds | 47 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 122 out of 198 dog breeds | 118 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 123 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 136 out of 182 dog breeds | 146 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 87 out of 115 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Which one drools more, the American Eskimo Dog or the Cairn Terrier
American Eskimo Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Tolerates Being Alone: American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier
American Eskimo Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
American Eskimo Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which is Easier to Groom, the American Eskimo Dog or the Cairn Terrier?
American Eskimo Dogs are moderately easy to groom.
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Does the American Eskimo Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cairn Terrier?
American Eskimo Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Cairn Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Wanderlust Potential: American Eskimo Dog vs. Cairn Terrier
American Eskimo Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Eskimo Dog or the Cairn Terrier?
American Eskimo Dogs are very good for new dog owners.
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Do American Eskimo Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Cairn Terriers?
American Eskimo Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Is the American Eskimo Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Cairn Terrier?
American Eskimo Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Can American Eskimo Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
American Eskimo Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Are American Eskimo Dogs good family dogs? What about Cairn Terriers?
American Eskimo Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are American Eskimo Dogs and Cairn Terriers?
American Eskimo Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Eskimo Dog or the Cairn Terrier?
American Eskimo Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Do American Eskimo Dogs shed more than Cairn Terriers?
American Eskimo Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Is the American Eskimo Dog Easier to Train than the Cairn Terrier?
American Eskimo Dogs are very easy to train.
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Eskimo Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cairn Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Eskimo Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Eskimo Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the American Eskimo Dog and how the Cairn Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Eskimo Dog and of the Cairn Terrier to other breeds:
American Eskimo Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
American Eskimo Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer American Eskimo Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle American Eskimo Dog versus Dutch Shepherd American Eskimo Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog American Eskimo Dog versus Whippet American Eskimo Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne American Eskimo Dog versus Chinese Crested American Eskimo Dog versus Shiba Inu American Eskimo Dog versus Pug American Eskimo Dog versus Bullmastiff
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Canaan Dog Cairn Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Akbash Cairn Terrier versus Shiranian Cairn Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Cairn Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei Cairn Terrier versus Dachshund Cairn Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound Cairn Terrier versus Borzoi Cairn Terrier versus Canaan Dog
Conclusion: American Eskimo Dog versus Cairn Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Eskimo Dog and the Cairn Terrier better suits you and your family.