Differences and Similarities between the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog.

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Cairn Terrier Versus Carolina Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog 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 Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog 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 Cairn Terrier and for the Carolina Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cairn Terrier or the Carolina Dog.

Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog

Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Carolina Dog 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog

Factor Cairn Terrier Carolina Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 33 to 55 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $500
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $500 – $500
Temperament Score 75.5 percent 66.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn Terrier 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 Carolina Dog. 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 the Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Carolina Dog. So, you should get the Cairn Terrier!

    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 Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog

    Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog are most different:

  • Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family. However, Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog

    The Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog.

    Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Cairn Terrier Versus the Carolina Dog

    The Cairn Terrier has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Cairn Terrier is 75.5 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 75.5 percent, the Cairn Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 3 Carolina Dogs.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Carolina Dog

    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 reviewing the prices of 132 Cairn Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of the Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    Cairn Terrier Carolina Dog
    Average Price $1600 $500
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $500 to $500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Carolina Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Carolina Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn Terrier puppy or the Carolina Dog 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Carolina Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cairn Terriers and many Carolina Dogs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Cairn Terrier named Cookie that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cairn Terriers like Cookie on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cairn Terriers, Carolina Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, Bert is a Male Carolina Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Carolina Dogs like Bert that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Oscer is the name of another Cairn Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Ernie is an adorable Male Carolina Dog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cairn Terriers and Carolina Dogs are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cairn Terriers and Carolina Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Carolina Dogs?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Carolina Dog

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Carolina Dog?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Carolina Dog?

    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.

    Carolina Dogs 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.

    Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Carolina Dogs?

    Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Carolina Dog

    Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Carolina Dog?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Carolina Dogs?

    Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Carolina Dogs?

    Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Carolina Dog?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Carolina Dog?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Carolina Dog?

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

    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:

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina 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 Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Carolina Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Carolina Dog to other breeds:

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Cairn Terrier versus American Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Cairn Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Basenji     Cairn Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Cairn Terrier versus Komondor     Cairn Terrier versus Pug     Cairn Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Cairn Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Cairn Terrier versus Weimaraner     Cairn Terrier versus Akita Chow     Cairn Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Cairn Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Cairn Terrier versus Puli     Cairn Terrier versus Morkie     Cairn Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Pomchi     Cairn Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Leonberger     Carolina Dog versus Cockapoo     Carolina Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Carolina Dog versus Pomeranian     Carolina Dog versus Kishu Ken     Carolina Dog versus Cockalier     Carolina Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Shihpoo     Carolina Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Bearded Collie     Carolina Dog versus French Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Gordon Setter     Carolina Dog versus German Pinscher     Carolina Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Carolina Dog versus Toy Poodle     Carolina Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Carolina Dog versus Labradoodle     Carolina Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Carolina Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Carolina Dog versus Border Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Carolina Dog versus Cavachon     

    Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog. 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 Cairn Terrier and the Carolina Dog better suits you and your family.