Which is Better between the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog? A Very Detailed Review.

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Cairn Terrier Versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-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 Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

Factor Cairn Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 50 to 90 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1600 $650
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $400 – $800
Temperament Score 75.5 percent 78.6 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

  • Cairn Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cairn Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Cairn Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Cairn Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cairn Terriers are very playful. However, Catahoula Leopard Dogs not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard 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, Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Cairn Terrier

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog has a better temperament than the Cairn Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 percent while the temperament score for the Cairn Terrier is 75.5 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cairn Terrier and the Catahoula Leopard Dog by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Cairn Terrier Catahoula Leopard Dog
    Average Price $1600 $650
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $400 to $800

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Catahoula Leopard Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn Terrier puppy or the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cairn Terriers and many Catahoula Leopard 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 Oscer that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cairn Terriers like Oscer on pefinder.com.

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

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Catahoula Leopard 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.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Boerboel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Cairn Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Cairn Terrier versus Berger Picard     Cairn Terrier versus Vizsla     Cairn Terrier versus Samoyed     Cairn Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Cairn Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Cairn Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Cairn Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart     Cairn Terrier versus Irish Setter     Cairn Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Cairn Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Cairn Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Cairn Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Cairn Terrier versus Havanese     Cairn Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Cairn Terrier versus American Foxhound     

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Weimaraner     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Field Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Mudi     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Azawakh     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Airedale Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Saint Berdoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Whippet     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chinese Crested     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Scottish Deerhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Japanese Spitz     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Silky Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shiranian     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Cavapoo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Sussex Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog better suits you and your family.