Which is Better between the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo? A Very Detailed Review.

Cairn Terrier versus Cavapoo

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Cairn Terrier Versus Cavapoo: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo. 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 Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo.

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 Cavapoo

Cairn Terrier versus Cavapoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Cavapoo is a small-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 Cavapoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Cairn Terrier versus Cavapoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Cavapoo 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 Cairn Terrier Cavapoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 9 to 25 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 14 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $2430
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $1500 – $2925
Temperament Score 75.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    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 Cavapoo. 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Cavapoo is 89 out of 125.

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

    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 Cavapoo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Cavapoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Cavapoo

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

    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, Cavapoos weigh 9 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Cavapoos are 9 to 14 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Cavapoo

    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 Cavapoo puppy is $2430. The price of the Cavapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2925. However, the price of a Cavapoo can be as low as $180 and as high as $23000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1593 Cavapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavapoo is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.

    Cairn Terrier Cavapoo
    Average Price $1600 $2430
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $1500 to $2925

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Cavapoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Cavapoo 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 Cavapoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavapoos

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Cavapoo

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Cavapoos do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Cavapoo

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cavapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Cavapoo?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Cavapoos are very easy to train.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Cavapoos?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Cavapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Cavapoo

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

    Cavapoos 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 Cairn Terrier or the Cavapoo?

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Cavapoos are OK for new dog owners.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Cavapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Cavapoos 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 Cavapoo?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Cavapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavapoo?

    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.

    Cavapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Cavapoos?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Cavapoo?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Cavapoos adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Cavapoos?

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

    Cavapoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Cavapoos?

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

    Cavapoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Cavapoo?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Cavapoos are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

  • Bernedoodle (82 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Bernedoodle.
  • Cockapoo (81 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Cockapoo.
  • Cockalier (80 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Cairn Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Akbash     Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Cairn Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Cairn Terrier versus Beaglier     

    Cavapoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cavapoo versus Newfoundland     Cavapoo versus Shiba Inu     Cavapoo versus Belgian Sheepdog     Cavapoo versus Great Dane     Cavapoo versus Maltipoo     Cavapoo versus Bullmastiff     Cavapoo versus Finnish Spitz     Cavapoo versus American Bulldog     Cavapoo versus Boykin Spaniel     Cavapoo versus Scottish Terrier     

    Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Cavapoo. 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 Cavapoo better suits you and your family.