Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus Chinook: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus Chinook: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus Chinook: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Chinook
- Temperament of the Chinook Versus the Cairn Terrier
- The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Chinook
- Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Chinook
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Chinook
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Chinook
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Chinook?
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Chinooks?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Chinook
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Chinook?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chinook?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Chinooks?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Chinooks?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Chinooks?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Chinook?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinook
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Chinook. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus Chinook: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook? 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 Chinook 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 Chinook.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook 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 Chinook. 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 Chinook.
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 Chinook
Cairn Terrier versus Chinook: Overview
A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Chinook 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 Chinook belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Cairn Terrier versus Chinook: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Chinook 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 | Chinook |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 55 to 70 pounds |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 75.5 percent | 77.8 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 69 | 177 |
*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 Chinook. 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 Chinook is 87 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chinook is a better pet than the Cairn Terrier. So, you should get the Chinook!
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 Chinook 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 Chinook
Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook
The Cairn Terrier and the Chinook are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Chinook
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook.
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, Chinooks weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chinooks are 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Temperament of the Chinook Versus the Cairn Terrier
The Chinook has a better temperament than the Cairn Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Chinook is 77.8 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 they 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 77.8 percent, the Chinook has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 9 Chinooks.
The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Chinook
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 Cairn Terrier and the Chinook over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Chinook. 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 Chinook is 177 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cairn Terrier
Popularity of Chinook
| Year | Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank | Chinook Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 61 | 156 |
| 2014 | 69 | 171 |
| 2015 | 70 | 177 |
| 2016 | 70 | 175 |
| 2017 | 69 | 179 |
| 2018 | 69 | 190 |
| 2019 | 72 | 184 |
| 2020 | 73 | 186 |
Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Chinook
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 Cairn Terrier and the Chinook 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 Cairn Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Chinook.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cairn Terrier than for the Chinook.
4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Chinook.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in Chinooks.
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.
Chinook Health Problems
Chinooks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chinook 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 Chinook puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chinook 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 Chinooks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinooks here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cairn Terriers and Chinooks
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:
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 Chinook Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Chinook ranks 5 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 52 Chinooks, 5 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chinooks, and how common these diseases are in Chinooks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cairn Terrier and in Chinook and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cairn Terrier and the Chinook:
| Disease | Cairn Terrier Rank | Chinook Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 47 out of 145 dog breeds | 5 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 87 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 118 out of 198 dog breeds | 63 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 146 out of 182 dog breeds | 82 out of 182 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Chinook
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Chinooks do not like to be left alone.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Chinook
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Chinooks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Chinook?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Chinooks are very easy to train.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Chinooks?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Chinooks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Chinook
Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Chinooks do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Chinook?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Chinooks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Chinooks can very well tolerate cold weather.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Chinooks can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Chinook?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Chinooks get along very well with other dogs.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chinook?
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.
Chinooks 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 Chinooks?
Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Chinooks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Chinook?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Chinooks adapt very well to apartment living.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Chinooks?
Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Chinooks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Chinooks?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Chinooks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Chinook?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Chinooks require a lot of grooming and they are not very 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinook
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinook 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 Chinook:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Chinook compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Chinook to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Cairn Terrier versus Italian Greyhound Cairn Terrier versus Cavachon Cairn Terrier versus Papillon Cairn Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog Cairn Terrier versus Cockalier Cairn Terrier versus Shichon Cairn Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher Cairn Terrier versus English Setter Cairn Terrier versus Havanese
Chinook Versus Other Dog Breeds
Chinook versus Collie Chinook versus Xoloitzcuintli Chinook versus Pomapoo Chinook versus Black and Tan Coonhound Chinook versus Portuguese Water Dog Chinook versus Irish Water Spaniel Chinook versus American Bulldog Chinook versus Irish Wolfhound Chinook versus American Water Spaniel Chinook versus Afghan Hound
Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Chinook. 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 Chinook better suits you and your family.