Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino
- Temperament of the Cairn Terrier Versus the Dogo Argentino
- Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Dogo Argentino
- Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Dogo Argentino
- The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Dogo Argentino
- Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Dogo Argentino
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Dogo Argentino
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Dogo Argentinos?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Dogo Argentino
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Dogo Argentino?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Dogo Argentinos?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Dogo Argentinos?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Dogo Argentino?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino? 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino.
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 Dogo Argentino
Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino: Overview
A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Dogo Argentino 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 | Dogo Argentino |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 9 to 15 years |
| Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 80 to 100 pounds |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 23 to 27 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | $2510 |
| Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | $1500 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 75.5 percent | 89.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 69 | 93 |
*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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino
Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino
The Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino.
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, Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.
Temperament of the Cairn Terrier Versus the Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Cairn Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 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 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 19 Dogo Argentinos.
Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Dogo Argentino
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 Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.
| Cairn Terrier | Dogo Argentino | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1600 | $2510 |
| Price Range | $1475 to $1750 | $1500 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Dogo Argentino. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn Terrier puppy or the Dogo Argentino 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.
Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Dogo Argentino
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cairn Terriers and many Dogo Argentinos 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 “Hamish” – All Terrier…All The Time! that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cairn Terriers like “Hamish” – All Terrier…All The Time! on pefinder.com.
Also, like Cairn Terriers, Dogo Argentinos are also available for adoption. For example, Pirate is a Male Dogo Argentino that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dogo Argentinos like Pirate that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
“Hamish” – For The Seasoned Terrier Owner! is the name of another Cairn Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also Willie, an adorable Male Dogo Argentino on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Cairn Terriers and Dogo Argentinos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Dogo Argentino
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 Dogo Argentino over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cairn Terrier
Popularity of Dogo Argentino
| Year | Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank | Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 61 | no data |
| 2014 | 69 | no data |
| 2015 | 70 | no data |
| 2016 | 70 | no data |
| 2017 | 69 | no data |
| 2018 | 69 | no data |
| 2019 | 72 | no data |
| 2020 | 73 | 93.0 |
Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Dogo Argentino
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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cairn Terrier than for the Dogo Argentino.
4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Dogo Argentino.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in Dogo Argentinos.
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.
Dogo Argentino Health Problems
Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cairn Terriers and Dogo Argentinos
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 Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.
This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dogo Argentinos, and how common these diseases are in Dogo Argentinos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cairn Terrier and in Dogo Argentino and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cairn Terrier and the Dogo Argentino:
| Disease | Cairn Terrier Rank | Dogo Argentino Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 47 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 87 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 118 out of 198 dog breeds | 16 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 146 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 3 out of 21 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 85 out of 144 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 Dogo Argentino
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Dogo Argentino
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Dogo Argentinos?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Dogo Argentino
Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Dogo Argentinos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Dogo Argentino?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Dogo Argentino?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?
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.
Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentinos?
Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Dogo Argentino?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?
Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Dogo Argentinos?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Dogo Argentino?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Dogo Argentinos are 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 Dogo Argentino
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Dogo Argentino compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Dogo Argentino to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Borzoi Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog Cairn Terrier versus Bloodhound Cairn Terrier versus French Bulldog Cairn Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cairn Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Cairn Terrier versus Italian Greyhound Cairn Terrier versus German Pinscher Cairn Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Boxer
Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dogo Argentino versus German Wirehaired Pointer Dogo Argentino versus American Eskimo Dog Dogo Argentino versus Toy Fox Terrier Dogo Argentino versus Sussex Spaniel Dogo Argentino versus Bernedoodle Dogo Argentino versus Labradoodle Dogo Argentino versus Whoodle Dogo Argentino versus Pyrenean Shepherd Dogo Argentino versus Airedale Terrier Dogo Argentino versus Chinese Shar-Pei
Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino better suits you and your family.