Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus English Toy Spaniel: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel
- Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of English Toy Spaniel
- The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of English Toy Spaniel
- Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of English Toy Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the English Toy Spaniel
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the English Toy Spaniel?
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than English Toy Spaniels?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. English Toy Spaniel
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the English Toy Spaniel?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the English Toy Spaniel?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about English Toy Spaniels?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about English Toy Spaniels?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and English Toy Spaniels?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the English Toy Spaniel?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Toy Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus English Toy Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel? 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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel.
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 English Toy Spaniel
Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the English Toy Spaniel 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 | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 8 to 14 pounds |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | $2350 |
| Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | $2250 – $2525 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 69 | 134 |
*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 English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel
Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel
The Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel.
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, English Toy Spaniels weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. English Toy Spaniels are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of English Toy Spaniel
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 English Toy Spaniel puppy is $2350. The price of the English Toy Spaniel typically ranges from $2250 – $2525. However, the price of a English Toy Spaniel can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 English Toy Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The English Toy Spaniel is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.
| Cairn Terrier | English Toy Spaniel | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1600 | $2350 |
| Price Range | $1475 to $1750 | $2250 to $2525 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and English Toy Spaniel. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniels
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn Terrier puppy or the English Toy Spaniel 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.
The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of English Toy Spaniel
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 English Toy Spaniel over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel is 134 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cairn Terrier
Popularity of English Toy Spaniel
| Year | Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank | English Toy Spaniel Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 61 | 135 |
| 2014 | 69 | 138 |
| 2015 | 70 | 129 |
| 2016 | 70 | 130 |
| 2017 | 69 | 134 |
| 2018 | 69 | 135 |
| 2019 | 72 | 139 |
| 2020 | 73 | 138 |
Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of English Toy Spaniel
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 English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Cairn Terrier.
4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 4 tests are recommended for the English Toy Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in English Toy Spaniels.
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.
English Toy Spaniel Health Problems
English Toy Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Toy Spaniels here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cairn Terriers and English Toy Spaniels
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 English Toy Spaniel Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the English Toy Spaniel ranks 2 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 470 English Toy Spaniels, 21 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in English Toy Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in English Toy Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cairn Terrier and in English Toy Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cairn Terrier and the English Toy Spaniel:
| Disease | Cairn Terrier Rank | English Toy Spaniel Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 47 out of 145 dog breeds | 4 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 87 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 118 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 146 out of 182 dog breeds | 4 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 2 out of 159 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 English Toy Spaniel
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
English Toy Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the English Toy Spaniel
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
English Toy Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the English Toy Spaniel?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
English Toy Spaniels are fairly easy to train.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than English Toy Spaniels?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
English Toy Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. English Toy Spaniel
Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
English Toy Spaniels 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 English Toy Spaniel?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
English Toy Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the English Toy Spaniel?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
English Toy Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the English Toy Spaniel?
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.
English Toy Spaniels 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 English Toy Spaniels?
Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
English Toy Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the English Toy Spaniel?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
English Toy Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about English Toy Spaniels?
Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
English Toy Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and English Toy Spaniels?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the English Toy Spaniel?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
English Toy Spaniels 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 English Toy Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Toy Spaniel 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 English Toy Spaniel:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the English Toy Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the English Toy Spaniel to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Cairn Terrier versus Weimaraner Cairn Terrier versus French Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer Cairn Terrier versus Bloodhound Cairn Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher Cairn Terrier versus Cavapoo Cairn Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Cairn Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle Cairn Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres
English Toy Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
English Toy Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier English Toy Spaniel versus Flat-Coated Retriever English Toy Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer English Toy Spaniel versus Dogo Argentino English Toy Spaniel versus Catahoula Leopard Dog English Toy Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound English Toy Spaniel versus Goldador English Toy Spaniel versus Cockalier English Toy Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde English Toy Spaniel versus Irish Terrier
Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel. 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 English Toy Spaniel better suits you and your family.