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

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Cairn Terrier Versus Goldendoodle: Introduction

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

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

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 Goldendoodle.

Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle

Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle

Factor Cairn Terrier Goldendoodle
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 50 to 90 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
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 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1600 $2170
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $1500 – $2500
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 Goldendoodle. 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 Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125.

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

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

    Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle

    Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are most different:

  • Cairn Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Goldendoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle

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

    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, Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 years.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Goldendoodles.

    Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Goldendoodle

    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 Goldendoodle puppy is $2170. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $32500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4239 Goldendoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Goldendoodle is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.

    Cairn Terrier Goldendoodle
    Average Price $1600 $2170
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $1500 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles?

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

    Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle

    Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Goldendoodle

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

    Also, like Cairn Terriers, Goldendoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Pie-Fl is a Male Goldendoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Goldendoodles like Pie-Fl that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cairn Terrier and the Goldendoodle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Also, Blue is an adorable Male Goldendoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cairn Terriers and Goldendoodles are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cairn Terriers and Goldendoodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Goldendoodles?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Goldendoodle

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles?

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

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Goldendoodle

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

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Goldendoodles?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Goldendoodles?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Goldendoodle?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

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

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Goldendoodles are very good 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 Goldendoodle vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Goldendoodle

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

  • Labradoodle (78 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Labradoodle.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Pomapoo     Cairn Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Cairn Terrier versus Afador     Cairn Terrier versus Goldador     Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Border Collie     Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Cairn Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Cairn Terrier versus Cockapoo     Cairn Terrier versus Basset Hound     Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     Cairn Terrier versus Shichon     Cairn Terrier versus Border Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus American Foxhound     Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Cairn Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Cairn Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Irish Setter     Cairn Terrier versus Puli     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Cairn Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     

    Goldendoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Goldendoodle versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Goldendoodle versus Whoodle     Goldendoodle versus Keeshond     Goldendoodle versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Akita     Goldendoodle versus Mastiff     Goldendoodle versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Goldendoodle versus Japanese Chin     Goldendoodle versus Biewer Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Alaskan Malamute     Goldendoodle versus Berger Picard     Goldendoodle versus Leonberger     Goldendoodle versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Goldendoodle versus Havanese     Goldendoodle versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Goldendoodle versus Basset Hound     Goldendoodle versus Schipperke     Goldendoodle versus Korean Jindo Dog     Goldendoodle versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Goldendoodle versus Great Dane     Goldendoodle versus Finnish Lapphund     Goldendoodle versus Doberman Pinscher     Goldendoodle versus American Water Spaniel     Goldendoodle versus Saluki     Goldendoodle versus Pyrenean Mastiff     

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