Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus Harrier: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Harrier
- Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Harrier
- Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Harrier
- The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Harrier
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Harrier?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Harrier
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Harrier?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Harriers?
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier? 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 Harrier 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 Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier.
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 Harrier.
Cairn Terrier versus Harrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-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 Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Cairn Terrier versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Harrier 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 Harrier
| Factor | Cairn Terrier | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 69 | 183 |
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 Harrier. 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Harrier. 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 Harrier 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 Harrier
Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier
The Cairn Terrier and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier.
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, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Harrier
The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
Cairn Terriers live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Harrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cairn Terriers and many Harriers 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, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Pilot is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Pilot that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Bert In Ar is the name of another Cairn Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Bailey is an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Cairn Terriers and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Harrier
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 Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. 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 Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cairn Terrier
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 61 | 173 |
| 2014 | 69 | 181 |
| 2015 | 70 | 183 |
| 2016 | 70 | 186 |
| 2017 | 69 | 183 |
| 2018 | 69 | 189 |
| 2019 | 72 | 186 |
| 2020 | 73 | 190 |
Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Harrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier 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 Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cairn Terrier than for the Harrier.
4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in Harriers.
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.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cairn Terriers and Harriers
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 Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cairn Terrier and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cairn Terrier and the Harrier:
| Disease | Cairn Terrier Rank | Harrier 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 | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 146 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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 Harrier
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Harriers?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Harrier
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Harrier?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
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.
Harriers 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 Harriers?
Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Harrier
Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Harrier?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Harriers?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Harrier?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Harrier to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Mountain Cur Cairn Terrier versus Irish Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Cairn Terrier versus Affenhuahua Cairn Terrier versus Bich Poo Cairn Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Cairn Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Cairn Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog Cairn Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff Cairn Terrier versus Chow Chow Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai Cairn Terrier versus Puggle Cairn Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog Cairn Terrier versus Mastiff Cairn Terrier versus Aussiedoodle Cairn Terrier versus Pyredoodle Cairn Terrier versus Papillon Cairn Terrier versus Bordoodle Cairn Terrier versus Plott Cairn Terrier versus Irish Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Cairn Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Cairn Terrier versus Bich Poo Cairn Terrier versus Borzoi
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Harrier versus Labrador Retriever Harrier versus Saint Bernard Harrier versus Giant Schnauzer Harrier versus Cockapoo Harrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier Harrier versus Rottweiler Harrier versus Peek A Poo Harrier versus Sussex Spaniel Harrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Harrier versus Newfoundland Harrier versus Chinook Harrier versus Coton de Tulear Harrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Harrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Harrier versus Skye Terrier Harrier versus Swedish Vallhund Harrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Harrier versus Hovawart Harrier versus Lakeland Terrier Harrier versus Kuvasz Harrier versus Saint Bernard Harrier versus Afador Harrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Harrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever
Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Harrier. 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 Harrier better suits you and your family.