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

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Cairn Terrier Versus Hovawart: Introduction

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

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

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 Hovawart.

Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart

Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Hovawart is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart

Factor Cairn Terrier Hovawart
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 55 to 110 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
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 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 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 29 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1600 No Data
Price Range $1475 – $1750 No Data
Temperament Score 75.5 percent 91.7 percent
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 Hovawart. 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Hovawart. 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 Hovawart so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Hovawart

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

  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Hovawart

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

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

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

    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, Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart

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

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Hovawarts.

    Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart

    Temperament of the Cairn Terrier Versus the Hovawart

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Cairn Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cairn Terrier and the Hovawart by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 24 Hovawarts.

    Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Hovawarts?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Hovawart

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts?

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

    Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Hovawart

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

    Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Hovawarts?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Hovawarts?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Hovawart?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

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

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs 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 Hovawart vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Borzoi     Cairn Terrier versus Bloodhound     Cairn Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Cairn Terrier versus Basenji     Cairn Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Cairn Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Collie     Cairn Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Cairn Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Chorkie     Cairn Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Cairn Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Cairn Terrier versus Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Cairn Terrier versus Cockapoo     

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Italian Greyhound     Hovawart versus Bich Poo     Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever     Hovawart versus Kuvasz     Hovawart versus Tibetan Terrier     Hovawart versus Shihpoo     Hovawart versus German Longhaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Standard Schnauzer     Hovawart versus English Setter     Hovawart versus Akita Chow     Hovawart versus Saluki     Hovawart versus Silky Terrier     Hovawart versus Coton de Tulear     Hovawart versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Hovawart versus Field Spaniel     Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano     Hovawart versus Belgian Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Dachshund     Hovawart versus Cavachon     Hovawart versus Aussiedoodle     Hovawart versus Beaglier     Hovawart versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Hovawart versus Schipperke     Hovawart versus Papillon     

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