Cairn Terrier versus King Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Cairn Terrier Versus King Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

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 King Shepherd.

Cairn Terrier versus King Shepherd

Cairn Terrier versus King Shepherd: Overview

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

Cairn Terrier versus King Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd

Factor Cairn Terrier King Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 11 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 75 to 150 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 25 to 31 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1600 $1560
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $700 – $2500
Temperament Score 75.5 percent 100.0 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 King Shepherd. 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 King Shepherd is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the King Shepherd. 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd

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

  • Cairn Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus King Shepherd

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

    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, King Shepherds weigh 75 to 150 pounds when fully grown. King Shepherds are 25 to 31 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus King Shepherd

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

    The lifespan of King Shepherds is between 10 to 11 years . The average lifespan of King Shepherds is 10.5 years.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than King Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Cairn Terrier Versus the King Shepherd

    The King Shepherd has a better temperament than the Cairn Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the King Shepherd is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the King Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cairn Terrier and the King Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 1 King Shepherds.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of King Shepherd

    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 King Shepherd puppy is $1560. The price of the King Shepherd typically ranges from $700 – $2500. However, the price of the King Shepherd can be as low as $150 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 34 King Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the King Shepherd.

    Cairn Terrier King Shepherd
    Average Price $1600 $1560
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $700 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and King Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many King Shepherd 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 King Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus King Shepherd

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    King Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than King Shepherds?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    King Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the King Shepherd

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the King Shepherd?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    King Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the King Shepherd?

    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.

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds?

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

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

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can King Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    King Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. King Shepherd

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

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    King Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the King Shepherd?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    King Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about King Shepherds?

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

    King Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and King Shepherds?

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

    King Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the King Shepherd?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    King Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the King Shepherd?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    King Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherd vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the King Shepherd

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

  • Chinook (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Chinook.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Cairn Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Samoyed     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Cairn Terrier versus Hovawart     Cairn Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Cairn Terrier versus Dalmatian     Cairn Terrier versus Basset Hound     Cairn Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Cairn Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Cairn Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Cairn Terrier versus Border Collie     Cairn Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Cairn Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Cairn Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Cairn Terrier versus Pekingese     Cairn Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Briard     

    King Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    King Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier     King Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd     King Shepherd versus Cairn Terrier     King Shepherd versus Papipoo     King Shepherd versus Bull Terrier     King Shepherd versus Labradoodle     King Shepherd versus Collie     King Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier     King Shepherd versus Tibetan Mastiff     King Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel     King Shepherd versus Bolognese     King Shepherd versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     King Shepherd versus Shiba Inu     King Shepherd versus Chihuahua     King Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz     King Shepherd versus American Foxhound     King Shepherd versus Pomeranian     King Shepherd versus Papipoo     King Shepherd versus Affenhuahua     King Shepherd versus Cane Corso     King Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     King Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff     King Shepherd versus Brittany     King Shepherd versus Toy Fox Terrier     King Shepherd versus Belgian Tervuren     

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