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

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Cairn Terrier Versus Labradoodle: Introduction

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

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

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 Labradoodle.

Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle

Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle: Overview

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

Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle

Factor Cairn Terrier Labradoodle
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 50 to 65 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
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 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
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 5/5
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 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
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 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1640
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $1000 – $2000
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 Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle is 94 out of 125.

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

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

    Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Labradoodle

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

  • Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone. However, Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Labradoodle

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

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

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

    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, Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle

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

    The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Labradoodles.

    Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Labradoodle

    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 Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Labradoodle can be as low as $250 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Labradoodle is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.

    Cairn Terrier Labradoodle
    Average Price $1600 $1640
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $1000 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

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

    Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Labradoodle

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

    Also, like Cairn Terriers, Labradoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Jj is a Male Labradoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Labradoodles like Jj that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

    A1134966 is the name of another Cairn Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Dexter-Adoption Pending is an adorable Male Labradoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Labradoodles?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Labradoodle

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles?

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

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

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

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Labradoodle

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

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Labradoodles can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Labradoodles?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

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

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodle vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle

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

  • Goldendoodle (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Goldendoodle.
  • Goldador (85 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Goldador.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Labradoodle). 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 Labradoodle compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Labradoodle to other breeds:

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Cairn Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Cairn Terrier versus Shihpoo     Cairn Terrier versus Shichon     Cairn Terrier versus Border Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Samoyed     Cairn Terrier versus Beaglier     Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Havanese     Cairn Terrier versus Plott     Cairn Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus German Pinscher     Cairn Terrier versus Cockalier     Cairn Terrier versus Chorkie     Cairn Terrier versus Irish Setter     Cairn Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Morkie     Cairn Terrier versus Harrier     Cairn Terrier versus French Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Cairn Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     

    Labradoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labradoodle versus Biewer Terrier     Labradoodle versus Norwegian Buhund     Labradoodle versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Labradoodle versus Great Dane     Labradoodle versus Fila Brasileiro     Labradoodle versus Finnish Spitz     Labradoodle versus Whoodle     Labradoodle versus Morkie     Labradoodle versus Gordon Setter     Labradoodle versus Lhasa Apso     Labradoodle versus Vizsla     Labradoodle versus Goldador     Labradoodle versus Havanese     Labradoodle versus Shih Tzu     Labradoodle versus Portuguese Pointer     Labradoodle versus Greyhound     Labradoodle versus Pointer     Labradoodle versus Norwegian Buhund     Labradoodle versus English Cocker Spaniel     Labradoodle versus Peek A Poo     Labradoodle versus Bouvier des Flandres     Labradoodle versus Pointer     Labradoodle versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Labradoodle versus Lancashire Heeler     Labradoodle versus Aussiedoodle     

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