Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus Lowchen: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen
- Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen
- Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Cairn Terrier
- Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Lowchen
- The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Lowchen
- Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Lowchen
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Lowchens?
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Lowchen
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Lowchen?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Lowchen
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Lowchen?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Lowchens?
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus Lowchen: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen? 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen.
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 Lowchen.
Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen: Overview
Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen are similar in size. The Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen are both tiny-sized dogs.
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 Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen
| Factor | Cairn Terrier | Lowchen |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 9 to 18 pounds |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | $1642 – $4500 |
| Temperament Score | 75.5 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 69 | 163 |
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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Lowchen. 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen
Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen
The Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen.
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, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen
The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
Lowchens live longer than Cairn Terriers.
Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier has a better temperament than the Lowchen.
This is because the temperament score for the Cairn Terrier is 75.5 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 12 Lowchens.
Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Lowchen
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 Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Lowchen is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.
| Cairn Terrier | Lowchen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1600 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $1475 to $1750 | $1642 to $4500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Lowchen. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Lowchen 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 Lowchens
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn Terrier puppy or the Lowchen 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.
The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Lowchen
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 Lowchen over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cairn Terrier
Popularity of Lowchen
| Year | Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank | Lowchen Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 61 | 154 |
| 2014 | 69 | 165 |
| 2015 | 70 | 161 |
| 2016 | 70 | 171 |
| 2017 | 69 | 169 |
| 2018 | 69 | 168 |
| 2019 | 72 | 158 |
| 2020 | 73 | 161 |
Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Lowchen
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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cairn Terrier than for the Lowchen.
4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in Lowchens.
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.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cairn Terriers and Lowchens
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 Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cairn Terrier and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cairn Terrier and the Lowchen:
| Disease | Cairn Terrier Rank | Lowchen Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 47 out of 145 dog breeds | 19 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 87 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 118 out of 198 dog breeds | 163 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 146 out of 182 dog breeds | 42 out of 182 dog breeds |
*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 Lowchen
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Lowchens?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Lowchens shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Lowchen
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Lowchen?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
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.
Lowchens 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 Lowchens?
Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Lowchen
Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Lowchens 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 Lowchen?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Lowchens?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Lowchen?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Lowchens 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Lowchen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Lowchen to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Shichon Cairn Terrier versus Morkie Cairn Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Cairn Terrier versus Collie Cairn Terrier versus Spinone Italiano Cairn Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Cairn Terrier versus Siberian Husky Cairn Terrier versus Bich Poo Cairn Terrier versus Boerboel Cairn Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer Cairn Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Cairn Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Cairn Terrier versus Boxerdoodle Cairn Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever Cairn Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Cairn Terrier versus Bernedoodle Cairn Terrier versus Airedale Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Havanese Cairn Terrier versus Morkie Cairn Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Cairn Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever Cairn Terrier versus Toy Poodle
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus English Cocker Spaniel Lowchen versus Boston Terrier Lowchen versus Italian Greyhound Lowchen versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Lowchen versus Spanish Mastiff Lowchen versus Miniature Poodle Lowchen versus Lancashire Heeler Lowchen versus Cockapoo Lowchen versus Doberman Pinscher Lowchen versus Kishu Ken Lowchen versus Mudi Lowchen versus Kuvasz Lowchen versus Dalmatian Lowchen versus Saint Bernard Lowchen versus Shetland Sheepdog Lowchen versus Italian Greyhound Lowchen versus Affenhuahua Lowchen versus Cocker Spaniel Lowchen versus Chi-Poo Lowchen versus Pug Lowchen versus Cavapoo Lowchen versus Afador Lowchen versus Lhasa Apso Lowchen versus Greyhound Lowchen versus Pyredoodle
Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen. 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 Lowchen better suits you and your family.