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

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Cairn Terrier Versus Maltipoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Maltipoo.

Cairn Terrier versus Maltipoo

Cairn Terrier versus Maltipoo: Overview

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

Cairn Terrier versus Maltipoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo

Factor Cairn Terrier Maltipoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 5 to 20 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1600 $2020
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $1500 – $2500
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 Maltipoo. 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 Maltipoo is 86 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maltipoo is not better or worse than the Cairn Terrier. So, you can get the Maltipoo or 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 Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo

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

  • Cairn Terriers are not easy to train. However, Maltipoos are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Maltipoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Maltipoo

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

    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, Maltipoos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Maltipoos are 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Maltipoo

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

    The lifespan of Maltipoos is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maltipoos is 11.5 years.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Maltipoos.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Maltipoo

    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 Maltipoo puppy is $2020. The price of the Maltipoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Maltipoo can be as low as $200 and as high as $7850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 845 Maltipoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltipoo is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.

    Cairn Terrier Maltipoo
    Average Price $1600 $2020
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $1500 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos

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

    Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Maltipoo

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

    Also, like Cairn Terriers, Maltipoos are also available for adoption. For example, Mr. Grumpypants is a Male Maltipoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Maltipoos like Mr. Grumpypants that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

    Also, Skeeter is an adorable Male Maltipoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Maltipoo

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Maltipoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Maltipoos?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Maltipoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Maltipoo

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maltipoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Maltipoos are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Maltipoos 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 Maltipoos?

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

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

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

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maltipoos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Maltipoo

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

    Maltipoos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maltipoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Maltipoos 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 Maltipoo?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Maltipoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Maltipoos?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Maltipoos?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Maltipoo?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Maltipoos are very easy to train.

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

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maltipoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Chi-Poo (77 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Chi-Poo.
  • Yorkipoo (75 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Yorkipoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Cairn Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Cairn Terrier versus Maltipoo     Cairn Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Berger Picard     Cairn Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Cairn Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Cairn Terrier versus Brittany     Cairn Terrier versus Whoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Cairn Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Morkie     Cairn Terrier versus Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus American Foxhound     Cairn Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Cairn Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

    Maltipoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltipoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Maltipoo versus Belgian Tervuren     Maltipoo versus Japanese Spitz     Maltipoo versus Canaan Dog     Maltipoo versus Frenchton     Maltipoo versus Jack Russell Terrier     Maltipoo versus Lowchen     Maltipoo versus Chorkie     Maltipoo versus Boerboel     Maltipoo versus Toy Fox Terrier     Maltipoo versus Dogo Argentino     Maltipoo versus Chow Chow     Maltipoo versus Keeshond     Maltipoo versus Japanese Spitz     Maltipoo versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Maltipoo versus West Highland White Terrier     Maltipoo versus Newfoundland     Maltipoo versus Chinook     Maltipoo versus Labrador Retriever     Maltipoo versus Australian Cattle Dog     Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu     Maltipoo versus Biewer Terrier     Maltipoo versus Karelian Bear Dog     Maltipoo versus Affenhuahua     Maltipoo versus Great Pyrenees     

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