Is the Cairn Terrier Better than the Norfolk Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Cairn Terrier Versus Norfolk Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Norfolk Terrier.

Cairn Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier

Cairn Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Overview

Both the Cairn Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are similar in size. The Cairn Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Cairn Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the Cairn Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier 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.

Cairn Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier

Factor Cairn Terrier Norfolk Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 11 to 12 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
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 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 $2500
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $2500 – $2500
Temperament Score 75.5 percent 92.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 69 130
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 35 56

    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 Norfolk Terrier. 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 Norfolk Terrier is 94 out of 125.

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

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

  • Cairn Terriers are not easy to train. However, Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.
  • Cairn Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Norfolk Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier

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

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

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

    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, Norfolk Terriers weigh 11 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norfolk Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier

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

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

    Temperament of the Norfolk Terrier Versus the Cairn Terrier

    The Norfolk Terrier has a better temperament than the Cairn Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Norfolk Terrier is 92.9 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 92.9 percent, the Norfolk Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cairn Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 14 Norfolk Terriers.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Norfolk Terrier

    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 Norfolk Terrier puppy is $2500. The price of the Norfolk Terrier typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. However, the price of the Norfolk Terrier can be as low as $2500 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Norfolk Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Norfolk Terrier is more expensive than the Cairn Terrier.

    Cairn Terrier Norfolk Terrier
    Average Price $1600 $2500
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $2500 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Norfolk Terriers

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

    Cairn Terrier Norfolk Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 35 out of 130 dog breeds 56 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions!

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Cairn Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 35 out of 130 dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Cairn Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Norfolk Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 56 out of 130 dog breeds. The Norfolk Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Norfolk Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Cairn Terrier is more intelligent than the Norfolk Terrier.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    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 Norfolk Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Norfolk Terrier. 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 Norfolk Terrier is 130 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Cairn Terrier

    Popularity of Cairn Terrier

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Popularity of Norfolk Terrier

    Year Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank Norfolk Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 61 129
    2014 69 131
    2015 70 131
    2016 70 134
    2017 69 128
    2018 69 126
    2019 72 131
    2020 73 130

    Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Norfolk Terrier

    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 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Cairn Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Norfolk Terrier than for the Cairn Terrier.

    4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Norfolk Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in Norfolk Terriers.

    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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cairn Terriers here.

    Norfolk Terrier Health Problems

    Norfolk Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norfolk 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 Norfolk Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norfolk 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 Norfolk Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norfolk Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Cairn Terriers and Norfolk Terriers

    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:

  • Patella problems: Rank 47 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 87 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 118 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 146 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Norfolk Terrier Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Norfolk Terrier ranks 1 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 592 Norfolk Terriers, 30 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Norfolk Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Norfolk Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 1 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 2 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 20 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 29 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 37 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Cairn Terrier and in Norfolk Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cairn Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier:

    Disease Cairn Terrier Rank Norfolk Terrier Rank
    Patella problems 47 out of 145 dog breeds 37 out of 145 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 87 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 118 out of 198 dog breeds 20 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 146 out of 182 dog breeds 29 out of 182 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 1 out of 159 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 2 out of 71 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 Norfolk Terrier

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Norfolk Terriers?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Norfolk Terrier

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers?

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

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Norfolk Terrier

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

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

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Norfolk Terriers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Norfolk Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Norfolk Terrier?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

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

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norfolk Terrier

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

  • Boston Terrier (77 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Cockapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Pekingese     Cairn Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus French Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Cairn Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Cairn Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Chihuahua     Cairn Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Cairn Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Cairn Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Cairn Terrier versus Boxer     Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Bulldog     

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Norfolk Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Puggle     Norfolk Terrier versus French Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Norfolk Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Norfolk Terrier versus Pointer     Norfolk Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Norfolk Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Frenchton     Norfolk Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Norfolk Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Norfolk Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Norfolk Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Norfolk Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Norfolk Terrier versus Australian Terrier     

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