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

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Cairn Terrier Versus Plott: Introduction

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

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

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 Plott.

Cairn Terrier versus Plott: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Plott is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Plott is a medium-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 Plott belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Cairn Terrier versus Plott: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Plott 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 Plott

Factor Cairn Terrier Plott
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 40 to 75 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
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 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1600 $600
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $480 – $700
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 69 161

    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 Plott. 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 Plott is 74 out of 125.

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

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

  • Cairn Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Plotts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Plotts are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Plotts do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Plott

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

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

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

    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, Plotts weigh 40 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Plotts are 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Plott

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

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

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Plotts.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Plott

    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 Plott puppy is $600. The price of the Plott typically ranges from $480 – $700. However, the price of the Plott can be as low as $300 and as high as $800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 17 Plott puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the Plott.

    Cairn Terrier Plott
    Average Price $1600 $600
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $480 to $700

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Plotts

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

    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 Plott over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Plott. 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 Plott is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Cairn Terrier

    Popularity of Cairn Terrier

    Popularity of Plott

    Popularity of Plott

    Year Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank Plott Popularity Rank
    2013 61 149
    2014 69 154
    2015 70 149
    2016 70 158
    2017 69 166
    2018 69 171
    2019 72 177
    2020 73 167

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Plott

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Plotts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Plotts?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Plott

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Plotts do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Plotts are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Plotts 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 Plotts?

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

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

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

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Plott

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

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

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Plotts Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Plotts can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Plotts get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Plotts?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Plotts?

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

    Plotts get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Plott?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Plotts are very easy to train.

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

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Plotts do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Plotts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cairn Terrier:

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Plott vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Plott

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

  • Patterdale Terrier (77 percent match with Plott). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (77 percent match with Plott). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Rhodesian Ridgeback.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Cairn Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Chihuahua     Cairn Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Cairn Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Azawakh     Cairn Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Cairn Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Dalmatian     Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Labradoodle     Cairn Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Papipoo     Cairn Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Plott Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Plott versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Plott versus Sealyham Terrier     Plott versus Morkie     Plott versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Plott versus Biewer Terrier     Plott versus Collie     Plott versus Skye Terrier     Plott versus Boykin Spaniel     Plott versus Australian Terrier     Plott versus German Longhaired Pointer     Plott versus Whoodle     Plott versus American Water Spaniel     Plott versus Cavachon     Plott versus Papillon     Plott versus Irish Water Spaniel     Plott versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Plott versus Whippet     Plott versus Bich Poo     Plott versus Maltese     Plott versus Belgian Tervuren     Plott versus Samoyed     Plott versus Vizsla     Plott versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Plott versus English Springer Spaniel     Plott versus Alaskan Malamute     

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