Differences and Similarities between the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo.

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Cairn Terrier Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Shihpoo.

Cairn Terrier versus Shihpoo: Overview

Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo are similar in size. The Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Cairn Terrier versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

Factor Cairn Terrier Shihpoo
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
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 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
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 18 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1600 $1590
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Shihpoo. 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 Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

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

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

  • Cairn Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shihpoos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Shihpoo

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

    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, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Shihpoo

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

    The lifespan of Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Cairn Terriers.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Shihpoo

    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 Shihpoo puppy is $1590. The price of the Shihpoo typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shihpoo can be as low as $300 and as high as $4325. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shihpoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the Shihpoo.

    Cairn Terrier Shihpoo
    Average Price $1600 $1590
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $1200 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

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

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

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

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

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

    Also, Maui is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Shihpoo

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Shihpoos?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Shihpoo

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Shihpoos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoos?

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

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

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

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Shihpoo

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

    Shihpoos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Shihpoos?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Papipoo     Cairn Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Cairn Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Bich Poo     Cairn Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Briard     Cairn Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Cairn Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Cairn Terrier versus Chihuahua     Cairn Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Cairn Terrier versus Rottweiler     Cairn Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Cairn Terrier versus Papipoo     Cairn Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Chihuahua     Cairn Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Harrier     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     Shihpoo versus Valley Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Carolina Dog     Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Shihpoo versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Maltipoo     Shihpoo versus Newfoundland     Shihpoo versus Maltipoo     Shihpoo versus Harrier     Shihpoo versus Pekingese     Shihpoo versus Mountain Cur     Shihpoo versus Lhasapoo     Shihpoo versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Shihpoo versus Bordoodle     Shihpoo versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier     Shihpoo versus American Bulldog     Shihpoo versus Papillon     Shihpoo versus Coton de Tulear     Shihpoo versus Harrier     Shihpoo versus Boston Terrier     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     Shihpoo versus Ibizan Hound     

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