Cairn Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier

Compare the Cairn Terrier to the Jack Russell Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Cairn Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers.

Cairn Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Maybe
Lifespan
14-15 Years
10-15 Years
Height
9-10 Inches
10-15 Inches
Weight
10-14 Pounds
13-17 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Origin Country
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1900 AD
1819 AD
Temperament
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Average
Personality
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Traits
Aggressive
Loving
Stubborn
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
20-80 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Above Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Energy Level
Medium
Very High
Exercise Required
Medium
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
18 MPH
20 MPH
Strength
Low
Medium
Grooming Needs
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Low
Shedding
None to Low
Low
Dander
None to Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Average
Average
Chasing
Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
Below Average
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
None
Remove Vermin
Above Average
None
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Average Lifespan
14-15 Years
10-15 Years
Health Concerns
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Luxating patella
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Westie jaw
Krabbe disease
Hepatic Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic vascular anomaly
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Glaucoma
Deafness
Lens luxation
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Wire
Double
Smooth
Coat Texture
Rough
Rough
Coat Length
Medium
Short
Coat Coloring
Cairn Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Cream
Cream
Red
Red
Red Brindle
Red Brindle
Silver
Silver
Silver Brindle
Silver Brindle
Wheaten
Wheaten
Wheaten Brindle
Wheaten Brindle
Tri-Color
Tri-Color
White and Black
White and Black
White and Brown
White and Brown
White and Cream
White and Cream
White and Tan
White and Tan
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