Border Collie vs. Cairn Terrier: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

3 / 5

The Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds have an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Border Collies or Cairn Terriers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the Border Collie is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Cairn Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier dogs?

Intelligent
Alert
Tenacious
Protective
Energetic
Responsive
Loyal

Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Assertive
Fearless

Shedding Level

Do Border Collies shed more than Cairn Terriers, or which breed sheds more, Border Collies or Cairn Terriers?

3 / 5

Border Collie or Cairn Terrier dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Border Collie or Cairn Terrier. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

5 / 5

Choose a Border Collie if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

4 / 5

Cairn Terriers make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Origin

What is the origin of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier dog breeds?

Great Britain

Scotland

Ancestry

What are the origins of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds?

Roman Herding Dogs, Spitz-type Herders

Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Skye Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Border Collie and Cairn Terrier?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

Date of Birth

When were Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds first developed?

1800s

1500s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier?

Herding (AKC:1995 & UKC)

Terrier (AKC:1913 & UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier dogs?

Blue
Hazel
Brown
Amber

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds?

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Blue
White
Sable
Brindle

Cream
Black
Brindle
Gray
Red

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds?

3 / 5

The coat of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier dogs falls in the medium-length category.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier?

5 / 5

3 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Border Collie and Cairn Terrier?

Straight

Wiry

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Border Collie and Cairn Terrier?

Border Collie and Cairn Terrier, can have a litter of 12-15 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.

Adaptability

5 / 5

Border Collies are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

3 / 5

Cairn Terriers have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between Border Collie and Cairn Terrier, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

While the Border Collie breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

2 / 5

Cairn Terriers are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Pannus
Hypothyroidism
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Portosystemic Shunt

Flea Allergy

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Border Collie and Cairn Terrier?

Epilepsy
Lens Luxation
Multidrug Resistance

Weight Gain

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Physical Examination

Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Border Collies and Cairn Terriers compare?

5 / 5

Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier social needs comparison

5 / 5

Border Collie and Cairn Terrier have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier exercise need comparison.

5 / 5

Border Collies need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

4 / 5

Cairn Terriers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

1 / 5

Border Collie and Cairn Terrier are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

1 / 5

The Border Collie and Cairn Terrier breeds are known for their low drooling tendencies, making them a suitable choice for people who don't want to deal with drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Border Collies or Cairn Terriers bark more/less frequently?

2 / 5

Border Collie dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

5 / 5

Cairn Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Territorial

Is the Border Collie or Cairn Terrier a better guard dog?

5 / 5

Border Collie dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

3 / 5

While Cairn Terrier dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier?

5 / 5

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Border Collie vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Border Collie or Cairn Terrier - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Border Collie and Cairn Terrier entertained?

Go to Beach, Bike ride, Boat ride, Walk, Run, Frisbee, Go Camping, Road trip, Hike, Swim, Tug-of-war, Play, Fetch, Brushing, Shake, Dog Parks, Catch treats, Walks, Workin, Running, Swimming, Walking, 4 years, Belly rubs, Playing, Sniffing, Hiking, Chase, Being rubbed, Cuddling

Socializing, Eating Snacks, Walking, Fetch, Playing, Running, Chasing, Barking, Snuggling, Walk, Play with ball, Jump, Run, Chew, Sniffing, Marking

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Border Collies or Cairn Terriers?

Border Collies are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Cairn Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Border Collie or Cairn Terrier walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Border Collie, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cairn Terrier, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Border Collies or Cairn Terriers require more exercise?

In general most Border Collies usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Cairn Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Border Collies or Cairn Terriers?

3 / 5

Border Collie and Cairn Terrier are breeds of dogs that require an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Border Collie and Cairn Terrier dogs?

Border Collie should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

In general Cairn Terrier should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Border Collies and Cairn Terriers?

Pin Brush
Flea Comb
Dematter
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Border Collie or Cairn Terrier in cups?

For an average 30-55 pound (14 - 25 kg) Border Collie feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 12-14 pound (5 - 6 kg) Cairn Terrier feed 1.3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

The average cost of a Border Collie is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average cost of a Cairn Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

The average per month expenses of a Border Collie is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Cairn Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Border Collies vs Cairn Terriers

5 / 5

Border Collie is highly intelligent and very trainable.

4 / 5

Cairn Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Border Collie and Cairn Terrier compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

3 / 5

Cairn Terriers have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Cairn Terrier?

5 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

2 / 5

Border Collies can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

3 / 5

Cairn Terriers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

Do Border Collies or Cairn Terriers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

5 / 5

Border Collies make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

4 / 5

Cairn Terriers are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

5 / 5

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Border Collie or Cairn Terrier breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Border Collies and Cairn Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

3 / 5

{Border Collies and Cairn Terriers are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Border Collie or Cairn Terrier dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Border Collie or Cairn Terrier?

3 / 5

Border Collie and Cairn Terrier are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Border Collie and Cairn Terrier?

5 / 5

Border Collies are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

4 / 5

Cairn Terriers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Border Collies and Cairn Terriers compare?

4 / 5

Border Collie and Cairn Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.