There’s no doubt that the Cairn Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier are both wonderful small dogs. The Cairn is known for its affection and loyalty while the Westie has a more independent and adventurous personality. Here is a comparison of these two dogs to help you decide which is best for your family. A Westie also prefers solitude, so a Westie makes a great family dog or pet for someone who doesn’t have much time.
Cairn Terrier Vs West Highland White Terrier
While both breeds are incredibly loyal, there are some key differences between them. The Westie has a more refined grooming style, and the Cairn is more rugged. The term terrier comes from the French word terrier, which means “burrow.” A terrier is a hunting dog and is known for being small, wiry, and fearless.
While Westies are typically the more playful and outgoing dogs, the Cairn is a more serious breed. Westies love to entertain, so they’ll be the center of attention when you’re entertaining guests. The Cairn is equally fun but isn’t as silly or clumsy. A Westie will always be the funniest dog on the block, but Cairns is generally more laid-back when they’re at home.
Cairn: Popular but Prone to Health Issues
Westies are prone to patella luxation, a dislocation of the knee cap. Cairns tends to have eye problems as well, so yearly checkups by an ophthalmologist are important. A rare condition called globoid cell leukodystrophy affects the nerve impulses and cognitive function of Cairns. Genetic testing is available to determine whether your dog is susceptible to this condition.
Both the West Highland Terrier and the Cairn Terrier are British terriers. Though they may look similar, they differ in the way they look, and are largely different in the way they are groomed. A Westie has better hair and a refined coat. A Cairn Terrier may have more hair than a Westie, but overall, they are similar in many ways.
The Cairn Terrier has strong hunting instincts and is often used as a herder in the Scottish Islands and Highlands. Some historians suggest that the breed dates to the sixteenth century when King James I of England sent Earth Dogges to the King of France. Scottish shepherds and hunters used them to control vermin in the wild. It was widely used throughout the 16th century and beyond.
Both dogs are loyal, affectionate, and mischievous
A Westie is known for forming close bonds with its owners, and they are also a great watchdogs. Unfortunately, because they’re so small, they tend to underestimate their size, and can easily take on a much bigger dog if they had to. It’s not surprising that this dog breed is so popular.
The Cairn Terrier’s double coat makes it durable in all climates. The outer coat is harsher than the undercoat, but its softer undercoat allows it to breathe better in the cold and heat. While the Cairn has a shorter life span, a Westie’s average lifespan is just twelve to 16 years, which is slightly more than half that of a Cairn Terrier.
Westies Stubborn, Cairns More Social
They must be socialized early and consistently to become well-behaved adult dogs. A Cairn Terrier sheds steadily all year, with more in spring and autumn. Both dogs are considered to be moderate shedders, which means that they have a similar amount of hair on their bodies.
The West Highland White Terrier is a small hypoallergenic dog breed, originally bred in Scotland. The breed is closely related to the Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Scottie. While Westies are more trainable than their counterparts, you should never trust them to run loose on their own. They can easily get lost or hurt, and the only way to keep them safe is to keep them on a leash.
Dr. Emily Harper is a California-based veterinarian specializing in terrier breeds. With years of experience in veterinary medicine and a passion for terrier care, she focuses on breed-specific health, grooming, and behavior.
Emily’s journey began with a love for dogs, leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and develop expertise in terriers. She has authored numerous articles on terrier health and grooming and educates pet owners on providing the best care for their companions.
In her free time, Dr. Harper enjoys hiking California’s trails with her rescue terriers, Max and Bella, and spending time with her family.
