Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier

An Australian Terrier
Photo: Ketterechts
A Cairn Terrier
Photo: Ketterechts

Side by side

Australian Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Adult weight
6.8–9.1 kg (15–20 lb) (breed club figure)1
6–7.5 kg (13–17 lb)2
Height
Males 25.4–27.9 cm; females 25.4–27.9 cm (breed club figure)1
Males 28–31 cm; females 28–31 cm2
Lifespan
No sourced figure
Median 14 years3
Fully grown
10 months, both sexes4
Group
Terriers5
Terriers6
Coat
Wire or harsh coat5
Wire or harsh coat6
Shedding
Holds loose hair until it is brushed or clipped out
Grooming
A brush once a week
Exercise
A moderate amount
Health
No sourced figure
Dry eye (much more likely)7
Class
Companion
Family

Which suits you

Size
The Australian Terrier is a little larger on average: about 8 kg (18 lb) as an adult, against 6.8 kg (15 lb) for the Cairn Terrier.
Temperament
They differ most on affection (Australian Terrier: affectionate on its own terms; Cairn Terrier: likes its own space) and on voice (Australian Terrier: barks to alert, then settles; Cairn Terrier: very vocal).
Alike
Both are rated the same on independence: decides for itself.
Neither is the better dog in general. Which suits you depends on your home, your days and the care you can give.
Take the breed matcher

What they're like

Australian Terrier
Terriers · Small

In temperament it is spirited, alert and self-assured, quick to bark and keen to dig, yet generally affectionate and steady with its own household.

Cairn Terrier
Terriers · Small

In temperament the Cairn is bold, inquisitive and self-reliant. It can be vocal and is keen to dig.

The Australian Terrier page →The Cairn Terrier page →

Breed traits

Day to day
Australian Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Activity
A good daily walk and play
A good daily walk and play
Intelligence
Learns readily, likes games
Learns readily, likes games
Handler demand
Needs steady training
Needs steady training
With people
Australian Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Affection
Differs
Affectionate on its own terms
Likes its own space
Loyalty
Bonded to its family
Bonded to its family
Independence
Decides for itself
Decides for itself
Around the home
Australian Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Sensitivity
Hardy, takes a busy home in its stride
Hardy, takes a busy home in its stride
Voice
Differs
Barks to alert, then settles
Very vocal
Prey drive
Likely to chase small pets
Likely to chase small pets
Breed explains only about 9% of how individual dogs differ in behaviour8. Meet the dog. A good breeder breeds for temperament as well as health, and matches each puppy's personality to the right home9,10.

Puppy growth

Reference curves · both sexes
The Australian Terrier grows to the heavier adult, about 8 kg against the Cairn Terrier's 6.8 kg.
Australian Terrier
Cairn Terrier
02.557.5102m4m6m9m12m18m
02.557.5102m3m4m6m9m12m18m

More comparisons

Compare the Australian Terrier with
Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White TerrierAustralian Terrier vs Yorkshire TerrierBorder Terrier vs Cairn TerrierCairn Terrier vs Norwich TerrierCairn Terrier vs Norfolk TerrierCairn Terrier vs Glen of Imaal TerrierAll breed comparisons →

Sources

Parts of this page were written by AI ·