Patterdale Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

Patterdale Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Patterdale Terrier and Cairn Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. Patterdale Terrier may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Cairn Terrier. Both Patterdale Terrier and Cairn Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Patterdale Terrier and Cairn Terrier has almost same life span. Patterdale Terrier may have less litter size than Cairn Terrier. Both Patterdale Terrier and Cairn Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

patterdale terrier - historyThe Patterdale was developed in England,with his origins being linked to an early breeder with the name Joe Bowman.

They were sought after for their prowess at guarding sheep from foxes. The dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995. It is believed the dog is descended from the Northern terrier breeds and can be traced far back.

cairn terrier - historyThe Cairn Terrier originates in the Scottish Highlands. This feisty little dog was given the name Cairn, as he used to hunt prey between the Scottish cairns. At first the dog was grouped as a ‘Skye Terrier’way back in the 1900s with the Scottish and West Highland White Terrier. Then the different breeds began to be bred separately.

The name Cairn Terrier didn’t appear in print till 1887. It was in 1912 that the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognized the Cairn Terrier.

Description

patterdale terrier puppy - descriptionThe Patterdale Terrier is a small sized dog that stands at between 25 and 40 cm in height and weighs 5 to 7kg.

The coat of the dog can be smooth, broken or rough, but all coats are double and weatherproof. Colors include red, liver, black, bronze, black and tan or chocolate and sometimes brindle. The ears are floppy and medium length and the tail is also medium length and held high, curving slightly. It used to be docked and then ¼ to 1/3 of the tail was removed.

Temperament:

The Patterdale Terrier is small but he is bold and confident and very energetic. He will certainly need to be in a household where the family members are active, busy people. Because he is strong-willed he will benefit from training and socialization which will make him obedient and able to behave well in different situations.

Temperament:

cairn terrier puppy - descriptionThe small sturdily built working Terrier is intelligent and courageous. Bright-eyed, he is small and active and he just loves to work- and party hard with his human family. You’ll see if you’ve got a ball you want to throw for him, his tail is quivering in anticipation and his ears are erect and alert to any noise. He is smart, independent and courageous.

Coat of Many Colors:

The Cairn Terrier has a tough, weather-resistant coat that can be any color but not white. He has a waterproof double coat – the outer one being wiry while the undercoat is soft. You’ll find the coat in man colours such as grey, black, red and brindle with dark points on the ears and muzzle.

The interesting thing with a Cairn is that when you get a puppy, you can’t be sure what color he will end up being as it changes over the years. The ears are fox-like, small and erect, and the natural medium-to-short tail is held straight out.

Characteristics

patterdale terrier dog - characteristicsIntelligent, courageous and feisty, the Patterdale Terrier is a dog that will get on well with everyone in the house. Those who are active and outdoor types will be the best kind of dog owners for this active, energetic dog.

The Patterdale is confident and strong willed and will do superbly well with some training and socialization. With lots of love and care, your Patterdale Terrier can make you an excellent family pet and companion.

cairn terrier dog - characteristicsThe Cairn Terrier is a fearless, jaunty little dog, known for his courageous spirit and inquisitive nature. He may be small, but he is stubborn. He will respond well to training and socialization which will turn him into the most awesome pet for families. He can make a wonderful friend and playmate for children too. Socialization and training ensures he gets on well with other pets in the household too.

He is small and energetic, and therefore not the kind of dog you can ignore in terms of exercise. He’ll need a good walk every day and he just loves to chase a ball as it takes him back to the days when he was used to chasing- and catching mice.

He isn’t your typical lap-dog at all and with the right care he becomes a devoted, loyal and loving companion.

Health Problems

patterdale terrier puppies - health problemsThe good news is that terriers have few health problems and they can live to a ripe age. Just like other dogs, they can also battle with some of the common dog ailments there are.

Allergies:

Most allergens are foods, medicines or insects and exposure to the allergen can cause an over-reaction. In a dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin. It can drive your pet mad as he licks and bites his skin. The symptoms of allergies can involve the respiratory system and he will have coughing and sneezing or even a discharge from the eyes.

Glaucoma:

Your Patterdales can also develop cataracts and glaucoma – two kinds of eye diseases. Glaucoma can unfortunately lead to blindness but something can be done if you recognize the signs. There are 2 main types of canine glaucoma, characterized by pressure inside the eye which can do damage to the retina and optic nerve – primary- and secondary glaucoma. Your vet will try to determine whether your pet has primary or secondary glaucoma to determine treatment.

cairn terrier puppies - health problemsThe Cairn Terrier is a robust little dog, and with good care can reach 14 years of age and even older. However, with every dog breed there are some health concerns particular to that breed. With your Cairn Terrier look out for a disease known as Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL).

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL)

Known also as Krabbe Disease, Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a rare but fatal disease. It is caused by a mutation on the dog’s DNA. There is abnormal processing of an enzyme needed for the production of myelin, a substance that protects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The dog is weak, it has tremors and isn’t co-ordinated. The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog more susceptible to GCL.

Bone and joint diseases

Your Cairn Terrier may well suffer with joint diseases. These diseases, such as luxating patella which is about loose knee joints, and hip dysplasia which is a degenerative hip disease, can cause plenty of pain and discomfort for your pet.

Eye Diseases

Glaucoma is an eye disease where there is pressure on the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage. Without treatment, there can be damage to the optic nerve which can lead to blindness.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

patterdale terrier dogs - caringYour Patterdale Terrier has a lot of energy, so as a responsible dog owner, you will need to see that he is exercised properly. This will include a walk every day as well as spending time throwing balls or a frisbee for him. He is a working breed and has been used to being mentally and physically stimulated.

Grooming:

The Patterdale Terrier isn’t a high maintenance dog and his coat will simply require a brush twice a week. Your pet can’t tell you about any pain he is experiencing so you will need to watch his body language.

Dogs can easily pick up an ear infection and this can be very painful. When you brush your pet, check inside his ears for signs of redness and discharge and check inside his mouth to see if you can spot any rotten teeth. Bad teeth can wreak havoc on his health. Keep the nails trimmed.

Diet:

If you intend feeding your pet commercially manufactured food, good and well because it is a convenient way to feed your pet, but make sure its a quality food. This will ensure your dog is getting in the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

To vary his diet just a bit, provide him with some home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, and some wholesome vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potato. Dogs love the simplicity and nutritional value of food like this, and they don't have to worry about getting a stomach ache from strange foods. Try and include some raw meat into the kibble from time to time as well.

Never leave your Paatterdale Terrier without a constant supply of fresh cool water.

Grooming:

cairn terrier dogs - caringThe Cairn Terrier sheds very little and the coat is easy to groom. Give him a thorough brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs. Some trimming will be needed as the coat can become shaggy and unruly.

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build up that can lead to bacteria, gum disease and possible tooth loss.

Diet:

The Cairn Terrier is small but he is an active dog and therefore needs to be on a high-quality dog food. If you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its appropriate to his age, size and activity levels.

He is a small dog so you want to be careful about not letting him become overweight. Try and alternate his commercially manufactured food with some home-made rice, vegetables and meat and also include some raw meat in from time to time. This is of particular importance as chronic skin allergies are common in all terrier breeds. Make sure that there is always a clean bowl of fresh water available to him day and night.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
25 - 40 cm
9 - 16 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
25 - 40 cm
9 - 16 inches
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
2 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
The Patterdale, Black Fell Terrier
Cairn, Toto Dog
Colors Available:
black and tan or chocolate, liver, bronze, Red, sometimes brindle. , black
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
Coat:
Smooth, broken or rough
Medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Jack Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Cairn Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Cairn Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  9. Cairn Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Cairn Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Scottish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Patterdale Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Norwich Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. English White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Feist vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Manchester Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Cesky Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Schnorkie vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Rat Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Scottish Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Patterdale Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Patterdale Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Patterdale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Patterdale Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  32. Patterdale Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Patterdale Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Patterdale Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Patterdale Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  36. Patterdale Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Patterdale Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Patterdale Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Patterdale Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Patterdale Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  41. Patterdale Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Patterdale Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Patterdale Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Patterdale Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Patterdale Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Patterdale Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Patterdale Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Patterdale Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Patterdale Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds