Comparison: Australian Terrier and Cairn Terrier

Australian Terrier and Cairn Terrier are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

	Australian Terrier	Cairn Terrier
FCI group	3. Terriers	3. Terriers
Country of origin	Australia	United Kingdom
Category	Very small (toy)	Small
Height at withers	–	28–31 cm
Weight	6.5 kg	6–7.5 kg
Life span	–	13–15 years
Recognition features	Sturdy, low-set dog with a long strong head and ruff of harsh hair Small, erect, pointed ears Colours: blue/steel-blue with tan, or clear sandy/red	Harsh double coat in cream to dark grey Small fox-like head with pointed ears About 30 cm tall, bushy tail carried up
Coat	Harsh straight topcoat about 6 cm long with a soft undercoat and a ruff; blue, steel blue or dark grey-blue with tan, or clear sandy/red.	Harsh double coat; cream, wheaten, red, grey.
Purpose	One of the smallest working terriers, a helper and companion in rough Australian conditions and a keen watchdog.	From the Scottish Highlands, hunting vermin among piles of stones (cairns).

Breed page: Australian Terrier · Breed page: Cairn Terrier

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.