Comparison: Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier

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

Cairn Terrier
Photo: John, CC BY 2.0, source
Scottish Terrier
Photo: Elise Carroll, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Cairn TerrierScottish Terrier
FCI group3. Terriers3. Terriers
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
CategorySmallSmall
Height at withers28–31 cm25–28 cm
Weight6–7.5 kg8–10 kg
Life span13–15 years11–13 years
Recognition features
  • Harsh double coat in cream to dark grey
  • Small fox-like head with pointed ears
  • About 30 cm tall, bushy tail carried up
  • Low, sturdy dog with a long head and beard
  • Harsh black, wheaten or brindle coat, long on the underline
  • Erect pointed ears and short tail
CoatHarsh double coat; cream, wheaten, red, grey.Hard wiry coat with undercoat; black, wheaten, brindle.
PurposeFrom the Scottish Highlands, hunting vermin among piles of stones (cairns).A Highland terrier used to kill foxes, badgers and rats; the ´Scottie´.

Breed page: Cairn Terrier · Breed page: Scottish Terrier

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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.