Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Cairn Terrier |  Standard Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | The Cairn Terrier developed on the Isle of Skye and across the Scottish Highlands, where crofters needed a small, game dog able to work its way into cairns of loose stone to flush foxes, otters and other vermin. It is one of the oldest of the Highland terrier breeds and shares ancestry with the West Highland White and Scottish Terrier. The breed gained worldwide fame when a Cairn Terrier played Toto in The Wizard of Oz, though the real dog behind that image is a tough working terrier rather than a decorative pet. | Germany |
| Group | Terrier | Utility |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Coat | Harsh, weatherproof double coat with a soft undercoat, in wheaten, red, grey, black or brindle. | Harsh wiry double coat with beard and eyebrows |
| Weight | 5.5 to 8 kg | 14 to 20 kg |
| Height | 23 to 28 cm | 45 to 50 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 yrs | 13 to 16 yrs |
| Exercise need | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Affection | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming needs | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Barking | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with children | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Trainability | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Prey drive | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Drool | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 3/10 | 2/10 |
| Flat fit | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Running cost | €110 / month | €96 / month |
Cairn Terrier verdict
A small, shaggy earth dog with a big opinion about every rustle in the hedge.
Get one if
- · Owners who enjoy a dog with real character and a stubborn streak
- · People willing to commit to regular coat care, stripped or clipped
- · Households with a secure garden rather than an open, unfenced space
Think again if
- · Owners wanting a naturally quiet dog that rarely barks
- · Homes with small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs in the same space
- · Anyone expecting a biddable dog that obeys without negotiation
Standard Schnauzer verdict
The original Schnauzer: bearded, bright and always on duty.
Get one if
- · Active families with children
- · Owners wanting a low-shedding medium dog
- · People who enjoy training and dog sports
Think again if
- · Owners wanting a dog that ignores the doorbell
- · People unwilling to maintain a wire coat
- · Very sedentary households