Irish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier
Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health
Irish Terrier
Respectful, Lively, Intelligent, Dominant, Protective, Affectionate, Curious, Dignified, Playful, Loyal, Gentle, Friendly, Quiet
Cairn Terrier
Hardy, Fearless, Assertive, Gay, Intelligent, Active, Friendly, Playful, Affectionate, Dignified, Gentle, Independent
📏 Physical Stats
⚡ Temperament & Traits
Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.
💰 Cost of Ownership
Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Over their lifetimes, a Cairn Terrier (~15 yrs) costs approximately $7,936 less than a Irish Terrier (~14 yrs) in total.
🏥 Health Considerations
Irish Terrier
Full Irish Terrier health guide →Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.
🐾 Temperament
Irish Terrier
Respectful, Lively, Intelligent, Dominant, Protective, Affectionate, Curious, Dignified, Playful, Loyal, Gentle, Friendly, Quiet
Cairn Terrier
Hardy, Fearless, Assertive, Gay, Intelligent, Active, Friendly, Playful, Affectionate, Dignified, Gentle, Independent