Comparison: Cairn Terrier and West Highland White Terrier

Cairn Terrier and West Highland White 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
West Highland White Terrier
Photo: Dominic Nelson, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Cairn TerrierWest Highland White Terrier
FCI group3. Terriers3. Terriers
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
CategorySmallSmall
Height at withers28–31 cm25–28 cm
Weight6–7.5 kg6–10 kg
Life span13–15 years12–16 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
  • Pure white harsh coat with soft undercoat
  • Small erect pointed ears and dark eyes
  • Carrot-shaped tail, square build, about 28 cm tall
CoatHarsh double coat; cream, wheaten, red, grey.Hard wiry coat with a soft undercoat, white.
PurposeFrom the Scottish Highlands, hunting vermin among piles of stones (cairns).A Scottish terrier from Argyll bred for vermin hunting; the white coat prevented it being mistaken for quarry.

Breed page: Cairn Terrier · Breed page: West Highland White 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.