Cairn Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

Jack Russell Terrier

6/6

categories

Best for Apartments

🀝 Tie

Easiest Grooming

Jack Russell Terrier

2/5 Β· Low maintenance

Longest Lifespan

🀝 Tie

Easiest to Train

Jack Russell Terrier

4.5/5 Β· Easy

Most Active

🀝 Tie

Best for First-Time Owners

🀝 Tie

4/6

67%

Cairn Terrier

6/6

100%

Jack Russell Terrier

πŸ‘‘ Winner

4/6

67%

West Highland White Terrier

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
Scotland
England
Scotland
Popularity
#69
#78
#42
Common Names & Aliases
Toto DogCairn
JackRussell Terrier
Roseneath TerrierWestieWestyWhite Roseneath TerrierPoltalloch Terrier
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Purebred
Size Classification
Small
Small
Small
Weight Statistics
Male: 6-8 kg, Female: 6-8 kg
5-8 kg
Male: 7-10 kg, Female: 6-7 kg
Average Weight
Male: 7.3 kg, Female: 6.8 kg
6.6 kg
Male: 8.4 kg, Female: 6.6 kg
Height
Male: 25-33 cm, Female: 23-30 cm
20-38 cm
Male: 25-30 cm, Female: 23-28 cm
Average Height
Male: 29 cm, Female: 26.5 cm
29 cm
Male: 27.5 cm, Female: 25.5 cm
Intelligence Rating
4/5
4.5/5
3/5
Watchdog Rating
4/5
4/5
3/5
Training Difficulty
4/5
3/5
4/5
Territorial Protection
3/5
5/5
5/5
Price Range
$700-$1000
$700-$1000
$900-$1200
Availability
5/5
5/5
5/5
Personality Traits
ActiveCourageousIntelligentAssertiveFearless
AlertCourageousIndependentCheerfulEnergeticStubborn
AffectionateCourageousFriendlyIndependentAlertIntelligent
Sensitivity Level
3/5
4/5
4/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
3/5
4/5
3/5
Prey Drive
4/5
5/5
4/5
Affection Level
5/5
5/5
4/5
Social Needs
5/5
3/5
4/5
Barking Frequency
5/5
5/5
5/5
Playful Nature
4/5
5/5
5/5
Apartment Adaptability
3/5
1/5
3/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
3/5
5/5
4/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Very Low
Moderate
Low
Bite Risk Assessment
Low
Low
Low
Mouthing Tendency
3/5
4/5
2/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 100 and 200 PSI
Between 100 and 200 PSI
Between 100 and 200 PSI
Average Lifespan
11-15 years
12-16 years
12-16 years
Climate Tolerance
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Health Concerns
2/5
3/5
5/5
Health Problems
CataractsCraniomandibular OsteopathyCryptorchidismGlaucomaGloboid Cell LeukodystrophyHypothyroidismLegg-perthes DiseaseLuxating PatellaMicrovascular DysplasiaPortosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
DeafnessGlaucomaLegg-perthes DiseaseLens LuxationPatellar Luxation
Atopic DermatitisCataractsCraniomandibular OsteopathyGloboid Cell LeukodystrophyHyperplastic DermatosisInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)Legg-perthes DiseasePatellar LuxationPulmonary FibrosisWhite Dog Shaker Syndrome
Vet Care Frequency
Frequent
Average
Rare
Energy Rating
5/5
5/5
4/5
Sleeping Need
1/5
1/5
2/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
4/5
5/5
4/5
Obesity Tendency
3/5
4/5
4/5
Food Consumption
0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Allergy Friendliness
Yes
No
Yes
Coat Colors
CreamRedWheatenBrindleGraySilverBlack
TanWhiteBlack
White
Grooming Requirements
3/5
2/5
4/5
Shedding Level
3/5
5/5
1/5
Drooling Tendency
1/5
1/5
1/5
Stinkiness Rating
Medium
Medium
Low
Coat Characteristics
Waterproof
Rough
Dense
Bathing Needs
3-4 weeks
4-6 weeks
4-6 weeks
Cat Friendly
3/5
2/5
3/5
Child Compatibility
4/5
3/5
4/5
Dog Friendly
3/5
4/5
4/5
Stranger Friendly
3/5
3/5
4/5
Office Friendly
Yes
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Recommended
Average
Recommended
Pet Compatibility
Average
Below Average
Average
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Scent Detection Ability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Search & Rescue Potential
Not really
Not really
Not really
Maritime Work Ability
Not really
Yes
Not really
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Military Service Background
Not really
Not really
Not really
Puppy Litter Size
2-10 puppies
4-8 puppies
2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2012 as a Terrier breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Club Espanol De TerriersJack Russell Terrier Club Of AmericaIrish Kennel Club
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Club Espanol De Terriers
Winner / Best value