Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed ComparisonCairland Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Rat Terrier is originated from United States. Both Cairland Terrier and Rat Terrier are having almost same height. Both Cairland Terrier and Rat Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Cairland Terrier and Rat Terrier has almost same life span. Cairland Terrier may have more litter size than Rat Terrier. Both Cairland Terrier and Rat Terrier requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
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United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Height Female:
21 - 33 cm
8 - 13 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 17 Years
15 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Cairn Terrier, Westie mix breed dog
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Colors Available:
Black, brown, brindle, gray, red and wheaten.
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
Coat:
Medium length, straight or wavy
Single coat, short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cairland terrierThe Cairland Terrier is a cross between the Cairn Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier. It simply means that if you own a Cairland, you’re going to get a little bit of each dog in him.

This hybrid is a new breed which means you’re not going to get too much documented history on the dog. A tough little hunter of fox and otter, the Cairnland is thought to hail from Scotland.

rat terrierKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

Description

cairland terrier puppy - descriptionThe Cairland Terrier is a small dog standing anything between 20 and 35cm in height and weighing in at roughly 4 to 10kg. He has short legs, a compact little body, while being muscled and strong. He has small erect ears with a shortish upright tail.

The color of the medium length coat can be fairly varied which means brown, black, cream, fawn, brindle or even white from the Westie. The dog has two coats with the topcoat being fairly harsh, coarse and straight to slightly wavy while the undercoat is soft.

When it comes to temperament, the Cairland Terrier is social and feisty with a high self-esteem. He has a strong personality and can be somewhat stubborn but he is a great friend of children in the home. He just loves to take part in all their games.

With training and socialization which he undergoes easily, he will get on well with other pets too, although he can become aggressive with other dogs in his territory.

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

Characteristics

cairland terrier dog - characteristicsTerriers are dogs that are full of character and self-confidence, and your Cairland Terrier is no different. These small dogs in the Terrier group don’t actively look for a fight with other dogs, but if they are provoked, they aren’t intimidated and will give bigger dogs a piece of their mind. They make splendid pets and will always be ready for a game.

Make sure that your Cairland Terrier remains the feisty little character he is by making sure he gets well looked after. Dogs aren’t known as man’s best friend for nothing, and in exchange for the care you give your Terrier, you’ll be rewarded by a loyal and devoted friend.

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

Health Problems

cairland terrier puppies - health problemsYour Cairland is a tough, feisty little dog and you’re not going to find yourself constantly having to take him to the vet. However even healthy dogs can be affected by ill health, and we look at a couple of illness you want to watch for with your Terrier.

Diarrhoea:

This can be brought on by a change in diet. Usually you can keep food away from your pet for 24 hours, allowing the stomach to empty and to settle. However, if there is blood in the diarrhoea or your dog is vomiting, then veterinary advice must be sought.

Hay Fever:

Just like humans, a dog can have an allergy to pollen where you see watering of the eyes as well as sneezing. This is because of inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. Your vet can ease the problem for your pet.

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

cairland terrier dogs - caringBecause the Cairland Terrier is a hybrid breed, the coat can be wiry or soft, but it’s a low maintenance coat. He will need to be brushed twice a week. Some people take their Cairland to have the coat professionally trimmed while others buy a special stripping tool and they strip the hair a couple of times a year.

Dental Care:

Small dogs are prone to dental disease, so you will need to brush your Cairland’s teeth at least two or three times a week. Dental disease is a serious problem with dogs and it won’t only affect the teeth and gums but it can result in infection which can contribute to organ failure. Periodontal disease is always a big problem with little dogs. If you’re not sure how to go about looking after your dog’s teeth, you can always take your dog to the vet for dental check-ups and cleaning.

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Rat Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Rat Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Rat Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Rat Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  26. Cairland Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Cairland Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Cairland Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairland Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Cairland Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Cairland Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Cairland Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Cairland Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Cairland Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Cairland Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Cairland Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Cairland Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Cairland Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Cairland Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Cairland Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Cairland Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Cairland Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Cairland Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Cairland Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Cairland Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cairland Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Cairland Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Cairland Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Cairland Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Cairland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison