Mastiff has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Cairn Terrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Unfortunately, the Mastiff is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Cairn Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Affectionate
Cheerful
Intelligent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Loyal

Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Assertive
Fearless

Choose a Mastiff if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Cairn Terriers make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

England

Scotland

Molosser-type Dogs

Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Skye Terrier

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers

1800s

1500s

Working (AKC:1885)
Guardian Dog (UKC)

Terrier (AKC:1913 & UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Cream
Fawn
Brindle

Cream
Black
Brindle
Gray
Red

Mastiffs have short coats.

Cairn Terriers have medium-length coats.

Straight

Wiry

A Mastiff can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Cairn Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Mastiffs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Cairn Terriers have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Mastiffs typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Cairn Terriers are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Gastric Torsion
Hip Dysplasia

Flea Allergy

Entropion
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Retinal Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Weight Gain

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Mastiffs are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Cairn Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Mastiff has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Cairn Terrier has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Mastiffs need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Cairn Terriers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Mastiffs are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Cairn Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Mastiff excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.

Cairn Terrier minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Mastiffs are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Cairn Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Mastiff dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

While Cairn Terrier dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Snuggling, Sleeping, Eating, Eating Snacks, Walk, Catch treats, Nap, Walking, Tug-of-war, People petts, Chase, Fetch, Running

Socializing, Eating Snacks, Walking, Fetch, Playing, Running, Chasing, Barking, Snuggling, Walk, Play with ball, Jump, Run, Chew, Sniffing, Marking

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Mastiff, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cairn Terrier, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

The Mastiff has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

The Cairn Terrier requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Mastiff should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

In general Cairn Terrier should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Pin Brush
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

For an average 170-230 pound (77 - 104 kg) Mastiff feed 8.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 12-14 pound (5 - 6 kg) Cairn Terrier feed 1.3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Mastiff is somewhere $8.40 - $9.10 per day.

The average cost of a Cairn Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Mastiff is between $252 - $273. This makes an average of $3024 - $3276 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Cairn Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Mastiffs are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Cairn Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Mastiffs make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Cairn Terriers are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Mastiffs are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Cairn Terriers are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Mastiffs are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Cairn Terriers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Mastiffs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Cairn Terriers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.