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

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

Active
Playful
Courageous
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Fearless
Companionable
Assertive
Sturdy
Amiable
Charming

Aloof
Clownish
Dignified
Happy
Independent

Cairneses are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Kuchis are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Cairneses aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Avoid Kuchis as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Havanese, Cairn Terrier

Molosser-type Dogs

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Unknown

1990s

Unknown

A Cairnese can have a litter of 2-10 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 Kuchi can have a litter of 12-13 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.

Cairneses are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

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

Hip Dysplasia

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Glaucoma

Bloat

Eye
Hip
Knee
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Yearly Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

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

Kuchis' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

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

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

Cairneses need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Cairnese dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Kuchis bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

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

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

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

Kuchi is an independent and stubborn breed with low obedience intelligence, making training a test of patience.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

The Cairnese is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

The Kuchi is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

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

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

Cairneses are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Kuchis are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Cairneses are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Kuchis are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Cairneses are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Kuchis are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Cairneses are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

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

The Cairnese is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

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