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.

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

Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Assertive
Fearless

Active
Playful
Independent
Happy
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle

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

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

Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Skye Terrier

American Eskimo, Shih Tzu

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

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

1500s

Unknown

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Cairn Terriers have medium-length coats.

Shih-Mos are known for their coat length.

Wiry

Straight

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.

A Shih-Mo can have a litter of 4-6 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.

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

Shih-Mos are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

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

While the Shih-Mo breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Flea Allergy

Liver Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Kidney Problems
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Pateller Luxation
Bladder Stones and Infections

Weight Gain

Ear Infections
Allergies
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems

Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Dental Examination
Eye examination
Chest X-rays
Clinical Exam

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

Shih-Mos are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

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

Shih-Mos need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Shih-Mos have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

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

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

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

Going for walks, Going to petco

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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Shih-Mo, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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

Shih-Mos require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

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

Ideally, Shih-Mo should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

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.

For an average 18-25 pound (8 - 11 kg) Shih-Mo feed 1 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 Cairn Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

The average cost of a Shih-Mo is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

Cairn Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

Cairn Terriers have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

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

Cairn Terriers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Shih-Mos make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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

Shih-Mos have an average level of friendliness towards children.

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

Shih-Mos are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

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

Shih-Mos are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.