Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
The Cairn Terrier (6–7 kg, 13–15 years) and the Glen of Imaal Terrier (14–18 kg, 12–15 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.
Both breeds have similar energy demands — Cairn Terrier tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.
Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.
| Cairn Terrier | Glen of Imaal Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier | Terrier |
| Origin | Scotland | County Wicklow, Ireland |
| Weight | 6–7 kg | 14–18 kg |
| Height | 23–25 cm | 32–36 cm |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Energy level | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Watchdog instinct | ||
| Novice-owner OK |
Friendly, alert, courageous, sometimes stubborn. Excellent with families. Strong prey drive.
60 minutes of daily exercise plus play.
Weather-resistant double coat. Hand-strip every 8–10 weeks; weekly brush.
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (DNA test). Patellar luxation. Allergies.
Full Cairn Terrier profile →Calm, brave, surprisingly mellow indoors for a terrier. Devoted to their family, reserved with strangers. Like all terriers, they have prey drive and can be dog-aggressive without early socialisation.
45–60 minutes daily. Surprisingly low-energy compared to other terriers — happy with a good walk + a sniffing adventure rather than constant activity.
Medium-length harsh double coat. Brush weekly, hand-strip every 6 months (or trim if pet-only). Sheds lightly, considered moderately hypoallergenic.
Watch for: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA — DNA test essential, the breed has a Glen-specific form called crd3), hip dysplasia, cardiac issues. Generally hardy.
Full Glen of Imaal Terrier profile →Active families, country / suburban homes.
Experienced terrier-loving families, owners wanting a quieter terrier, those with a small Wicklow-shaped soft spot.
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