Is the Cairn Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Cairn Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Cairn Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

The Cairn Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Cairn Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Cairn Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier bigger?

Cairn Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Cairn Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Cairn Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Glen of Imaal Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Cairn Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Cairn Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: Which Is Quieter?

Cairn Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Cairn Terrier	Glen of Imaal Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Very High	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Cairn Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Cairn Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Glen of Imaal Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Cairn Terrier needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Cairn Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Cairn Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Glen of Imaal Terrier shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Cairn Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Cairn Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Cairn Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Cairn Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Cairn Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Cairn Terrier and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Cairn Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?: The Cairn Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Cairn Terrier or the Glen of Imaal Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Cairn Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier bigger?: Cairn Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Cairn Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier?: Cairn Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Glen of Imaal Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Cairn Terrier or Glen of Imaal Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Glen of Imaal Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Cairn Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier