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Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Aussie or Toto Dog or Parson? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier" Compare Australian Terrier and Cairn Terrier. Which is better: Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Australian Terrier Cairn Terrier Parson Russell Terrier
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Scotland flagScotland England flagEngland
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank13769119
Reviews131
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier breeds.
Aussie Toto Dog
Cairn
Parson
Parson Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
9-14 pounds (4-6 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
11.5 pounds (5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) 16 pounds (7 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier? Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier height comparison:
9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) 12-14 inches (31-36 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
10 inches (25.5 cm) Male: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) 13 inches (33.5 cm)

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$1500 $700-$1000 $400-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?
Frequent: The Australian Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Parson Russell Terrier is easier than average to get.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Australian Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Outright
Tempered
Companionable
Spirited
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Happy
Energetic
Intelligent
Obedient
Bold
Eager
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Australian Terrier dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier?
Average: Australian Terrier dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Parson Russell Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier social needs comparison:
Australian Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Australian Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the Parson Russell Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Australian Terrier barks occasionally.
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A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Parson Russell Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Parson Russell Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Terrier indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Cairn Terrier indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Parson Russell Terrier indoors.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?
Australian Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Parson Russell Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Australian Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Parson Russell Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Parson Russell Terrier: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Parson Russell Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
Australian Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Parson Russell Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Australian Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Parson Russell Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)
No data available

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Australian Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?
Australian Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Australian Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Low: The Parson Russell Terrier has good luck with genetics.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which needs most food?
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. What colors are available?
Tan
Red
Blue
Sandy
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
Black
Tan
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Australian Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Parson Russell Terrier doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which drools least?
The Australian Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Parson Russell Terrier is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Parson Russell Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Waterproof Rough
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier? Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Australian Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Parson Russell Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Australian Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?
Australian Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Terrier or Cairn Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier?
Australian Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are not dog-friendly.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier?
Yes
Australian Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Cairn Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Parson Russell Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Cairn Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Parson Russell Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Parson Russell Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Parson Russell Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which has most puppies?
3-6 puppies 2-10 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Australian Terrier vs Cairn Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1997 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Parson Russell Terrier. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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
No data available

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