Mini Dachshund or Cairn Terrier?

Question

Should I get a Dachshund(weiner dog) or a Cairn terrier
I need a loveable cute dog that likes to play,is good with kids and other dogs and cats,and it not too big. I like mini Dachshunds and Cairn terriers and i dont know which one i like better. Here are cute pictures of both

Cairn terrier-
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9005209

Dachshund-
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=8741440

Ps. If I get a dachshund,long haired or short??

Answer 1

Neither.

Both of those breeds are too prey-driven to be well suited to a household with a cat! :(



If the dog is raised from puppyood with cats around, that does improve the odds. *Sometimes,* dachshunds and terriers can learn to get along with a cat if raised with them from puppyhood.



However, sometimes they do not learn to get along, even if raised with the cats from puppyhood. It is a highly individual thing. I've seen way too many dachshunds and terriers get brought in to shelters, because despite being raised with cats from puppyhood, they "didn't learn to get along with the family cat." :(



There is no guarantee that the puppy would learn to get along with cats. And if s/he doesn't learn to get along with cats, then what?? It wouldn't be good to have to give the dog up!!



The bichon frisee, the miniature schnauzer, the shi tzu, the yorkshire terrier, and the mini poodle are the only cute, playful little dog breeds I know of that nearly always will get along OK with cats!



Some chihuahuas, some pugs, and some boston terriers are OK too, but it varies from dog to dog with those breeds.



Dachshunds were selectively bred to hunt & kill rabbits, ground squirrels and other small mammals. They will view a cat as a rabbitlike animal that they are supposed to hunt and kill! :(



Terriers were bred to get rid of small pest animals, and in general they will view a cat as a pest animal to get rid of. This includes Cairn Terriers. :(



For some reason, possibly the breeding for miniaturization, the Yorkshire Terrier tends to not have this trait any longer.



Also, this was my experience as a dog breeder. I tried breeding Cairn terriers and dachshunds at first, but they kept disturbing the peace with barking and upsetting my neighbors who own cats, by going nuts whenever a cat was near. This neighborhood's full of cats.



So then I did some research and switched to bichons and miniature schnauzers. No more problem!

Answer 2

If you own cats, I would not choose any terrier breed at all. They are too high prey drive and will probably view cats as prey to be chased, no matter what sized terrier. A miniature dachshund might also have prey drive, but will be too small to be much trouble to the cats. Hair length is 100% what you prefer.



Read this link about Cairns and how they were bred to flush prey such as otters and foxes. This will be your cats.



http://www.cairnterrier.org/meet/

Answer 3

I have a Dachshund, wouldn't give her up for anything in the world... they are PRONE to back problems, doesn't mean they'll automatically get it,you just have to limit how much they jump off couches and things like that. Mine is 9 years old,I've had her since she was 5 weeks, and she's been the light of my life! I also have Welsh Corgis and 2 cats and 2 kids, and she does awesome with everyone. If you raise a puppy with cats,no matter thei instincts, you really can get them to get along as long as they are brought up from babies with cats. Mine is a short hair, and doesn't shed more that the average dog, I don't have experience with long haired dachshunds, but it would seem that they would need more time with grooming. Hope that gives you some insight into the Doxie world, but they are very loveable, loyal, and love to play, (my 9 year old still does) and mine even hunts and kills mice. I've had her locate my Hamster a few times when he's gotten out. I'd tell her "PEANUT, MOUSE!" and she goes looking!! And when she located him, I'd call her off and get him back in his cage haha! Absolutely loveable dogs, I will always have one, after she's lived her life, I'll probably end up with another, they are great little dogs, just watch where you step if you get a puppy, they'll be right under your feet.

Answer 4

I don't really know anything about Cairn terriers but I do have a mini Dachshund and I will tell you from my experience they are VERY hard to potty train. I have also heard the same thing from lots of other people. However, they are very loveable dogs and I wouldn't give mine up for the world.

Answer 5

I have owned three dachshunds, one long haired the other two short. I now own a cairn terrier, and she is the best dog ever. Easy to house break, easy to socialize, easy to train. She is a delight and I have never enjoyed a dog as much.



The Long haired dachshund actually sheds less than the short haired, and are so beautiful. Especially the black and tan ones.

Answer 6

I have had both and I would go for the Terrier. They are BOTH bark prone , and have little dog attitudes, BUT the Carin are far less territorial and less prone to the breed health issues of the MD. The Carin's may have eye and "skin" issues later in life, but structurally they are more sound.



SIDE NOTE:Dachshunds were also bred to flush out small prey and are very active in the Earth Dog Trials. I had cats with both breeds with no issues, In fact my cats hold their own with an 80 lb Rhodesian now and are the DOMINANT pets in my house.

Answer 7

I personaly think the Miniature Dachshund would be a better nicer more laid back easier to deal with dog but dont get me wrong this dog is a very energetic dog and it will alwways want to travel or go do something with you. this is a good website hope this helps! =)

Answer 8

Any long backed dog screams back problems! My daughter babysat one that at four years old had a slipped disc. She was a good weight and active. I love the terrier spunk and would have that over a dachshund any day!

Answer 9

Medium duration hair because it is easy in order to handle and you can still perform most of the hairstyles

Answer 10

I would normally say dachshund, but that cairn terrier is SO much cuter!! He/she seems like a real sweetie =]

Answer 11

Not any kind of Doxie because of the back problems. Our Doxie/Chihuahua mix had scoliosis and the slipped discs causes paralysis and she was euthanized when she was only four years old.

Answer 12

Terriers play well with cats. Weiner's are good but they think they are big and will be aggressive to bigger dogs.......

Answer 13

I've had mine both ways too... but our husband prefers it short... he never complains when I grow it lengthy, but is always all over himself w/the complements when I cut that off

Answer 14

carin terriers are very sweet dogs. I had one growing up. I would suggest getting a Carin!

Answer 15

cairn terrier

Answer 16

Carin Terrier for sure, much cuter!!!