Box Heeler vs Silky Cairn Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Box Cattle Dog or Silky Cairn Terrier?

Compare the Box Heeler and Silky Cairn breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Box Cattle Dog or a Silky Cairn Terrier? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Boxer Cattle Dog, Box Cattle Dog

Silky Cairn Terrier

Weight

What is the average weight of Box Heeler and Silky Cairn?

14.0 pounds ( 6 kg )

9.5 pounds ( 4 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Box Heeler and Silky Cairn

10.5 inches ( 26.7 cm )

12.0 inches ( 30.5 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Box Heelers or Silky Cairns hypoallergenic, or neither?

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

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Silky Cairns are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Box Heeler and Silky Cairn dogs?

Active
Playful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Loyal
Fearless
Brave
Bright
Hard working
Resourceful

Active
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
Fearless
Assertive

Shedding Level

Do Box Heelers shed more than Silky Cairns, or which breed sheds more, Box Heelers or Silky Cairns?

Box Heelers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Silky Cairns are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Box Heeler and Silky Cairn breeds?

Blue Heeler and Boxer

Cairn Terrier, Silky Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Box Heeler and Silky Cairn?

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

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

Date of Birth

When were Box Heeler and Silky Cairn breeds first developed?

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Box Heeler and Silky Cairn dogs?

Brown

Hazel
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Box Heeler and Silky Cairn?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Box Heeler and Silky Cairn breeds?

Brindle
Blue

Black
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Gray
Blue
White
Silver
Brindle

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Box Heeler and Silky Cairn breeds?

Box Heelers have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Silky Cairns have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Box Heeler and Silky Cairn?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Box Heeler and Silky Cairn?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Box Heeler and Silky Cairn?

2-10 puppies per pregnancy

Box Heeler and Silky Cairn, can have a litter of 2-10 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.

Adaptability

Box Heelers are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Silky Cairns have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between Box Heeler and Silky Cairn, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Box Heelers typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

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

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Box Heeler and Silky Cairn breeds?

Usually Very Healthy

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (Lion Jaw)

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Box Heeler and Silky Cairn?

Eye Problems
Gastric Dilation Volvulus

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Hemophilia
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency
Atopy

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Box Heeler and Silky Cairn breeds?

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye Examinations
Blood Tests
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Electrocardiograph (ECG - measures rate and rhythm)

Social Needs

Box Heeler vs Silky Cairn social needs comparison

Box Heeler has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Silky Cairn has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Box Heeler or Silky Cairn?

Box Heelers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Silky Cairns sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Box Heeler vs Silky Cairn?

Roaming urge

Box Heeler vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Box Heeler or Silky Cairn - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Box Heeler and Silky Cairn entertained?

Chase, Catch treats, Car rides, Walk, Run, Tug-of-war, Playdate, Chase tail, Eating, Play fetch, Cuddling, Take on walks, Hanging out, Chewing antlers, Daily walks, Jeep rides, Dog Parks, Fetch, Hike, Swim, Cuddle, Shake, Hiking, Running, Swimming, Sleeping, Keep away, Fetching, Go Camping, Cuddles

Road trip, Dog Parks, Hikes

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Box Heelers or Silky Cairns?

Medium

Both Box Heeler and Silky Cairn are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Box Heeler or Silky Cairn walk each week?

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Box Heeler, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silky Cairn, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Box Heelers or Silky Cairns require more exercise?

45 minutes

In general most Box Heelers usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

60 minutes

In general most Silky Cairns usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Box Heelers or Silky Cairns?

The Box Heeler is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Silky Cairns 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.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Box Heeler and Silky Cairn dogs?

Weekly

Box Heeler and Silky Cairn should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Box Heelers and Silky Cairns?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Box Heeler or Silky Cairn in cups?

3 cups

For an average 35-80 pound (16 - 36 kg) Box Heeler feed 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.

1 cups

For an average 9-10 pound (4 - 5 kg) Silky Cairn 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.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Box Heeler or Silky Cairn?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Box Heeler is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Silky Cairn is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Box Heeler or Silky Cairn?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Box Heeler is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Silky Cairn is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Sensitivity Level

How do Box Heeler and Silky Cairn compare in sensitivity?

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Box Heeler and Silky Cairn need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Box Heeler or Silky Cairn?

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

The Silky Cairn is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Child Friendly

Do Box Heelers or Silky Cairns have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Box Heelers have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Silky Cairns are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Box Heeler or Silky Cairn?

Cat Friendly

Do Box Heeler or Silky Cairn breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Box Heelers and Silky Cairns are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Box Heeler or Silky Cairn?

Box Heelers are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Silky Cairns are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Box Heeler or Silky Cairn dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Box Heeler or Silky Cairn?

Box Heeler and Silky Cairn are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Box Heeler and Silky Cairn?

Box Heelers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Silky Cairns are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Box Heelers and Silky Cairns compare?

Box Heeler and Silky Cairn dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.