Silkin vs Dusky Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Silky Chin or Dusky?

Compare the Silkin and Dusky breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Silky Chin or a Dusky? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Silky Chin

Weight

What is the average weight of Silkin and Dusky?

8.5 pounds ( 4 kg )

18.0 pounds ( 8 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Silkin and Dusky

10.0 inches ( 25.4 cm )

14.0 inches ( 35.6 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Silkins or Duskys hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Silkin nor Dusky are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Silkin and Dusky dogs?

Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Loyal
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive

Playful
Stubborn
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Devoted
Lively
Gentle
Clever

Shedding Level

Do Silkins shed more than Duskys, or which breed sheds more, Silkins or Duskys?

Silkins are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

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

Ancestry

What are the origins of Silkin and Dusky breeds?

Silky Terrier, Japanese Chin

Siberian Husky, Dachshund

Date of Birth

When were Silkin and Dusky breeds first developed?

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Silkin and Dusky dogs?

Brown

Blue
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Silkin and Dusky?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Silkin and Dusky breeds?

Black
Brown
White
Cream

Black
Brown
Cream
Blue
White
Silver
Sable
Gray

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Silkin and Dusky breeds?

Silkins have medium-length coats.

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

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Silkin and Dusky?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Silkin and Dusky?

Straight

Wiry

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Silkin and Dusky?

3-5 puppies per pregnancy

A Silkin can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

4-8 puppies per pregnancy

A Dusky can have a litter of 4-8 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

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

Duskys are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Silkin and Dusky, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Silkin and Dusky breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Silkin and Dusky breeds?

Ear Infections
Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Diabetes

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Diseases and Disorders

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Silkin and Dusky?

Hip Dysplasia
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Heart Murmur
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Heart Disease
Urinary Stones

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Silkin and Dusky breeds?

Physical Examination
Blood Count
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Eye and Ear Examination

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Physical Examination
Urinalysis
Complete Blood Work
Serum Chemistry
Neurologic Exam
Ophthalmic Examination

Social Needs

Silkin vs Dusky social needs comparison

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

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

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Silkin or Dusky?

Silkins are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

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

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Silkin vs Dusky?

Roaming urge

Silkin vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Silkin or Dusky - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Silkins or Duskys?

Low

Silkins are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Silkin dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

Medium

Duskys are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Silkin or Dusky walk each week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silkin, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

9 miles / week

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

Activity per Day

Do Silkins or Duskys require more exercise?

30 minutes

In general most Silkins usually need at least 30 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 Duskys 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, Silkins or Duskys?

Silkins 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.

The Dusky requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Silkin and Dusky dogs?

Daily

Ideally, Silkin should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Weekly

Dusky 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 Silkins and Duskys?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Silkin or Dusky in cups?

1.5 cups

For an average 8-11 pound (4 - 5 kg) Silkin feed 1.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

3 cups

For an average 25-55 pound (11 - 25 kg) Dusky 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.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Silkin or Dusky?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

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

$1.40 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Dusky is somewhere $1.40 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Silkin or Dusky?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Silkin is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $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.

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Dusky is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 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 Silkin and Dusky compare in sensitivity?

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

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Silkin or Dusky?

Silkins make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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

Child Friendly

Do Silkins or Duskys have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Silkin and Dusky are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Silkin or Dusky?

Cat Friendly

Do Silkin or Dusky breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Silkins are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Duskys are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Silkin or Dusky?

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

Duskys are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Silkin or Dusky dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Silkin or Dusky?

Silkins are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Duskys are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Silkin and Dusky?

Silkin and Dusky are playful dogs. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for Silkin and Dusky is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Silkins and Duskys compare?

Silkins are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Duskys are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.