Silkin

also known as Silky Chin

Breed Information


Type

Is Silkin a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Silkins originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Silkins Live? What is average life expectancy for a Silkin? How long can Silkins live?

11-15 years

The average Silkin lifespan is somewhere between 11-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Silkin Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Silkin?

What is the average height of a Silkin? How big is a Cross Breed Silkin height? Silkin dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 9-11 inches (22.9 - 27.9 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm)
Female 8-10 inches (20.3 - 25.4 cm) 6.0 inches (15.2 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a Silkin? How much should Silkins weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 8-11 pounds (4 - 5 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 8.5 pounds (4 kg)
Female 6-10 pounds (3 - 5 kg) 5.5 pounds (2 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 7.5 pounds (3 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Silkins Hypoallergenic?

No

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

Temperament

What is a Silkin personality? What are Silkin dogs best known for?

Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Loyal
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive

Shedding Level

Are Silkins heavy shedders? How Much Does a Silkin Shed?

Silkin dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Silkin dog?

The Silkin breed is one of the worst choice if you want a good watchdog.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Silkins descended from?

Silky Terrier, Japanese Chin

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Silkin breed?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were Silkins first bred? How old is the Silkin breed?

Unknown

Silkin Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Silkin eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Silkin nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Silkin coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
White
Cream

Coat Length

How long is a Silkins coat?

The coat of a Silkin falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Silkin Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Silkin?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Silkin have in a litter? How many puppies can a Silkin have in her first litter?

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.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Silkin dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Silkin Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Silkins have a lot of health problems?

The Silkin is 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 to be aware of when owning a Silkin?

Ear Infections
Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Diabetes

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Silkins?

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

Occasional Diagnoses

Epilepsy
Collapsed Trachea

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Silkin breed?

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

Silkin Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Silkins have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Silkins may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Silkins need socialization? How social are Silkins?

Silkin have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Silkins get?

The Silkin is a breed that requires minimal physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Silkin have? Do Silkins sleep a lot?

The Silkin breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Silkins are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Mouthiness

Are Silkins mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Silkin running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Silkin dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Silkin? How much energy does a Silkin have?

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.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Silkin walk each week? How many miles should a Silkin walk every 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.

Activity per Day

How much a Silkin should exercise a day? How much activity does a Silkin need?

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.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Silkin?

The Silkin is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Silkin?

Daily

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

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Silkins?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Silkin eat?

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.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Silkin Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

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

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Silkin Cost Per Month?

$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.

Silkin Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Silkin?

Silkins has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Silkin is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Silkin dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Silkin dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Silkin do well in apartments? Are Silkins good indoor dogs?

Silkins are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Silkins good with kids? Are Silkins good around children?

Silkins are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Silkins good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Silkins good with cats? How friendly Silkins are toward cats?

Silkins are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Silkin dogs get along with other dogs? Are Silkins OK with other dogs?

Silkins are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Silkin dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Silkins friendly with strangers?

Silkins are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Silkins like to play? Are Silkins playful?

The Silkin is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Silkin 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

Are Silkin easily trained?

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