West Highland Doxie vs. Silkin: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are West Highland Doxies or Silkins hypoallergenic, or neither?

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

Temperament

What are the personalities of West Highland Doxie and Silkin dogs?

Playful
Stubborn
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Devoted
Lively
Clever

Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Loyal
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive

Shedding Level

Do West Highland Doxies shed more than Silkins, or which breed sheds more, West Highland Doxies or Silkins?

1 / 5

West Highland Doxies shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

2 / 5

Silkins are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the West Highland Doxie or Silkin?

2 / 5

West Highland Doxies aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

1 / 5

Avoid Silkins as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Ancestry

What are the origins of West Highland Doxie and Silkin breeds?

Dachshund, West Highland White Terrier

Silky Terrier, Japanese Chin

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register West Highland Doxie and Silkin?

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

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 West Highland Doxie and Silkin breeds first developed?

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of West Highland Doxie and Silkin dogs?

Blue
Hazel
Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of West Highland Doxie and Silkin?

Black
Brown
Isabella

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for West Highland Doxie and Silkin breeds?

White
Black
Brown
Red
Isabella
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Black
Brown
White
Cream

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for West Highland Doxie and Silkin breeds?

3 / 5

The coat of West Highland Doxie and Silkin dogs falls in the medium-length category.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of West Highland Doxie and Silkin?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of West Highland Doxie and Silkin?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for West Highland Doxie and Silkin?

A West Highland Doxie 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.

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

5 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Health Issues

Between West Highland Doxie and Silkin, which breed is more prone to health problems?

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

While the Silkin 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 West Highland Doxie and Silkin breeds?

Inguinal Hernias
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Copper Toxicosis
Bloat
Addison's Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Ear Infections
Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Diabetes

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning West Highland Doxie and Silkin?

Deafness
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Cushing's Disease
Craniomandibular Osteopathy

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

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for West Highland Doxie and Silkin breeds?

Hip
Knee
Hearing
Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
(Dna Test For Pra)
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

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

Energy

How do the energy levels of West Highland Doxies and Silkins compare?

1 / 5

West Highland Doxies have low energy levels, ideal for a relaxed lifestyle.

3 / 5

Silkins are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

West Highland Doxie vs Silkin social needs comparison

4 / 5

West Highland Doxie has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

5 / 5

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

Exercise Needed

West Highland Doxie vs Silkin exercise need comparison.

2 / 5

West Highland Doxies need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

1 / 5

Silkins require minimal physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: West Highland Doxie or Silkin?

3 / 5

West Highland Doxies have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

4 / 5

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

Tendency to Bark

Do West Highland Doxies or Silkins bark more/less frequently?

4 / 5

The West Highland Doxie is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

1 / 5

Silkins are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: West Highland Doxie vs Silkin?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Roaming urge

West Highland Doxie vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Prey Drive

West Highland Doxie or Silkin - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

5 / 5

3 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, West Highland Doxies or Silkins?

West Highland Doxies 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.

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

2 / 5

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should West Highland Doxie or Silkin walk each week?

West Highland Doxie and Silkin generally need a minimum of 7 miles of walking per week, but it can be increased as long as they are comfortable with it.

Activity per Day

Do West Highland Doxies or Silkins require more exercise?

Both West Highland Doxie and Silkin typically require a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, West Highland Doxies or Silkins?

3 / 5

The West Highland Doxie requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

4 / 5

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.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for West Highland Doxie and Silkin dogs?

Ideally, both West Highland Doxie and Silkin should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) to improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for West Highland Doxies and Silkins?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to West Highland Doxie or Silkin in cups?

For an average 14-28 pound (6 - 13 kg) West Highland Doxie feed 1.6 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

Which breed has a higher daily cost, West Highland Doxie or Silkin?

The average cost of a West Highland Doxie is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

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

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, West Highland Doxie or Silkin?

The average per month expenses of a West Highland Doxie 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.

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.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: West Highland Doxies vs Silkins

3 / 5

West Highland Doxie and Silkin have average obedience intelligence, but they're also independent thinkers. This breed is known for having an exceptionally high IQ, which means they may get into trouble if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How do West Highland Doxie and Silkin compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

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

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: West Highland Doxie vs Silkin?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: West Highland Doxie or Silkin?

4 / 5

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

5 / 5

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

Child Friendly

Do West Highland Doxies or Silkins have a friendlier temperament towards children?

3 / 5

West Highland Doxie and Silkin are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - West Highland Doxie or Silkin?

3 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do West Highland Doxie or Silkin breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

West Highland Doxies are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

4 / 5

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

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: West Highland Doxie or Silkin?

3 / 5

{West Highland Doxies and 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 West Highland Doxie or Silkin dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: West Highland Doxie or Silkin?

3 / 5

West Highland Doxies are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

4 / 5

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

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between West Highland Doxie and Silkin?

4 / 5

West Highland Doxie and Silkin are playful dogs. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for West Highland Doxie and 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

How do the trainability levels of West Highland Doxies and Silkins compare?

4 / 5

West Highland Doxie and 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.