Whippet vs. Silkin: Breed Differences and Similarities

Whippet

Whippet

Silkin

Silkin

Hypoallergenic

Are Whippets or Silkins hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Whippet 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 Whippet and Silkin dogs?

Affectionate
Gentle
Lively
Friendly
Intelligent
Quiet
Outright
Adaptable
Companionable

Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Loyal
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive

Shedding Level

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

2 / 5

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

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Whippet or Silkin?

3 / 5

Whippets are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

1 / 5

Avoid Silkins as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Whippet and Silkin breeds?

terrier, greyhound, spaniel

Silky Terrier, Japanese Chin

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Whippet and Silkin?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian 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 Whippet and Silkin breeds first developed?

1800s

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Whippet and Silkin dogs?

Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Whippet and Silkin?

Black

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

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

Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Red
Brindle

Black
Brown
White
Cream

Coat Length

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

2 / 5

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

3 / 5

Silkins have medium-length coats.

Coat Density

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

2 / 5

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Whippet and Silkin?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Whippet and Silkin?

A Whippet can have a litter of 12-15 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

Whippets 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 Whippet and Silkin, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

Whippet and Silkin 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 Whippet and Silkin breeds?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Von Willebrand's Disease
Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
Corneal Dystrophy

Ear Infections
Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Diabetes

Minor Concerns

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

Cataracts
Lens Luxation

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

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Whippet and Silkin breeds?

Blood Test
Dna For Vwd
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 Whippets and Silkins compare?

5 / 5

Whippets thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

3 / 5

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

Social Needs

Whippet vs Silkin social needs comparison

3 / 5

Whippet has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

5 / 5

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

Exercise Needed

Whippet vs Silkin exercise need comparison.

3 / 5

Whippets need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

1 / 5

Silkins require minimal physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

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

1 / 5

Whippets are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

4 / 5

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

Tendency to Bark

Do Whippets or Silkins bark more/less frequently?

1 / 5

Whippet and 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

Mouthiness Comparison: Whippet vs Silkin?

4 / 5

Roaming urge

Whippet vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Prey Drive

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

5 / 5

3 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Whippets or Silkins?

Whippets 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

3 / 5

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Whippet or Silkin walk each week?

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

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

Do Whippets or Silkins require more exercise?

In general most Whippets 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.

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

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Whippets or Silkins?

1 / 5

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

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 Whippet and Silkin dogs?

In general Whippet should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

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

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Whippets and Silkins?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

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

For an average 25-40 pound (11 - 18 kg) Whippet feed 2.8 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, Whippet or Silkin?

The average cost of a Whippet 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, Whippet or Silkin?

The average per month expenses of a Whippet 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: Whippets vs Silkins

3 / 5

Whippet 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 Whippet and Silkin compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Whippet vs Silkin?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Apartment Friendly

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

5 / 5

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

Child Friendly

Do Whippets or Silkins have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

Silkins have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Senior-friendly

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

4 / 5

3 / 5

Cat Friendly

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

1 / 5

Whippets are not cat friendly.

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: Whippet or Silkin?

3 / 5

{Whippets 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 Whippet or Silkin dogs interact with other pets?

1 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

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

3 / 5

Whippets 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 Whippet and Silkin?

3 / 5

Whippets have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

4 / 5

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

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Whippets and Silkins compare?

4 / 5

Whippet 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.

Compare Whippet with other breeds