The Silkshund is a mix of the Dachshund and the Silky Terrier. Both of these canines have a hunting background, so we have a fair idea about the Silkshund’s personality. We know that the Silkshund will be human-friendly and a cute little companion.
We also know that with the right training, the Silkshund can become a good watchdog. There are a lot of other things that we believe you should know about this canine, and the following section will help you understand them.
Silkshund History
The Silkshund was most likely created to be a companion-cum-extermination dog. We came to this conclusion after going through the roles of its parents. The Silky Terrier was created after crossing two different terriers, the Australian Terrier, and the Yorkshire Terrier. These canines were gorgeous and resourceful, which allowed them to gain a strong foothold in farms throughout Australia and Europe.
The Dachshund was a German canine bred to get rid of burrowing animals. Badgers and other burrowing animals would elude and escape infuriated farmers and hunters by burrowing into the ground. The people needed a canine that could fight these animals on their terms. They created the Dachshund, a canine small enough to follow these pests underground, with a body strong enough to fight them.
Silkshund Characteristics
The Silkshund is a mixed breed, so we don’t know much about its appearance. However, we know that it will have a medium-length or slightly short coat. The colors for this canine’s coat will vary between Brown, Black, White, and Blue. The ears of this canine will be floppy and medium long. It will have more of a log-shaped body if it takes after the Dachshund. They should have a medium-length muzzle and firm jaw.
How Big do Silkshund Get
The Silkshund is a small canine with the Dachshund’s chunkiness. The Silkshund will be between 11 to 14 inches tall and 9 to 10 lbs heavy. The weight of the Silkshund should be kept within the range by keeping its diet as healthy as possible.
How Long Does Silkshund Live
The lifespan of the Silkshund has not been documented. However, based on the parent’s lifespan, we believe that the Silkshund will live between 12 and 14 years of age. It should be noted here that recklessness and carelessness about its lifestyle will lead to a contraction of its lifespan.
How Much Does a Silkshund Cost
We can get an accurate price range for the Silkshund by comparing the prices of other Silky Terrier mixes. We believe that the initial price of this canine will remain between $400 and $600. There are other costs for diet and healthcare that have to be taken care of later.
Silkshund Temperament/Personality
Since both of the parents have a hunting background, this canine will have a hard time tolerating small canines. You will have to keep away from small pets like mice, hamsters, and gerbils. You should also supervise it around cats. They won’t have any problems around humans, but children should be supervised around them since the Silkshund can be hurt quite easily.
Training the Silkshund will be easy enough if you know how to manage its stubbornness. Yes, this canine has nasty streaks of stubbornness that can make you go mad with rage. However, if you have some Dog Training Treats, you can easily bribe your canine into learning all of this. In the end, it all depends on how much you are willing to train your canine.
Caring for Silkshund
The following section answers all of the questions about the Silkshund’s diet and healthcare. If you are a first-time Silkshund owner, then you cannot afford to miss out on this section.
Silkshund Nutrition
The Silkshund is a small chunky canine. These canines need about 1 to 1.5 cups of food every day. We do not recommend giving it more than 1.5 cups because these canines gain weight very quickly. If your canine does gain weight, then you need to get some Dog Food for Weight Loss.
How to Groom a Silkshund
The Silkshund will need to have its coat brushed three to four times per week. You can brush its coat more often if you want to spend some extra quality time with your dog. You should bathe the Silkshund only when it needs a bath. Excessive bathing will destroy its skin and give it a bad case of redness and itchy skin. The Silkshund will need to have its nails trimmed, and its ears cleaned.
Silkshund Activity Levels
The Silkshund needs a fair bit of exercise. You will have to give it around an hour of exercise every day. The good news is that the exercise needs for the Silkshund are mildly intensive. You won’t have to push yourself when trying to deplete its energy. Give it basic exercises and walks to keep it healthy and happy.
Caring for Silkshund
If there is one thing that you should be keeping the Silkshund safe from, it’s bad weather. These canines cannot tolerate excessive heat or cold. We highly recommend keeping them safe from both. To keep it safe from heat, you can get Cooling Pads for Dogs.
To keep it safe from the icy bite of winter, we recommend getting a Dog Heating Pad. You could also get a Dog Sweater to make things simpler and more manageable. These small necessities hardly cost much, but the satisfaction they provide is limitless.
Silkshund Health
Small canines like the Silkshund aren’t entirely healthy. The Silkshund, in particular, has two physically different parents, which could make it more prone to skeletal conditions. You have to understand that canines like the Silkshund need extra care to maintain their health. The only way to save your canine from the plight of different conditions is to take it to a vet.
Ask the vet to run thorough tests on your canine. Once tested, the vet will let you know about any possible shortcomings. You can take care of those shortcomings or deficiencies with a good diet and medication recommended by the vet.
Breeds Similar to Silkshund
Best Dog Food for Silkshunds
The best dog food for Silkshund is Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food. This dog food has been manufactured with healthy ingredients. It includes chicken and turkey as key ingredients. This formula is rich in protein. So, pet owners can expect good muscle strength and growth for their dogs. Moreover, it also includes salmon oil, vegetables, and fruits for ensuring whole-body growth.
- Equipped with omega fatty acids, glucosamine, taurine, antioxidants, vitamins, chondroitin, and probiotics.
- Ensures optimal levels of calories for a healthy body.
- Free from all types of artificial ingredients, including preservatives, flavors, and colors.
Best Puppy Food for Silkshunds
The best puppy food for Silkshund is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This puppy food contains roasted venison, beef, and bison in the recipe with buffalo as the key first ingredient. It builds muscles and provides a healthy lifestyle to your pup.
- Contains K9 probiotics for healthy digestion.
- Includes omega fatty acids for healthier skin and a shinier coat.
- Improves overall health with antioxidants.
Best Dog Crate for Silkshunds
The best dog crate for Silkshund is Paws & Pals Oxgord Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate has everything that an owner wishes for. It comes with a divider panel that can be used for adjusting size.
- Provides higher durability through high tensile strength wires.
- Improves resistance against corrosion, fade, and rust with electro-coated wires.
- Easy to transport and carry.
Best Dog Bed for Silkshunds
The best dog bed for Silkshund is Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Sherpa Bolster Cat & Dog Bed. With this bed, relaxing sleep and higher comfort of your pal are guaranteed.
- Contains sidewalls for the headrest.
- Reduces accidents with dirt and water-resistant bottom.
- Relieves joint pain and pressure points.
Best Dog Harness for Silkshunds
The best dog harness for Silkshund is Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Nylon Step In Back Clip Dog Harness. This harness is made of premium nylon material that ensures higher strength and long-lasting use.
- Reliable fit through multiple adjustment points.
- Supports an easy and quick system for leash attachment through D rings.
- Put on and take off conveniently with buckles.
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