Silky Cairn vs. Chow Chow: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Silky Cairns or Chow Chows hypoallergenic, or neither?

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Silky Cairns are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

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

Temperament

What are the personalities of Silky Cairn and Chow Chow dogs?

Active
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
Fearless
Assertive

Aloof
Loyal
Intelligent
Detached
Independent
Quiet
Protective

Shedding Level

Do Silky Cairns shed more than Chow Chows, or which breed sheds more, Silky Cairns or Chow Chows?

2 / 5

Silky Cairns are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

4 / 5

Chow Chows are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Silky Cairn and Chow Chow breeds?

Cairn Terrier, Silky Terrier

Tibetan Mastiff

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Silky Cairn and Chow Chow?

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

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
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

Date of Birth

When were Silky Cairn and Chow Chow breeds first developed?

Unknown

Ancient Times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Silky Cairn and Chow Chow dogs?

Hazel
Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Silky Cairn and Chow Chow?

Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Silky Cairn and Chow Chow breeds?

Black
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Gray
Blue
White
Silver
Brindle

Black
Red
Fawn
Cream
Blue

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Silky Cairn and Chow Chow breeds?

3 / 5

Silky Cairns have medium-length coats.

4 / 5

Chow Chows have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Silky Cairn and Chow Chow?

2 / 5

5 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Silky Cairn and Chow Chow?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Silky Cairn and Chow Chow?

A Silky Cairn can have a litter of 2-10 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 Chow Chow can have a litter of 13-15 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.

Adaptability

3 / 5

Silky Cairns have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

2 / 5

Chow Chows may have difficulty adjusting to changes in lifestyle and living environments, preferring consistency.

Health Issues

Between Silky Cairn and Chow Chow, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

Silky Cairn and Chow Chow 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 Silky Cairn and Chow Chow breeds?

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (Lion Jaw)

Entropion
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Silky Cairn and Chow Chow?

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Hemophilia
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency
Atopy

Stenotic Nares
Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Cataract
Elongated Palate
Persistent Pupillary Membrane

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Silky Cairn and Chow Chow breeds?

Eye Examinations
Blood Tests
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Electrocardiograph (ECG - measures rate and rhythm)

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Hip X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Social Needs

Silky Cairn vs Chow Chow social needs comparison

5 / 5

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

2 / 5

Chow Chow has below average social needs and is content with spending time alone.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Silky Cairn or Chow Chow?

2 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Silky Cairn vs Chow Chow?

3 / 5

5 / 5

Roaming urge

Silky Cairn vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

2 / 5

Prey Drive

Silky Cairn or Chow Chow - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Silky Cairn and Chow Chow entertained?

Road trip, Dog Parks, Hikes

Walking, Petting, 2 year, Playing, Barking, Cuddling, Gaurding, Playdate, Walk, Running, Sniffing, Chase, Play, Companionship

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Silky Cairns or Chow Chows?

Both Silky Cairn and Chow Chow are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

1 / 5

4 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Silky Cairn or Chow Chow walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silky Cairn, 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 Chow Chow, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Silky Cairns or Chow Chows require more exercise?

In general most Silky Cairns 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 Chow Chows usually need at least 45 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, Silky Cairns or Chow Chows?

4 / 5

Silky Cairns 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.

5 / 5

Chow Chows have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Silky Cairn and Chow Chow dogs?

Silky Cairn and Chow Chow 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 Silky Cairns and Chow Chows?

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Silky Cairn or Chow Chow in cups?

For an average 9-10 pound (4 - 5 kg) Silky Cairn feed 1 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 45-70 pound (20 - 32 kg) Chow Chow 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, Silky Cairn or Chow Chow?

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

The average cost of a Chow Chow is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Silky Cairn or Chow Chow?

The average per month expenses of a Silky Cairn is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $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.

The average per month expenses of a Chow Chow 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 Silky Cairn and Chow Chow compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

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

2 / 5

Chow Chows are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Silky Cairn or Chow Chow?

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Child Friendly

Do Silky Cairns or Chow Chows have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

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

2 / 5

Chow Chows are not the best choice for families with kids.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Silky Cairn or Chow Chow?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Silky Cairn or Chow Chow breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

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

2 / 5

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

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Silky Cairn or Chow Chow?

3 / 5

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

1 / 5

Chow Chows are not dog-friendly.

Pet friendly

How do Silky Cairn or Chow Chow dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

2 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Silky Cairn or Chow Chow?

3 / 5

Silky Cairns are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

1 / 5

Chow Chows are not very stranger friendly.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Silky Cairn and Chow Chow?

4 / 5

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

2 / 5

Chow Chows are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Silky Cairns and Chow Chows compare?

4 / 5

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

2 / 5

Chow Chows may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.