Appearance of the Silkin
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The Silkin is a small dog, averaging between 3.5 and 5 kilos in weight and measuring up to 28 centimeters in height. This hybrid has an abundance of straight, silky fur of medium to long length. These small dogs have different coat colors, such as chocolate, black, white, cream and mixed colors. They have slightly rounded heads and short, flat muzzles. Its eyes are large and rounded, and its nose is small. The Silkin has a compact body with slender legs and small paws. Its ears are often floppy, but some Silkin dogs may have pointed ears. The tail is of medium length and covered with short hair. |
Temperament of the Silkin
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The Silkin is a cheerful, playful and loyal dog. They are highly intelligent and curious dogs, not afraid to explore every nook and cranny. They're likely to open doors and drawers to explore what's inside. The Silkin is a very affectionate dog, a true lapdog, and doesn't like to be left alone for long periods. He needs company and attention to keep him happy and cheerful. These dogs are generally good with children and with other dogs and animals, but early socialization is important to avoid “small dog syndrome”, which translates into growling, jumping, chewing, barking, etc. The Silkin may have a taste for hunting and chasing small animals, as does the Australian Silky Terrier. |
Needs and activities of the Silkin
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Although the Silkin doesn't require a great deal of physical activity, it's still an energetic dog, which means it needs daily exercise to expend its energy and stay healthy. A short 15-20 minute walk twice a day, or a fun outing to the park, will keep them happy and fit. Your hybrid will also appreciate a fun game of fetch indoors. These affectionate little dogs are not suited to life outdoors, as they need to be with their families and suffer from separation anxiety. What's more, being such a small, delicate dog makes it vulnerable to predators and larger dogs. |
Maintenance of the Silkin
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The Silkin's coat is abundant and straight with a silky texture. The length of its coat is medium to long, making it prone to tangling. Prompt daily brushing will prevent tangles and matting. Frequent brushing will also help keep your home free of dog hair. These dogs are generally very clean, so they don't need to be bathed too often - a monthly bath will suffice. It's important to brush the dog before bathing, as the hair will be more difficult to treat and remove once the dog is wet. Similarly, it's highly recommended to brush his teeth several times a week, especially with small dogs, to avoid dental problems and bad breath. The Silkin should have its nails trimmed once or twice a month, and its ears checked weekly to avoid dirt and excess moisture. |