Silky Terrier vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Silky Terrier vs German Spaniel - Breed ComparisonGerman Spaniel is originated from Germany but Silky Terrier is originated from Australia. German Spaniel may grow 28 cm / 12 inches higher than Silky Terrier. German Spaniel may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Silky Terrier. Both German Spaniel and Silky Terrier has almost same life span. Both German Spaniel and Silky Terrier has almost same litter size. Both German Spaniel and Silky Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
undefined
Germany
Australia
Height Male:
45 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Height Female:
45 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Deutscher Wachtelhund, German Quail Dog
Silky Toy Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier
Colors Available:
copper, Brown, reddish brown with white
Tan and silvery grey
Coat:
Medium to long - wavy or curly
Long, straight and silky
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

german spanielLooking like a smaller version of the Red Setter, the German Spaniel, known also as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog, hails from Germany.

It isn't a new dog breed and in fact it was developed around 1890 already. Used as a hunting dog, the German Spaniel isn’t well known outside of Germany, but it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

There are a number of breeds which feature in the development of the German Spaniel, and one of the more prominent dog breeds used for the modern day German Spaniel is the extinct Stoeberer. The Stoeberer was crossed with water dogs and sporting spaniels to bring about the modern German Spaniel as we know it today.

It was in 1903 that the dog was recognized as a breed, and in the 1960s and 1970s the dogs were imported into the United States.

silky terrierIt is the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier which are the ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier. This is by no means a new dog breed. It is believed that the breed came into existence at the end of the 19th century.

The dog’s purpose is to be a companion. This little canine wasn’t always known as the Silky Terrier, but in 1955 the name became officially Silky Terrier.

The breed is also recognized by the Australia National Kennel Council in the Toy Group. In fact the breed is recognised by a number of the major kennel clubs as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

german spaniel puppy - descriptionAs a medium-sized, muscular dog which stands at roughly 45cm to 54cm in height and weighs 18 – 25kg, the German Spaniel is a sporty gun dog who has a long back in relation to his height.

The ears are long and floppy with wavy or curly hair that will need to be attended to so as to avoid matting.

He has a long, wavy or curly weather-resistant coat, being short on the head but with feathering around the legs and stomach. Color of the coat includes brown, reddish brown and white. The white markings can be found on the chest of the dog, the legs, tails and muzzle. `

Temperament:

The German Spaniel loves to work and be busy and if he can be included in his human family’s activities, then so much the better. He is a social dog and gets on well with other dogs as well as children in the home. The German Spaniel is an intelligent dog and easily trained. In fact training and socialization are important for him, making him obedient and a pleasure to have around.

silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small dog breed, standing at just 21 to 26cm in height and weighing in the region of 4 to 5kg. He may be a toy dog, but he is robust and athletic.

The ears of the Silky are small and erect with a lot of silky hair that hangs down and the tail is preferably docked and held high.

His coat is eye-catching – straight, long, silky and shiny. If it is left unclipped, it will reach the floor. The colour of the coat is a tan and silvery grey.

Temperament:

The temperament of any dog is affected by things such as heredity, upbringing and the training and socialization he receives.

Small he may be, but the Silky Terrier can benefit from training as he is feisty and strong willed.

He is energetic and always ready for action. He is ready to come bounding after you and join his human family for any action they’re into. He is playful, bold, loyal, tenacious, independent, social and lively and he makes a good playmate for children.

He might tend to be a bit snappy and aggressive towards other dogs. He is also great as a watchdog, barking and alerting you to strangers.

Characteristics

german spaniel dog - characteristicsThe German Spaniel makes a wonderful family pet. He is friendly and sociable, getting along well with just about all dogs and people. He loves his human family, wanting to be involved in all their activities.

He is an active dog, used to hunting and being outdoors and he will therefore require a good deal of exercise from his owners, otherwise he becomes bored and frustrated and even destructive.

He is an adaptable dog, living in the city or the countryside, but wherever he is, exercise is important. Docile and non-aggressive, he has got all the characteristics that make him a splendid family pet.

silky terrier dog - characteristicsThe silky terrier is a good choice for those who want a smallish dog but one which is robust and adventurous.

Your Silky is a loyal dog who loves spending time with his human family, wanting their companionship.

He will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as he is bright and intelligent. He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but will need to be well exercised wherever he is.

Health Problems

german spaniel puppies - health problemsHealth problems are fairly unknown with the robust German Spaniel, and if well cared for, he can reach 12 to 15 years of age.

There are always one or two hereditary health concerns, and the health issues that affect the breed the most are hip dysplasia, skin allergies and splayed feet.

The American Kennel Club tells us that this type of foot is flat, with spreading toes. It is a fault in your pet because it doesn’t support his weight well, causing health problems later on for your pet. This is why it is so important to have your pet’s nails clipped from time to time, because long nails can turn a good paw into a splayed one, actually injuring the tendons.

silky terrier puppies - health problemsJust like most other dogs, the Silky Terrier isn’t likely to get sick easily, but he can still succumb to any one of the dog illnesses there are.

Diabetes:

This is when your pet isn’t able to regulate blood sugar levels. Your dog will be drinking a lot more water than usual and also be urinating more often. The vet will explain to you a special diet for your pet and how the disease can be controlled with insulin.

Tracheal Collapse: 

This is a disease seen more often in smaller dogs like the Silky. It is caused by an obstruction in the airway and symptoms can include labored breathing and coughing. Your dog will need to be treated with anti-biotics and possibly surgery.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

german spaniel dogs - caringShedding quite heavily and seasonally, the German Spaniel’s thick coat will require being brushed twice a week to keep it shiny and healthy. He loves the attention you give him at the same time.

There are some German Spaniel owners who like to take their dogs in for professional grooming, requesting that the coat be cut short all round.

The long ears of your German Spaniel, especially if your pet spends a lot of time swimming, can be permanently damp, picking up dirt easily. Check inside the ears and make sure they are dry and clean to prevent ear infections.

Make sure to brush his teeth 2 or 3x a week as well because plaque build up leads to dental disease but it also negatively affects other body organs too, shortening your pet’s life.

Diet:

Every dog, just like any human being, requires good nutrition, fresh water and warm, dry sleeping facilities to remain happy and to give him a good chance at longevity.

Apart from the very best commercially manufactured dog foods, ensure he occasionally gets some raw meat in as well as some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken. These can be added into his kibble.

●Grooming:

silky terrier dogs - caringYou can imagine that with that silky hair, you’re going to have to be brushing your furry friend quite a bit. It’s such soft, silky hair that it easily picks up burrs and gets matted. You may want to get your pet to a professional groomer to have the hair cut. As you brush him, check for any unusual lumps and keep an eye on his skin.

Check your pet’s teeth. Bad teeth can cause bacteria that can affect every part of your dog’s body. Check inside his ears for redness and check his eyes that there is no discharge. Trim the nails. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do all these things for him, make an appointment with the professional pet groomers who will do it for you.

● Diet:

The Silky Terrier will need quality food if you want him to enjoy a long, healthy life. Its always a good idea to have some of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods with you for convenience. If you want to give him the best there is, some home-made food will be a good choice, if you keep it simple.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple without any exotic spices that could upset his stomach. Your dog will lap it up and you will see how he loves it. Chop the home-made food up and add some of it into his dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. German Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. German Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. German Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. German Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. German Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. German Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. German Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. German Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. German Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. German Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. German Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. German Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. German Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. German Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. German Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. German Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. German Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. German Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. German Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. German Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. German Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. German Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. German Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. German Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. German Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Silky Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Silky Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Silky Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Silky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Silky Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Silky Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Silky Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Silky Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Silky Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Silky Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Silky Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Silky Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Silky Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Silky Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Silky Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Silky Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Silky Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Silky Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Silky Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Silky Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Silky Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Silky Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Silky Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison