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

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

Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Loyal
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive

Playful
Agile
Sensitive
Intelligent
Affectionate
Gentle
Companionable
Cheerful
Athletic
Mischievous

Silky Terrier, Japanese Chin

Bichon Frise and Italian Greyhound

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®

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Unknown

2000's

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Black
Brown
White
Cream

Cream
Fawn
Sable
White

Silkins have medium-length coats.

Italian-Bichons have short coats.

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.

An Italian-Bichon can have a litter of 2-5 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.

Silkins are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Italian-Bichons are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Ear Infections
Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Diabetes

Urolithiasis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

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

Cataracts
Shaker Dog Syndrome

Physical Examination
Blood Count
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Eye and Ear Examination

Urinalysis
Blood Count
Ophthalmologic Examination
Blood Chemistry

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

Italian-Bichon has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Silkins require minimal physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.

Italian-Bichons need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Italian-Bichons have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Silkins are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Italian-Bichons bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

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.

Italian-Bichons 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.

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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Italian-Bichon, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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.

In general most Italian-Bichons 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.

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.

The Italian-Bichon requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

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

Italian-Bichon 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

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Scissors
Nail Clipper

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.

For an average 12-18 pound (5 - 8 kg) Italian-Bichon 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.

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

The average cost of an Italian-Bichon is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

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.

The average per month expenses of an Italian-Bichon 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.

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

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

Silkins make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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

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

Italian-Bichons are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

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

Italian-Bichons are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.