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

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

Active
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Quick
Gentle
Tempered
Joyful
Sweet
Inquisitive
Easygoing

Affectionate
Inquisitive
Loving
Alert
Lively

Silkeses shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

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

Avoid Silkeses as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Rat Terriers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Uknown

United States

Silky Terrier and Maltese

Terrier, Whippet, Greyhound, Beagle

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®

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Unknown

1800s

A Silkese 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.

A Rat Terrier can have a litter of 15-18 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.

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

Rat Terriers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Patellar Luxation
Hypoglycemia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Diabetes
Portosystemic Shunt
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Demodectic Mange
Epilepsy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia
Teeth Issues

Eye Examination
Ear Examination
Urinalysis
Blood Count

Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Skin Evaluation

Silkeses' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Rat Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Silkeses need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Rat Terriers need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Rat Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Silkese dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

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

Playing fetch, Walking, Napping, Tug-of-war, Puzzle Toys, Walk, Barking, Jumping, Going on walks

Chase, Sniff, Bark, Trot, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Playing, Chasing, Jumping, Running, Walking, Play, Walk, Play keep away

Silkeses 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 Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Silkeses are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

Rat Terriers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

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

Rat Terriers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

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

Rat Terriers are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.