Irish Dane vs. Silky Cairn: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Danes or Silky Cairns hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the Irish Dane 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, Silky Cairns are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Irish Dane and Silky Cairn dogs?

Loving
Dignified
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Patient
Loyal
Devoted
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Reserved
Generous
Thoughtful

Active
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
Fearless
Assertive

Shedding Level

Do Irish Danes shed more than Silky Cairns, or which breed sheds more, Irish Danes or Silky Cairns?

3 / 5

Irish Danes are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

2 / 5

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

Ancestry

What are the origins of Irish Dane and Silky Cairn breeds?

Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane

Cairn Terrier, Silky Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Irish Dane and Silky Cairn?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

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

Date of Birth

When were Irish Dane and Silky Cairn breeds first developed?

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Irish Dane and Silky Cairn dogs?

Brown

Hazel
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Irish Dane and Silky Cairn?

Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

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

Brindle
Sable
Cream
Red
Gray
Silver
Fawn
Blue
White
Black

Black
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Gray
Blue
White
Silver
Brindle

Coat Length

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

3 / 5

The coat of Irish Dane and Silky Cairn dogs falls in the medium-length category.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Irish Dane and Silky Cairn?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Irish Dane and Silky Cairn?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Irish Dane and Silky Cairn?

An Irish Dane can have a litter of 10-15 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.

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.

Adaptability

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Health Issues

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

5 / 5

The Irish Dane breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

3 / 5

While the Silky Cairn breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Irish Dane and Silky Cairn breeds?

Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Cardiomyopathy
Canine Hip Dysplasia

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

Minor Concerns

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

Osteosarcoma
Myotonia

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

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Irish Dane and Silky Cairn breeds?

Radiographs
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Blood And Urine Analysis
Orthopedic Exam
Ocular Exam
Cardiac Test
Electromyography (EMG)
Muscle Biopsy
Blood Panel
Bone Biopsy

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

Social Needs

Irish Dane vs Silky Cairn social needs comparison

4 / 5

Irish Dane has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

5 / 5

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

Sleeping Need

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

3 / 5

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

2 / 5

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

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Irish Dane vs Silky Cairn?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Irish Dane vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

Prey Drive

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

4 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Irish Danes or Silky Cairns?

Both Irish Dane and Silky Cairn 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

2 / 5

1 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Irish Dane or Silky Cairn walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Dane, it's at least 9 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 Silky Cairn, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Irish Danes or Silky Cairns require more exercise?

In general most Irish Danes usually need at least 90 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 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.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Irish Danes or Silky Cairns?

2 / 5

The Irish Dane has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

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.

Brushing Frequency

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

Irish Dane and Silky Cairn 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 Irish Danes and Silky Cairns?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

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

For an average 120-150 pound (54 - 68 kg) Irish Dane feed 4 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 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.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Irish Dane or Silky Cairn?

The average cost of an Irish Dane is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

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

Monthly Cost

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

The average per month expenses of an Irish Dane is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 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 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.

Sensitivity Level

How do Irish Dane and Silky Cairn compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Irish Dane and Silky Cairn need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

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

4 / 5

Irish Dane and Silky Cairn are apartment-friendly dog breeds. They can do perfectly well in apartments providing they are sufficiently exercised and taken out and about as part of their owner's daily lifestyle.

Child Friendly

Do Irish Danes or Silky Cairns have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Irish Dane and Silky Cairn are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

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

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

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

3 / 5

Irish Danes and Silky Cairns are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

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

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Pet friendly

How do Irish Dane or Silky Cairn dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

Stranger Friendly

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

3 / 5

Irish Dane and Silky Cairn are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Irish Dane and Silky Cairn?

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

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

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Irish Danes and Silky Cairns compare?

3 / 5

Irish Danes are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

4 / 5

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