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

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

Active
Playful
Happy
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Responsive
Quick
Lively
Gentle
Joyful
Inquisitive

Playful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Social
Tenacious
Cheerful

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

Border Springers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Avoid Silky Tzus as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Border Springers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

United States

United States

Shih Tzu and Silky Terrier

English Springer Spaniel and Border Collie

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®

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

A Silky Tzu 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 Border Springer can have a litter of 4-10 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.

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

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

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

Border Springers typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Spongiform Leukodystrophy
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Seborrhea
Hip Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly

Otitis Externa
Patellar Luxation
Urolithiasis
Tracheal Collapse

Ectropion
Cataracts
Pannus
Diabetes
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Corneal Dystrophy

Eye
Skeletal
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Hip and Knee
Blood and Urine Protein Screens

Eye
Hip
Blood
Heart
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Skin Scraping
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Silky Tzus are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

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

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

Border Springers require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

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

Border Springers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

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

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

Trick training, Play

Fetch, Spending time, Walk, Run, Grooming, Training, Tug-of-war, Petting, Walking, Jogging, Hiking, Chase the ball

Silky Tzus have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Border Springers 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.

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

Border Springer is highly intelligent and very trainable.

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.

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

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

Silky Tzus have an average level of friendliness towards children.

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

Silky Tzus are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Border Springers are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Silky Tzus are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Border Springers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

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

Border Springers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.