Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Field Spaniel Versus Silky Terrier: Introduction
- Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier: Overview
- Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier
- Temperament of the Silky Terrier Versus the Field Spaniel
- Price of Field Spaniel versus Price of Silky Terrier
- The Intelligence of the Field Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Silky Terrier
- The Popularity of Field Spaniel versus Popularity of Silky Terrier
- Health Problems of Field Spaniel versus Health Problems of Silky Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier
- Which one drools more, the Field Spaniel or the Silky Terrier
- Do Field Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Silky Terriers?
- Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Silky Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Do Field Spaniels shed more than Silky Terriers?
- Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Silky Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Field Spaniel or the Silky Terrier?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Field Spaniel or the Silky Terrier?
- Does the Field Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Silky Terrier?
- Are Field Spaniels good family dogs? What about Silky Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Field Spaniels and Silky Terriers?
- Is the Field Spaniel Easier to Train than the Silky Terrier?
- Wanderlust Potential: Field Spaniel vs. Silky Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Field Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Silky Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Field Spaniel Versus Silky Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Field Spaniel and for the Silky Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Field Spaniel or the Silky Terrier
Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Field Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Silky Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Field Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
On the other hand, the Silky Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Field Spaniel to the Silky Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
| Factor | Field Spaniel | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 37 to 45 pounds | 8 to 10 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $4640 | $1890 |
| Price Range | $2900 – $5000 | $1425 – $2075 |
| Temperament Score | 85.7 percent | 73.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 147 | 103 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 34 | 37 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Field Spaniel in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Silky Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for a Field Spaniel is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Silky Terrier is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Silky Terrier is a better pet than the Field Spaniel. So, you should get the Silky Terrier!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier
Below is a list of where the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier
The Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier.
Field Spaniels weigh 37 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Field Spaniels are 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s when fully grown.
On the other hand, Silky Terriers weigh 8 to 10 pounds when fully grown. Silky Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Temperament of the Silky Terrier Versus the Field Spaniel
The Field Spaniel has a better temperament than the Silky Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Field Spaniel is 85.7 percent while the temperament score for the Silky Terrier is 73.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 85.7 percent, the Field Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 73.7 percent, the Silky Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 14 Field Spaniels and 19 Silky Terriers.
Price of Field Spaniel versus Price of Silky Terrier
The average price of the Field Spaniel puppy is $4640. The price of the Field Spaniel typically ranges from $2900 – $5000. However, the price of a Field Spaniel can be as low as $1800 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 5 Field Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Silky Terrier puppy is $1890. The price of the Silky Terrier typically ranges from $1425 – $2075. However, the price of a Silky Terrier can be as low as $350 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 42 Silky Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Field Spaniel is more expensive than the Silky Terrier.
| Field Spaniel | Silky Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $4640 | $1890 |
| Price Range | $2900 to $5000 | $1425 to $2075 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Field Spaniel and Silky Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Field Spaniel puppies or how many Silky Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Field Spaniels. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Silky Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Field Spaniel puppy or the Silky Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Intelligence of the Field Spaniel versus the Intelligence of the Silky Terrier
| Field Spaniel | Silky Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 34 out of 130 dog breeds | 37 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Field Spaniel has an obedience intelligence rank of 34 out of 130 dog breeds. The Field Spaniel belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Field Spaniels tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Silky Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 37 out of 130 dog breeds. The Silky Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Silky Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Field Spaniel is more intelligent than the Silky Terrier.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Field Spaniel versus Popularity of Silky Terrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Silky Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Field Spaniel. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Silky Terrier is 103 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Field Spaniel is 147 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Field Spaniel
Popularity of Silky Terrier
| Year | Field Spaniel Popularity Rank | Silky Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 140 | 92 |
| 2014 | 137 | 101 |
| 2015 | 145 | 102 |
| 2016 | 147 | 100 |
| 2017 | 145 | 106 |
| 2018 | 149 | 112 |
| 2019 | 153 | 109 |
| 2020 | 160 | 108 |
Health Problems of Field Spaniel versus Health Problems of Silky Terrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Field Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Silky Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Field Spaniel than for the Silky Terrier.
6 health tests are recommended for Field Spaniel while 2 tests are recommended for the Silky Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Field Spaniels and in Silky Terriers.
Field Spaniel Health Problems
Field Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Field Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Field Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Field Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Field Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Field Spaniels here.
Silky Terrier Health Problems
Silky Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Silky Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Silky Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Silky Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Silky Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Silky Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Field Spaniels and Silky Terriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Field Spaniel Breed is Eyes problems.
This is because the Field Spaniel ranks 52 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 479 Field Spaniels, 10 of them had Eyes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Field Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Field Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Silky Terrier Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Silky Terrier ranks 22 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 109 Silky Terriers, 0 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Silky Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Silky Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Field Spaniel and in Silky Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier:
| Disease | Field Spaniel Rank | Silky Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 52 out of 182 dog breeds | 61 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 57 out of 159 dog breeds | 22 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 58 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 74 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 113 out of 145 dog breeds | 50 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 138 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Is the Field Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Silky Terrier?
Field Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Silky Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Tolerates Being Alone: Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier
Field Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Silky Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Which one drools more, the Field Spaniel or the Silky Terrier
Field Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Silky Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Do Field Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Silky Terriers?
Field Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Silky Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Field Spaniel or the Silky Terrier?
Field Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Silky Terriers are OK for new dog owners.
Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Silky Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Field Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Silky Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Do Field Spaniels shed more than Silky Terriers?
Field Spaniels shed moderately.
Silky Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Can Field Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Silky Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Field Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Silky Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Field Spaniel or the Silky Terrier?
Field Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Silky Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Field Spaniel or the Silky Terrier?
Field Spaniels are very easy to groom.
Silky Terriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Field Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Silky Terrier?
Field Spaniels have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Silky Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Are Field Spaniels good family dogs? What about Silky Terriers?
Field Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Silky Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Field Spaniels and Silky Terriers?
Field Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Silky Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Field Spaniel Easier to Train than the Silky Terrier?
Field Spaniels are very easy to train.
Silky Terriers are very easy to train.
Wanderlust Potential: Field Spaniel vs. Silky Terrier
Field Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Silky Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Field Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Field Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Field Spaniel:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Silky Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Silky Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Silky Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Field Spaniel and how the Silky Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Field Spaniel and of the Silky Terrier to other breeds:
Field Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Field Spaniel versus Pyrenean Shepherd Field Spaniel versus Saint Bernard Field Spaniel versus Chinese Shar-Pei Field Spaniel versus Finnish Spitz Field Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier Field Spaniel versus Doberman Pinscher Field Spaniel versus Pug Field Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Field Spaniel versus Neapolitan Mastiff Field Spaniel versus Finnish Spitz
Silky Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Silky Terrier versus Maltese Silky Terrier versus Canaan Dog Silky Terrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Silky Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff Silky Terrier versus Border Terrier Silky Terrier versus Akita Silky Terrier versus Bullmastiff Silky Terrier versus Canaan Dog Silky Terrier versus Chinese Crested
Conclusion: Field Spaniel versus Silky Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Field Spaniel and the Silky Terrier better suits you and your family.