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

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

Playful
Alert
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Quick
Gentle
Joyful
Inquisitive
Cheerful

Active
Aloof
Dignified
Independent
Clownish
Happy
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Lively
Watchful

Silkchons are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Afghan Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Avoid Silkchons as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Afghan Sheepdogs aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Bichon Frise, Silky Terrier

Belgian Sheepdog and Afghan Hound

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

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Brown

Brown
Amber

Black

Black

Fawn
White
Silver
Cream

Black
Red
Brown

Silkchons are known for their coat length.

Afghan Sheepdogs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Wavy

Straight

A Silkchon 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 Afghan Sheepdog can have a litter of 6-10 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.

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

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

Patellar Luxation
Liver Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Tracheal Collapse
Diabetes
Cushing's Disease
Hyperadrenocorticism
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Allergies

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Pannus
Muscular Dystrophy
Hypothyroidism
Corneal Dystrophy

Chest X-rays
Full Body Physical Examination especially of the joints
Biochemistry Panel Tests
Clinical Exam
Eye and Ear Examination

Eye Examination
Skin Evaluation
Complete Physical Examination
Thyroid Panel
Abdominal Ultrasound

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

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

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

Afghan Sheepdog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

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

Afghan Sheepdogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Afghan Sheepdogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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

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

Silkchons are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Silkchon dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

Afghan Sheepdogs 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 Silkchon, it's at least 4 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 Afghan Sheepdog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Silkchons 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 Afghan Sheepdogs 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.

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

Afghan Sheepdogs 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.

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

Afghan Sheepdog 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
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 9-12 pound (4 - 5 kg) Silkchon 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.

For an average 50-60 pound (23 - 27 kg) Afghan Sheepdog feed 2.8 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 Silkchon is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of an Afghan Sheepdog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Silkchon 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.

The average per month expenses of an Afghan Sheepdog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 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.

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

Afghan Sheepdogs are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

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

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

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

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

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

Afghan Sheepdogs are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.