Is the Boykin Spaniel or the Silken Windhound better for families with children?

The Boykin Spaniel tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Silken Windhound?

The Boykin Spaniel and Silken Windhound shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Boykin Spaniel or the Silken Windhound?

The Boykin Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Boykin Spaniel or Silken Windhound bigger?

Boykin Spaniel and Silken Windhound are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Boykin Spaniel or Silken Windhound?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Boykin Spaniel or Silken Windhound?

For apartment or apartment living, Boykin Spaniel and Silken Windhound are an even match — either can work well.

Boykin Spaniel vs Silken Windhound: Which Trains Easier?

Boykin Spaniel vs Silken Windhound: full comparison

Trait	Boykin Spaniel	Silken Windhound
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Boykin Spaniel is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Silken Windhound is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Boykin Spaniel demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Silken Windhound demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Boykin Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Silken Windhound needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Boykin Spaniel learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Silken Windhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Boykin Spaniel is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Silken Windhound is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Boykin Spaniel and Silken Windhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Boykin Spaniel has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Boykin Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Silken Windhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Boykin Spaniel and Silken Windhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Boykin Spaniel if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Silken Windhound if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Boykin Spaniel on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Boykin Spaniel or the Silken Windhound better for families with children?: The Boykin Spaniel tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Silken Windhound?: The Boykin Spaniel and Silken Windhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Boykin Spaniel or the Silken Windhound?: The Boykin Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Boykin Spaniel or Silken Windhound bigger?: Boykin Spaniel and Silken Windhound are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Boykin Spaniel or Silken Windhound?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Boykin Spaniel or Silken Windhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Boykin Spaniel and Silken Windhound are an even match — either can work well.

Boykin Spaniel vs Silken Windhound