Silky Terrier vs Yorkie: A Comprehensive Breed Comparison Guide

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you're likely torn between two adorable and spunky breeds: the Silky Terrier and the Yorkie. Both are small, energetic dogs with big personalities.

The Silky Terrier is a bit larger than the Yorkie, weighing in at 8-11 pounds, while the Yorkie tips the scales at 7-15 pounds. This difference in size may seem minor, but it can make a big difference in terms of exercise needs and living situations.

Despite their small size, both breeds are known for their bold and affectionate nature. They make great companions for active families or individuals who enjoy spending time outdoors.

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The Silky Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier share a rich history that's worth exploring. The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-1800s in Northern England, specifically Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Their ancestors were a mix of Skyes, Dandie Dinmonts, and Maltese dogs. The breed's unique combination of confidence, energetic nature, and tiny bodies made them perfect for squeezing into tight spaces, where they worked as exterminators in textile mills and coal mines.

In the early 1900s, the Australian Silky Terrier was developed by combining Yorkshire Terriers with the native Australian Terrier. This mix was initially known as the Australian Yorkshire Terrier, but was later recognized as a distinct breed.

The Australian Silky Terrier has a unique history that sets it apart from other breeds. It was bred in Australia from local Terriers, specifically the Australian Terrier.

Yorkshire Terriers, on the other hand, were brought to Northern England by Scottish weavers. This brought them to a new part of the world, where they would eventually become popular lap dogs.

One of the key differences between the Silky Terrier and the Yorkie is their size. Silky Terriers are generally larger than Yorkies.

Their head shape and size also differ, with Silky Terriers having narrower heads and longer muzzles compared to Yorkies.

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The Silky Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier breeds have a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s in Northern England.

Yorkshire Terriers were developed during this time, specifically in Yorkshire and Lancashire, and were initially bred to catch rodents in textile mills and coal mines. Their tiny bodies and energetic nature made them perfect for squeezing into tight spaces.

Their ancestors included Skyes, Dandie Dinmonts, and Maltese dogs, and they quickly gained popularity as lap dogs among England's upper classes. Huddersfield Ben, a show dog from 1865, is revered as the father of all Yorkshire Terriers.

The Australian Silky Terrier was developed in the early 1900s by combining Yorkshire Terriers with native Australian Terriers and other breeds like Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and Skye Terriers. This mix resulted in a distinct breed known as the Silky Terrier.

The Silky Terrier was initially known as the Australian Yorkshire Terrier, but was later recognized as a distinct breed in New South Wales in 1906 and Victoria in 1909. A comprehensive breed standard was developed in 1926, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959.

On a similar theme: Types of Yorkie Terriers

Silky Terriers have a less-rounded, more wedge-shaped head than Yorkies, with a longer muzzle but equally cute black button noses.

Their eyes are dark and shiny, complete with intelligent, thoughtful expressions. Yorkie ears are sometimes smaller than Silky's, but are equally pointy and standing up and alert at all times.

Silky Terriers can grow up to 9-10 inches tall and weigh in at 10 pounds in adulthood, making them slightly bigger than Yorkies.

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Silky Terriers are generally bigger than Yorkies, growing up to 9-10 inches tall and weighing in at 10 pounds.

Yorkies are smaller, growing up to between 7 and 8 inches tall.

The weight difference between the two breeds is significant, with Silkies weighing around 8-12 pounds, and Yorkies weighing up to 7 pounds.

The weight of a Silky can reach up to 14 pounds after eating, but its average proper weight is around 12 pounds when it reaches maturity.

You may find that Silkies from different breeders can vary in weight, with some breeders training their dogs to be bigger than others.

Intriguing read: Silky Terrier Weight

The Silky Terrier and Yorkie share some similarities in physical appearance, but they also have some key differences.

Their heads are shaped differently, with Silky Terriers having a less-rounded, more wedge-shaped head than Yorkies.

Both breeds have cute black button noses and dark, shiny eyes that are full of intelligent and thoughtful expressions.

Yorkie ears are often smaller than Silky Terrier ears, but they're equally pointy and alert.

One of the most distinctive features of both breeds is their long, flowing coats that require regular maintenance to prevent tangles and matting.

Silky Terriers come in a wider range of coat colors and combinations, with 13 accepted colors including black, blue, and silver.

Their coats are structurally more like human hair than dog hair, which means they need daily brushing to prevent tangles and split ends.

A Silky Terrier's coat can reach up to five or six inches in length, and it's typically darker on the back and neck than on the head, face, and feet.

Their coats are so silky that you can feel the difference when you run your hand over them - they're not rough like a terrier's coat.

The Silky Terrier's coat is also more voluminous than a terrier's, but it doesn't have a plume like some other breeds.

In contrast, a Yorkie's hair is straight and doesn't have any waviness, and its coat is longer than the Silky Terrier's.

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Both Silky Terriers and Yorkies are loving and affectionate towards their human family, bursting with energy as most terrier breeds tend to be.

They're equally great companion dogs, knowing exactly how to woo us with their loving, sweet, and cuddly nature.

Despite their small stature, they're feisty, spunky, and brave, making them ideal lap dogs.

However, both breeds have a hunting lineage and a high prey drive, which means they're prone to barking and chasing small animals.

They're highly intelligent and eager to please, making them quick studies when it comes to dog training with consistency, socialization, and positive reinforcement.

But, due to their protective nature, they can overreact to perceived threats, and their barking can be a bit much.

If left alone for long periods, they can become anxious and destructive, so it's essential to provide plenty of exercise, playtime, and attention.

Silky Terriers, in particular, suffer from separation anxiety, so they may require doggy daycare or a pet sitter if you're away for an extended period.

Both breeds are wary of strangers and can be a bit snappy with young children, so it's crucial to supervise interactions and teach kids how to properly interact with dogs.

With proper training and exercise, they do well with kids and other dogs, but their boldness and feistiness can look like stubbornness and attitude if not addressed.

They're excellent watchdogs, thanks to their barking skills, but be aware that you can't completely train the bark out of them.

Overall, both Silky Terriers and Yorkies require plenty of love, attention, and exercise to thrive, and with the right care, they make wonderful and loyal companions.

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Silky Terriers and Yorkies both require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats. The Silky Terrier's coat, in particular, needs to be brushed every two or three days with a pin or soft slicker brush and a comb.

The Silky Terrier's coat sheds less often than other breeds, but it still requires regular trimming to prevent split ends and frizzing. This is especially important to prevent the hair from trailing on the ground and causing further damage.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Silky Terriers:

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor the health of your Silky Terrier, particularly for conditions like hip and knee problems, which can be identified through tests like hip and knee evaluations.

Health is a top priority when it comes to your Silky Terrier's well-being. Silky Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

One of the most common health issues in Silky Terriers is Patellar Luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. This can be painful for your dog and may require surgery to correct.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential to catch any potential health issues early on. Your veterinarian may recommend a Blood Test to check for any underlying health conditions.

Silky Terriers are also prone to Eye Disease, which can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Keep an eye out for any changes in your dog's vision or behavior.

To stay on top of your Silky Terrier's health, it's a good idea to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend a Hip evaluation to check for any potential joint issues.

Additional reading: Silky Terrier Health Issues

Here are some common health issues and tests that your veterinarian may recommend for your Silky Terrier:

By staying on top of your Silky Terrier's health and catching any potential issues early on, you can help ensure your dog lives a long and happy life.

The Silky Terrier requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and split ends, so brush their hair every two to three days with a pin or soft slicker brush and a comb.

Their hair needs to be trimmed regularly to keep it healthy and prevent it from trailing on the ground.

This breed sheds less often due to the structure of their hair, which is more like human hair than dog hair.

The Silky Terrier is considered a hypoallergenic breed.

They need slightly more exercise than most toy breeds, but this can be achieved with vigorous games in a small space.

A monthly bath is usually necessary to keep their coat clean and shiny.

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