The silky terrier and the border terrier are two popular breeds of dogs, but they have very different histories. The silky terrier is a Toy Group dog that was originally bred in Australia in the 19th century.
Origin Of The Dog Breed
The breed was developed by crossing Australian terriers with the Yorkshire terrier breed. The resulting combination of the two terrier breeds was a small, silky-coated dog that was perfect for rodent control. The Australian silky terrier was eventually exported to England, where it became a popular companion dog.
The border terrier, on the other hand, is a working dog that originated in the Scottish Borders region of England. Border terriers were bred to hunt foxes and other vermin, and they were known for their tenacity and courage.
The Appearance
Silky Terrier breed and Border Terriers are two popular breeds of dogs that are often confused with one another. While they share some similarities in terms of size and build, there are some key differences in their appearance (body shape, dog coat, etc).
Silky Terriers are typically larger than Border Terriers, with longer bodies and legs. They also have a Silky coat that is fine and glossy, whereas Border Terriers have a rough, wiry coat.
Silky Terriers can come in a variety of colors, including blue, black, and tan, while Border Terriers are usually just brown or black coat color. In terms of personality, Silky Terriers are known for being lively and playful, while Border Terriers are more independent and reserved.
Temperament
Today, both silky terriers and border terriers make excellent, affectionate dogs, but there are some important differences between the two breeds. The Sydney Silky terrier is active and playful, but it can also be willful and stubborn.
Border terriers are less active than silky terriers, but they are also more even-tempered and easier to train. Silky terriers require daily grooming to maintain their silky coats, while border terriers only need to be brushed once or twice a week.
Training
Both breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability. However, there are some important differences between Silky Terrier training and Border Terrier training.
Silky Terriers are generally more independent than Border Terriers. They are also less likely to be motivated by food rewards. Instead, Silky Terriers respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent training.
Border Terriers, on the other hand, are often highly motivated by food rewards. They also tend to be very responsive to their owner’s commands. As a result, Border Terrier training generally requires less time and effort than Silky Terrier training.
However, both breeds of dogs can be successfully trained with patience and persistence.
Amount Of Shedding
When it comes to shedding, there is a clear difference between these two breeds. Silky Terriers are known for their long, Silky coats.
The Silky Terrier’s coat is composed of two layers: a dense, soft undercoat and a Silky topcoat. This combination makes Silky Terriers are heavier shedders than all other breeds.
In contrast, Border Terriers have much shorter hair coats.
Their outer coat is rough and harsh to the touch, while their undercoat is soft and downy. As a result, Border Terriers shed very little compared to Silky Terriers.
If you’re looking for a low-shedding breed of dog, the Border Terrier is a clear choice.
The Two Dog Breeds As Family Pets
Silky Terriers and Border Terriers are the most popular breeds for families looking for small, active dogs. Silky Terriers are known for their playful and enthusiastic personality, while Border Terriers are known for being calm and loyal.
Activity Level
Both breeds make highly affectionate, great family pets, but there are some important differences to consider before making a decision. Silky Terriers are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise daily. They also have a strong prey drive, which means they may not be the best choice for families with small children or other dogs.
Border Terriers, on the other hand, are relatively low-energy dogs that only need moderate exercise. They are also very tolerant of other animals, making them a good family member for families with multiple cats, dogs, or other pets.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, Silky Terriers require much more upkeep than Border Terriers. Silky Terriers need to be brushed daily to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their fur. They also require regular haircuts to keep their double coat looking neat and tidy.
Border Terriers, on the other hand, only need to be brushed once or twice a week. Their coat is also relatively self-cleaning, so they don’t require as many baths as Silky Terriers.
Other Factors
Both breeds are high-energy and need plenty of exercise, but Silky Terriers can be more prone to separation anxiety. Border Terriers are also less likely to bark excessively.
Silky Terriers are generally considered to be more laid back and easygoing than Border Terriers, which can be more willful and stubborn. However, both breeds are devoted to their families and make loving companions.
The Cost Of Silky Terriers And Border Terriers
Silky Terriers are typically more expensive than Border Terriers. Silky Terrier puppies can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200, while Border Terrier puppies usually cost between $500 and $800.
Silky Terriers also tend to have higher vet bills than Border Terriers. Silky Terriers are prone to health problems such as allergies, digestive issues, and Luxating patella, which can be costly to treat. Border Terriers are generally healthier than Silky Terriers and have fewer health problems.
However, Border Terriers require more grooming than Silky Terriers because of their thick double coats. So when it comes to Silky Terrier and Border Terrier cost, there is no clear winner. It all depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
So, which breed is right for you? It really depends on what you’re looking for in a dog. If you want a small companion that provides affection and will stay by your side, a Silky Terrier may be a perfect choice.
If you’re looking for an energetic dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, a Border Terrier may be a better fit.
Ultimately, silky terriers and border terriers are both great dogs, but it is important to choose the right breed for your house, lifestyle, and personality.