A Detailed Comparison of the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier.

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Australian Kelpie Versus Silky Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie or the Silky Terrier.

Australian Kelpie versus Silky Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized dog while the Silky Terrier is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Kelpie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Kelpie versus Silky Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Kelpie 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier

Factor Australian Kelpie Silky Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 15 to 20 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 46 pounds 8 to 10 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $500 $2040
Price Range $500 – $500 $1800 – $2738
Temperament Score 83.3 percent 73.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Kelpie 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 the Australian Kelpie is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Silky Terrier is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Silky Terrier is a better pet than the Australian Kelpie. 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are most different:

    • Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Silky Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Kelpies are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Silky Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier

    The Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are very playful.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    Size Comparison of Australian Kelpie versus Silky Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier.

    Australian Kelpies weigh 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. Australian Kelpies are 15 to 20 inches 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.

    Lifespan of Australian Kelpie versus Silky Terrier

    The lifespan of Australian Kelpies is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Kelpies is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Silky Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Silky Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Silky Terriers live longer than Australian Kelpies.

    Temperament of the Silky Terrier Versus the Australian Kelpie

    The Australian Kelpie has a better temperament than the Silky Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Australian Kelpie is 83.3 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 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 83.3 percent, the Australian Kelpie has a below-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 Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 6 Australian Kelpies and 19 Silky Terriers.

    Price of Australian Kelpie versus Price of Silky Terrier

    The average price of the Australian Kelpie puppy is $500. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Australian Kelpie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Silky Terrier puppy is $2040. The price of the Silky Terrier typically ranges from $1800 – $2738. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 27 Silky Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Silky Terrier is more expensive than the Australian Kelpie.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Kelpie and Silky Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Kelpie puppies or how many Silky Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Silky Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Silky Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Kelpie 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Kelpie versus Silky Terrier

    Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

    Silky Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Australian Kelpies shed more than Silky Terriers?

    Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

    Silky Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Kelpie or the Silky Terrier

    Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Silky Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Kelpie or the Silky Terrier?

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

    Silky Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Kelpie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Silky Terrier?

    Australian Kelpies 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.

    Do Australian Kelpies Bark and Howl? What about Silky Terriers?

    Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Silky Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Silky Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Silky Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Kelpie vs. Silky Terrier

    Australian Kelpies 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.

    Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Silky Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.

    Silky Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Kelpie or the Silky Terrier?

    Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Silky Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Kelpies good family dogs? What about Silky Terriers?

    Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies and Silky Terriers?

    Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Silky Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Kelpie Easier to Train than the Silky Terrier?

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

    Silky Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Kelpie Better for Apartment Owners than the Silky Terrier?

    Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Silky Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Kelpie or the Silky Terrier?

    Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Silky Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Silky Terrier better suits you and your family.