Is the Carolina Dog Better than the Silky Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Carolina Dog Versus Silky Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog or the Silky Terrier.

Carolina Dog versus Silky Terrier

Carolina Dog versus Silky Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Carolina Dog versus Silky Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier

Factor Carolina Dog Silky Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 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
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 8 to 10 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $500 $1890
Price Range $500 – $500 $1425 – $2075
Temperament Score 66.7 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Silky Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Silky Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Carolina Dogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Silky Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Carolina Dogs get along well with other dogs. However, Silky Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier

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

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Silky Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 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 Carolina Dog versus Silky Terrier

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

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

    Temperament of the Silky Terrier Versus the Carolina Dog

    The Silky Terrier has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Silky Terrier is 73.7 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 19 Silky Terriers.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Silky Terrier

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Silky Terrier puppy is $1890. The price of the Silky Terrier typically ranges from $1425 – $2075. However, the price of the Silky Terrier can be as low as $350 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 42 Silky Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Silky Terrier is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Silky Terrier
    Average Price $500 $1890
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1425 to $2075

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. 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 Carolina Dog 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.

    Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Silky Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs and many Silky Terriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Carolina Dog named Mitch that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like Mitch on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, Silky Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Luke 2 is a Male Silky Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Silky Terriers like Luke 2 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    A1135456 is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Barney is an adorable Male Silky Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Carolina Dogs and Silky Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Silky Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Silky Terrier

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Silky Terriers?

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Silky Terrier

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Silky Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Silky Terrier?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Silky Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Silky Terrier?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Silky Terriers?

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Silky Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Silky Terrier

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Silky Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Silky Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Silky Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Silky Terriers?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Silky Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Silky Terriers?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Silky Terrier?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Silky Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Silky Terrier?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Silky Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Silky Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Silky Terrier vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Silky Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Silky Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Silky Terrier:

  • American Hairless Terrier (81 percent match with Silky Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Australian Terrier (79 percent match with Silky Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Australian Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Silky Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Silky Terrier to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Cockalier     Carolina Dog versus Goldendoodle     Carolina Dog versus Bearded Collie     Carolina Dog versus Brittany     Carolina Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Carolina Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Pyredoodle     Carolina Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Carolina Dog versus Puli     Carolina Dog versus Bichon Frise     Carolina Dog versus Morkie     Carolina Dog versus Chinese Crested     Carolina Dog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Sheepadoodle     Carolina Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Carolina Dog versus Chi-Poo     Carolina Dog versus Schnoodle     Carolina Dog versus Scottish Deerhound     Carolina Dog versus Kai Ken     Carolina Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Carolina Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Maltipoo     Carolina Dog versus Irish Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Afador     

    Silky Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Silky Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Silky Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Silky Terrier versus Puli     Silky Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Silky Terrier versus Great Dane     Silky Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Silky Terrier versus American Bulldog     Silky Terrier versus Schnoodle     Silky Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Silky Terrier versus Schipperke     Silky Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Silky Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Silky Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Silky Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Silky Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Silky Terrier versus Cavapoo     Silky Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Silky Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Silky Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Silky Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Silky Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Silky Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Silky Terrier versus Akita Chow     Silky Terrier versus Berger Picard     Silky Terrier versus Pomeranian     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Silky Terrier better suits you and your family.