Which is Better between the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Lancashire Heeler Versus Silky Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler or the Silky Terrier.

Lancashire Heeler versus Silky Terrier: Overview

Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are similar in size. The Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Lancashire Heeler 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.

Lancashire Heeler versus Silky Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier

Factor Lancashire Heeler Silky Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 13 to 15 pounds 8 to 10 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $200 $1890
Price Range $200 – $200 $1425 – $2075
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler is 78 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 Lancashire Heeler. 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are most different:

  • Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Silky Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Silky Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier

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

  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lancashire Heeler versus Silky Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier.

    Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall 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 Lancashire Heeler versus Silky Terrier

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 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 Lancashire Heelers.

    Price of Lancashire Heeler versus Price of Silky Terrier

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of a Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler.

    Lancashire Heeler Silky Terrier
    Average Price $200 $1890
    Price Range $200 to $200 $1425 to $2075

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers. 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler versus Adopting the Silky Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler named Harvey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Lancashire Heelers like Harvey on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Lancashire Heelers, Silky Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Barney is a Male Silky Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Silky Terriers like Barney that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Badger is the name of another Lancashire Heeler (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Lancashire Heelers and Silky Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Lancashire Heelers and Silky Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler versus Health Problems of Silky Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Lancashire Heeler is prone to more genetic health problems than the Silky Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Lancashire Heeler than for the Silky Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Lancashire Heeler while 2 tests are recommended for the Silky Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lancashire Heelers and in Silky Terriers.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

    Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lancashire Heelers for:

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

    Silky Terrier Health Problems

    Silky Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Silky Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Silky Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Silky Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Silky Terriers for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Silky Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lancashire Heeler versus Silky Terrier

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Lancashire Heelers shed more than Silky Terriers?

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lancashire Heeler or the Silky Terrier

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Silky Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lancashire Heeler or the Silky Terrier?

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Silky Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Lancashire Heeler Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Silky Terrier?

    Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Lancashire Heelers Bark and Howl? What about Silky Terriers?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Silky Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Lancashire Heeler vs. Silky Terrier

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Silky Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Silky Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Silky Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Lancashire Heelers good family dogs? What about Silky Terriers?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers and Silky Terriers?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler Easier to Train than the Silky Terrier?

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Silky Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Better for Apartment Owners than the Silky Terrier?

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Silky Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler:

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Silky Terrier vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Silky Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Silky Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • 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 Lancashire Heeler vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Australian Terrier (79 percent match with Silky Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Australian Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Jack Russell Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Lancashire Heeler versus Cavapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus German Pinscher     Lancashire Heeler versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Shichon     Lancashire Heeler versus Maremma Sheepdog     Lancashire Heeler versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Lancashire Heeler versus Bouvier des Flandres     Lancashire Heeler versus Carolina Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus German Pinscher     Lancashire Heeler versus Airedale Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Labradoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Australian Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Norwegian Buhund     Lancashire Heeler versus Tibetan Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Pomchi     Lancashire Heeler versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Lancashire Heeler versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Lancashire Heeler versus Brittany     Lancashire Heeler versus Standard Poodle     Lancashire Heeler versus American Water Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Finnish Spitz     Lancashire Heeler versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     

    Silky Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Silky Terrier versus Pointer     Silky Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Silky Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Silky Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Silky Terrier versus Cavachon     Silky Terrier versus Schipperke     Silky Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Silky Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Silky Terrier versus Pomchi     Silky Terrier versus Collie     Silky Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Silky Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Silky Terrier versus Basset Hound     Silky Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Silky Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Silky Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Silky Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Silky Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Silky Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Silky Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Silky Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Silky Terrier versus American Bulldog     Silky Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Silky Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Silky Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Silky Terrier better suits you and your family.