Silky Terrier vs Boerboel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Silky Terrier
Toy Group
Boerboel
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Silky Terrier Overview
Silky Terriers possess a striking silky blue and tan coat that flows gracefully to the ground. Their refined appearance belies their tenacious terrier spirit, featuring a wedge-shaped head, almond eyes, and small V-shaped ears. Standing 9-10 inches tall, these compact dogs combine elegant looks with alert, spirited personalities, making them both beautiful companions and capable watchdogs.
Boerboel Overview
Powerful and muscular, the Boerboel exhibits a distinctive blocky head, strong bone structure, and imposing presence. Their short coat comes in various shades including fawn, red, and brindle. Despite their intimidating size, these dogs display remarkable intelligence and calm confidence, showing deep loyalty to their families while maintaining a naturally protective instinct.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Silky Terriers are more energetic than Boerboels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Silky Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Boerboels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Silky Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Boerboels.
- Trainability: Boerboels may be slightly easier to train due to their Boerboel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Silky Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Boerboels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Silky Terrier and Boerboel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Silky Terrier | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 9-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Silky Terrier | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 10-10 lbs 5-5 kg | 150-200 lbs 68-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Silky Terrier | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Quick, Keenly Alert | Confident, Intelligent, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Silky Terrier | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Silky Terrier Temperament
The Silky Terrier is known for being friendly, quick, keenly alert, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Boerboel Temperament
The Boerboel is characterized by being confident, intelligent, calm, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Silky Terrier and Boerboel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Silky Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Silky Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Silky Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Silky Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Silky Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Boerboel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boerboels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boerboels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Silky Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
Boerboel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Silky Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding coat
- Excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- May chase small animals
- Stubborn streak
Boerboel
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent
- Calm temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Requires extensive training
- Not suitable for small spaces
- High food costs
- May be too powerful for inexperienced owners
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Silky Terrier and Boerboel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.