Silky Terrier vs Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
Sporting 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.
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Silky Terriers are less energetic than Golden Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Silky Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Golden Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Silky Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Golden Retrievers.
- Trainability: Silky Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Silky Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Silky Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Golden Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Silky Terrier and Golden Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Silky Terrier | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Silky Terrier | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 10-10 lbs 5-5 kg | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Silky Terrier | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Quick, Keenly Alert | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Silky Terrier | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is characterized by being friendly, intelligent, devoted, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Silky Terrier and Golden Retriever, 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
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Silky Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Silky Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
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.
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden Retrievers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Golden Retrievers 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
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
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
Golden Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Friendly disposition
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to health issues
- Can be mouthy
- Requires regular grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Silky Terrier and Golden Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.