Border Collie vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison

Border Collie vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed ComparisonBorder Collie is originated from United Kingdom but Australian Silky Terrier is originated from Australia. Border Collie may grow 30 cm / 12 inches higher than Australian Silky Terrier. Border Collie may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Australian Silky Terrier. Both Border Collie and Australian Silky Terrier has almost same life span. Border Collie may have more litter size than Australian Silky Terrier. Both Border Collie and Australian Silky Terrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

border collie - historyThe Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.

Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.

australian silky terrier - historyMany toy breeds have been bred for centuries and were kept as lap dogs and companion dogs. Known at first as ‘The Sydney Silk’ the Australian Silky Terrier originated in Australia, but before the 2nd World War, the Australian SilkyTerrier was all but unknown outside Australia.

The toy breed came about by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier, but further crossings contributed to the silky coat and the small size we are familiar with today. Despite this little dog being classified in the Toy Group, this spunky dog has the ability to hunt and kill rodents.

Victorian and Tasmanian breeders claimed to be originators of the breed, so the official name, Australian Silky Terrier, was adopted in 1956. Since recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1955, the breed has enjoyed a solid build up of fans.

Description

border collie puppy - descriptionUtterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.

People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.

There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.

Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.

These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.

Small but Spunky

australian silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small breed with Loads of Spunk. The Silky terrier is somewhat longer than tall and height is around 23cm, with weight being about 4kg. He has an athletic build and although the bone structure is refined, the small dog has amazing strength and durability with a keen, alert face. Small but sturdily built, the dark, almond-shaped eyes don’t miss a thing as do the small, erect v-shaped ears.

Full of fun and packed with character, the Silky Terrier isn’t your regular lap dog as he is bold, active, feisty and playful- always ready for action. He can be aggressive toward strange pets but becomes amicable with other pets in the home. He is sharp and clever, and can be trained to be an absolute pleasure in the home and a playmate for children trained to be kind to animals.

They are loving and devoted to their human family and can be excellent watchdogs even though they can’t offer much protection.

The Coat – the most Distinctive Feature

Of course, the Silky Terrier gets his name from the sleek, silky coat that if allowed to grow, flows down from their backs to the floor. It is the dogs most distinctive feature. They come in several solid colors and mixes of colors too such as blue/tan, grey/blue and cream.

He’s Adaptable

The Silky is an adaptable dog and even though he is energetic and will needs daily physical and mental exercise, he can be a country or an apartment dog, but will require plenty of exercise and getting out and about.

Characteristics

border collie dog - characteristicsThe Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.

He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for life.

Caution with Small Children

australian silky terrier dog - characteristicsSmall in stature but with a strong personality, the Australian Silky Terrier is a keen, intelligent, active, energetic and spunky breed. He is affectionate and loyal towards his human family, and although good with older children and other pets, he may not get on too well with small children and their erratic movements.

Training Required for his Wilful Nature

Don’t leave him alone for too long as he becomes anxious and destructive. He is an active dog too and while he will adapt to apartment living, he will need exercise and games to keep him active, fit, stimulated and healthy. Your Silky is an intelligent dog but he is stubborn too and proper socialization and training will be important for Silky Terriers, as then he becomes quite sociable.

A firm but gentle hand will be needed to train this wilful little dog, but when you show him who’s boss, he becomes your devoted and loyal friend.

Health Problems

border collie puppies - health problemsIf your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.

Hip Dysplasia

Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.

Collie eye anomaly

This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.

Some Ailments to Look out For

australian silky terrier puppies - health problemsThe Australian Silky Terrier is generally healthy and he has a lifespan of 11 – 14 years. However he may suffer from some problems such as Legg-Perthes disease. This means degeneration of the head on the femur bone of the dog's hind leg, resulting is osteoarthritis. This ailment is commonly seen in miniature-, small and toy breeds and can result in lameness and pain.

Silky Terriers are also prone to certain eye disorders, including PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy as well as cataracts. PRA can lead to total blindness.

Vaccinating your Pet – what’s required?

Getting the right puppy shots and vaccinations is also part of good health care for your Silky and you can speak to your vet about what injections are due at 6 – 8 weeks of age and what booster vaccinations may be necessary.

Caring The Pet

Exercise

border collie dogs - caringThis is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.

Training

Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.

Grooming

Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.

Feeding

This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.

Regular Brushing of the Silky Hair

australian silky terrier dogs - caringThe long, straight coat of the Silky will need a fair amount of brushing each day. This dog is considered a hypoallergenic breed, and although he doesn’t shed a lot, the length of the hair will require regular brushing to get rid of loose hairs but also ensure there is no tangling of the hair. If the hair of the dog is kept long, he may require a bath every now and then to keep his hair silky and clean and to get rid of dirt build-up.

Nutrition and Diet

A healthy, nutritional diet is important for keeping your canine friend healthy and free from disease and unhealthy skin. To stay health your pet will require correct amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Dog food companies make different types of dog food such as dry, semi-moist, and moist and these are available for dogs of different ages, activity levels and stage of life. Speak to your vet about selecting a dog food that is right for your Australian Silky Terrier and always ensure a bowl of fresh water is available to him.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Australia
Height Male:
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 17 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Scotch Sheep Dog, Sheepdog
Silky Terrier, Sydney Silky
Colors Available:
White and Black, Chocolate and White, Liver and White or Blue Merle
blue/tan, grey/blue and cream.
Coat:
Moderately long and smooth
long, straight and silky
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pomeranian vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Maltese vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Pug vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Maltipoo vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Cockapoo vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Cavapoo vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Cavachon vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Papillon vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Japanese Chin vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature English Bulldog vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Bolognese vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Italian Greyhound vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Jug vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Pinscher vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Dorgi vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Belgian Griffon vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Carlin Pinscher vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Dorkie vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. German Spitz (Klein) vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Doxiepoo vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Bospin vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Bantam Bulldog vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Damchi vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Lowchen vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Border Collie vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Border Collie vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Border Collie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  29. Border Collie vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Collie vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  31. Border Collie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  32. Border Collie vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Sakhalin Husky vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Catahoula Leopard vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. German Pinscher vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Puli vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  39. German Spaniel vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. McNab vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  42. Porcelaine vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  43. Finnish Lapphund vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  44. Griffon Nivernais vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  45. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  46. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  47. Pumi vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  48. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  50. Jamthund vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds