Dogo Sardesco vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison

Dogo Sardesco vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed ComparisonDogo Sardesco is originated from Italy but Australian Silky Terrier is originated from Australia. Dogo Sardesco may grow 42 cm / 17 inches higher than Australian Silky Terrier. Dogo Sardesco may weigh 39 kg / 86 pounds more than Australian Silky Terrier. Dogo Sardesco may live 3 years less than Australian Silky Terrier. Dogo Sardesco may have more litter size than Australian Silky Terrier. Dogo Sardesco requires Low maintenance. But Australian Silky Terrier requires Moderate maintenance

History

dogo sardesco - historyThis is an ancient working dog breed which hails from the Italian island of Sardinia. When you do research, you find that no one is sure as to this dogs exact origin, and there are a number of theories as to how the dog developed.

Regardless of how the Dogo Sardesco came about, it is a valued companion of farmers in Sardinia, being appreciated for its protective nature.

The dog is a kind of Molosser or Mastiff dog. In the past the dog has been used as a working and hunting dog, and today he is a popular dog in mainland Italy. He is also known as Sardinian Mastiff, Sardinian Molosser and Dogo Sardo.

The Dogo Sardesco isn’t recognized today by international kennel clubs, and breeders on the island of Sardinia have done nothing to form a breed club for the dog.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Italy
Australia
Height Male:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Dogo Sardo, Sardinian Mastiff, Sardinian Molosser
Silky Terrier, Sydney Silky
Colors Available:
black, brown, grey or brindle , Red
blue/tan, grey/blue and cream.
Coat:
Short, smooth, dense
long, straight and silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

dogo sardesco puppy - descriptionThe dog Sardesco is a medium to large sized dog generally measuring 56 to 68 cm at the withers and weighing roughly 30 to 45 kg.

Because the dog isn’t bred to specific standards, it varies in appearance, but it is a powerful looking dog, being lean and athletic. The dog’s tail is traditionally docked, but with tail docking being frowned upon, the tail is left long and the dog loses its distinctive look.

The head of the dog is large and the ears are also traditionally cropped to be very short. Left naturally, the ears fold down closely to the sides of the head.The eyes are small and amber colored. The coat is short and smooth, but thick, and while it comes in many colors, the more regular color is red, brown, black, grey or brindle.

Temperament:

The Dogo Sardesco becomes a loyal family pet, more so when he has been trained and socialized. Although he is a devoted and affectionate dog, forming particularly strong bonds with his human family, he isn’t recommended for homes where there are young children.

He also doesn’t take too kindly to other pets in the home. This is because they are a strong-willed, dominant breed and might therefore not be a good choice for first-time dog owners.

Because Sardinian breeders have focused on developing an aggressive dog, he has become a dog suspicious of- and aloof with strangers. He is stubborn and self-willed, and to make him more obedient and amicable, he will require training and socialization. He is an alert, intelligent dog and this makes him an excellent watch dog.

The Sardinian Mastiff is an active dog too and won’t do well in a home where the people aren’t interested in exercise. He is the kind of dog that will need to be taken with you on walks, and he will love to spend time running alongside you when you go running or cycling.

He won’t adapt too well to life in the city, particularly when there is just a tiny garden.

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

dogo sardesco dog - characteristicsThe Dogo Sardesco has always performed his role as a working dog well, and this is a reliable watch dog as well as the dog takes his job of guarding his human family seriously.

With his aggressive temperament, he has appeared on the list of banned breeds, and this is why he isn’t an ideal choice for homes where there are small children, as some small children haven’t been taught how to treat a dog with respect.

However, when properly trained and socialized he becomes an excellent companion dog. He has an intimidating look about him, but when he is with his human family, another side comes out and he is affectionate, loving and protective.

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

dogo sardesco puppies - health problemsThe Dogo Sardesco is a relatively healthy breed who is unlikely to suffer with ailments common to dogs, but nonetheless there are some diseases or conditions that you might want to be aware of with your dog.

Skeletal and visual problems can occur in this breed. Both hip- and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic disorders in dogs and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and even cause lifelong disability.

Genes and environmental factors play a part in your dog developing this disease.If he has been diagnosed as having hip or elbow dysplasia, get your dog to the vet as there are treatments which can at least make your pet a lot more comfortable.

Remember that feeding your puppy Dogo Sardesco too much food which is particularly high in calories can mean him growing too fast, and this can contribute to this hip dysplasia problem.

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

dogo sardesco dogs - caringDog owners who don’t like the idea of spending too much money on grooming will appreciate that the Dogo Sardesco is a very low maintenance breed, and that a good brushing twice a week will keep the dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

As with all other dogs, he will need to have his teeth brushed to remove plaque build up. Not only does plaque lead to dental disease, but bad teeth can lead to other health issues too.

Nail clipping will also be necessary if your pet doesn’t wear the nails down naturally from getting to run on a hard surface from time to time.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogo Sardesco vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. Dogo Sardesco vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Sardesco vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  10. Dogo Sardesco vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  11. Dogo Sardesco vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Dogo Sardesco vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  13. Dogo Sardesco vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  15. Dogo Sardesco vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Dogo Sardesco vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Dogo Sardesco vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Dogo Sardesco vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Dogo Sardesco vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  22. Dogo Sardesco vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Sardesco vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Dogo Sardesco vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  26. Pomeranian vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Cockapoo vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Cavapoo vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Cavachon vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Papillon vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Japanese Chin vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature English Bulldog vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Bolognese vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Italian Greyhound vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Jug vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Pinscher vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Dorgi vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Griffon vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Carlin Pinscher vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Dorkie vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. German Spitz (Klein) vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Doxiepoo vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Bospin vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Bantam Bulldog vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Damchi vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Lowchen vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds