Silky Terrier vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Silky Terrier vs English Shepherd - Breed ComparisonEnglish Shepherd is originated from United States but Silky Terrier is originated from Australia. English Shepherd may grow 32 cm / 13 inches higher than Silky Terrier. English Shepherd may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Silky Terrier. Both English Shepherd and Silky Terrier has almost same life span. English Shepherd may have more litter size than Silky Terrier. English Shepherd requires Low Maintenance. But Silky Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Toy dog
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United States
Australia
Height Male:
46 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Height Female:
44 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
21 - 28 kg
46 - 62 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 23 kg
39 - 51 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
old fashioed collie, old fashioned shepherd, Scotch Collie, old time collie, farm collie
Silky Toy Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier
Colors Available:
black and white, sable and white, and tri-color. , black and tan
Tan and silvery grey
Coat:
double, silky
Long, straight and silky
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

english shepherdThe English Shepherd is another dog with an English name that was developed in the United States. They developed from British farm dogs that were brought to the United States in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by the Scottish and English as they settled in the New World. Tracing their line through working dogs and collies in Scotland and northern England, the settlers bred them with local dogs and each other. These working farm dogs were called English Shepherds, Scotch Collies, barnyard collie, farm shepherd, the cow dog, and the old fashioned shepherd.

The English Shepherd was appreciated by the settlers and farmers because he was a versatile dog that could herd their flocks and protect their homes as well. They appreciated his intelligence and ability to hunt vermin and be a companion for their children. English Shepherds were bred to work with a variety of livestock such as pigs, cattle, goats, sheep and fowl. They were used to hunt as well and were known to track racoons and squirrels and tree them. There wasn’t a more popular dog in the American Midwest and East in the 1800’s and 1900’s.

The breed is trustworthy, alert and independent. As the small family farms were replaced by large agricultural enterprises the English Shepherd’s numbers dwindled as well until he fell into the category of a rare breed. There were no clubs to support it and not AKC recognition. The UKC had a different dog registered as a farm shepherd.

Today’s English Shepherd is still a farm dog, but he also hunts, is a therapy dog, competes in AKC trials, and performs search and rescue duties. As a farm dog, they are still the most desirable due to their versatility in working with different livestock, guarding the home and caring for the children. They do these things in a gentle way if possible but can be tough if needed. They have great empathy for the livestock and for their human family. This makes him a great dog for the family. The English Shepherd has remained a farm dog, working dog more than a show dog, over all these years.

silky terrierIt is the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier which are the ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier. This is by no means a new dog breed. It is believed that the breed came into existence at the end of the 19th century.

The dog’s purpose is to be a companion. This little canine wasn’t always known as the Silky Terrier, but in 1955 the name became officially Silky Terrier.

The breed is also recognized by the Australia National Kennel Council in the Toy Group. In fact the breed is recognised by a number of the major kennel clubs as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

english shepherd puppy - descriptionThe American bred English Shepherd is a medium sized dog that looks somewhat like an Australian Shepherd or Border Collie. They have tails, never come in merle coloring and their head is not as rounded as the Australian Shepherd. A working dog, its proportionally very well balanced. Because the English Shepherd is so popular across the country, doing a wide variety of jobs, there is some regional differences in the dogs.

The coat can be curly or straight with feathering around the tail, ears and legs. Their heads are slightly rounded but broad and the muzzle is also broad with a solid black nose except for the clear sable dogs whose nose is brown. The eyes show you how intelligent and strong this breed is, and they should be round, brown and oblique. The ears are close to the head and wide apart.

With a strong, muscular back and shoulders the English Shepherd can do almost anything you ask him to. His legs are strong and straight, and his hind legs are muscular. His feet are compact, oval and well padded.

silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small dog breed, standing at just 21 to 26cm in height and weighing in the region of 4 to 5kg. He may be a toy dog, but he is robust and athletic.

The ears of the Silky are small and erect with a lot of silky hair that hangs down and the tail is preferably docked and held high.

His coat is eye-catching – straight, long, silky and shiny. If it is left unclipped, it will reach the floor. The colour of the coat is a tan and silvery grey.

Temperament:

The temperament of any dog is affected by things such as heredity, upbringing and the training and socialization he receives.

Small he may be, but the Silky Terrier can benefit from training as he is feisty and strong willed.

He is energetic and always ready for action. He is ready to come bounding after you and join his human family for any action they’re into. He is playful, bold, loyal, tenacious, independent, social and lively and he makes a good playmate for children.

He might tend to be a bit snappy and aggressive towards other dogs. He is also great as a watchdog, barking and alerting you to strangers.

Characteristics

english shepherd dog - characteristicsIt may seem strange to talk about kindness in a working dog, but it is one of the defining traits of the English Shepherd, along with intelligence. The breed is extremely kind to everyone he lives with animals and people. Once he is secure in his job and takes in his children or his herd, he is one of the best caretakers around. He is an independent thinker, is easily trained, and highly affectionate. However, he does see himself as the boss and unless you establish yourself in that alpha role you could have problems.

silky terrier dog - characteristicsThe silky terrier is a good choice for those who want a smallish dog but one which is robust and adventurous.

Your Silky is a loyal dog who loves spending time with his human family, wanting their companionship.

He will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as he is bright and intelligent. He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but will need to be well exercised wherever he is.

Health Problems

english shepherd puppies - health problemsLike many other herding breeds, it has been found that about 15% of English Shepherds had a gene mutation called MDR1. This means they have adverse reaction and high sensitivity to many common drugs for dogs. This condition could be life-threatening so test your dog for it and know what you are up against.

silky terrier puppies - health problemsJust like most other dogs, the Silky Terrier isn’t likely to get sick easily, but he can still succumb to any one of the dog illnesses there are.

Diabetes:

This is when your pet isn’t able to regulate blood sugar levels. Your dog will be drinking a lot more water than usual and also be urinating more often. The vet will explain to you a special diet for your pet and how the disease can be controlled with insulin.

Tracheal Collapse: 

This is a disease seen more often in smaller dogs like the Silky. It is caused by an obstruction in the airway and symptoms can include labored breathing and coughing. Your dog will need to be treated with anti-biotics and possibly surgery.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

english shepherd dogs - caringRemember the English Shepherd is a hard working dog. But if you don’t work him don’t overfeed him. Twice a day, he needs about one half cup of a good quality dry food made with an active, medium sized dog in mind.

Health issues

In addition to the health concern listed above, the English Shepherd is also prone to:

Dysplasia

Both elbow and hip dysplasia can plaque the English Shepherd as it does almost any active breed. Have your puppy tested as it can cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

This is a herding breed and they need exercise. They need a job. They are intelligent and work oriented so make sure they have something to do. Take them to herding trails and have their herding instinct tested. Put them to work in flyball, agility, frisbee, tracking, obedience, rally, herding and showmanship events. Just make sure your English Shepherd has enough to keep his mind and body stimulated at a high rate every day.

●Grooming:

silky terrier dogs - caringYou can imagine that with that silky hair, you’re going to have to be brushing your furry friend quite a bit. It’s such soft, silky hair that it easily picks up burrs and gets matted. You may want to get your pet to a professional groomer to have the hair cut. As you brush him, check for any unusual lumps and keep an eye on his skin.

Check your pet’s teeth. Bad teeth can cause bacteria that can affect every part of your dog’s body. Check inside his ears for redness and check his eyes that there is no discharge. Trim the nails. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do all these things for him, make an appointment with the professional pet groomers who will do it for you.

● Diet:

The Silky Terrier will need quality food if you want him to enjoy a long, healthy life. Its always a good idea to have some of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods with you for convenience. If you want to give him the best there is, some home-made food will be a good choice, if you keep it simple.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple without any exotic spices that could upset his stomach. Your dog will lap it up and you will see how he loves it. Chop the home-made food up and add some of it into his dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Silky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Silky Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Silky Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Silky Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Silky Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Silky Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Silky Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  16. Silky Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Silky Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  26. English Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. English Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. English Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. English Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. English Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison