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Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Australian Silky Terrier or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd" Compare Silky Terrier and German Shepherd. Which is better: Silky Terrier or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Silky Terrier German Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1062
Reviews021
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Silky Terrier and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Australian Silky Terrier
Sydney Silky
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Silky Terrier and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Silky Terrier and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
8-11 pounds (4-5 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9.5 pounds (4.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Silky Terrier or German Shepherd? Is a Silky Terrier taller than a German Shepherd?
9-10 inches (23-25 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Silky Terrier and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Silky Terrier or German Shepherd?
Frequent: The Silky Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Silky Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Silky Terrier dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Silky Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Silky Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Silky Terrier and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd?
High: Silky Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Silky Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd?
Silky Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Silky Terrier barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Silky Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Silky Terrier breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Silky Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Silky Terrier or German Shepherd?
Silky Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Silky Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Silky Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Silky Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Silky Terrier: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Silky Terrier and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
The Silky Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd?
Average
The Silky Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Legg-perthes Disease
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Silky Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Silky Terrier or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Silky Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Silky Terrier or German Shepherd?
Silky Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Silky Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Silky Terrier and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Gray
Tan
Blue
Cream
Silver
Fawn
Tricolor
Platinum
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Silky Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Silky Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Silky Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Silky Terrier and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Silky
Straight
Glossy
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Silky Terrier or German Shepherd? Do Silky Terrier dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Silky Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Silky Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Silky Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Silky Terrier or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Silky Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Silky Terrier or German Shepherd?
Silky Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Silky Terrier or German Shepherd? Can a Silky Terrier and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Silky Terrier dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Silky Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Silky Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Silky Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Silky Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Silky Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Silky Terrier or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Silky Terrier and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Silky Terrier and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
3-5 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Silky Terrier and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Silky Terrier and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Silky Terrier and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Silky Terrier and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Silky Terrier and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Club Espanol De Terriers
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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