Australian Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie: what’s the difference?

Last updated: 16 May 2024

We’re here to settle the Australian Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie Terrier confusion once and for all - as two similar-looking, popular breeds with a shared history, it’s no wonder the world has them confused at times. 

So to help pet parents, dog lovers and sitters alike tell the difference between Australian Silky Terriers and Yorkies, stick with us as we explore their origins, appearance, personality and energy levels.

Australian Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie: what are the main differences?

The difference between Silky Terrier vs. Yorkies comes from their history, and can be seen in their head shape and size. Yorkies are smaller in size than Silky dogs, and Silkies have narrower heads and longer muzzles.

Yorkshire Terriers were brought down to Northern England by Scottish weavers, and once recognized by the English Kennel Club, then soon became popular lap dogs within the upper classes. English settlers of Australia brought their Yorkie pups with them who were bred with local Australian Terriers (among other breeds), which produced the Australian Silky Terrier.

Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie history

Yorkshire Terriers were developed during the mid-1800s in Northern England, specifically Yorkshire and Lancashire. The breed’s ancestors were a mix of Skyes, Dandie Dinmonts, and Maltese dogs. 

It was their confidence, energetic nature and tiny bodies that made them perfect for squeezing into the tight spaces of textile mills, keeping rodent infestations at bay. Their rodent-catching skills were noticed by miners in Northern England, so they were soon employed down the coal mines as exterminators (otherwise known as ‘ratters’).

Yorkshire Terriers continued to be bred, with less outside influence from other breeds. Their uniqueness was soon recognised when a show dog named Huddersfield Ben was introduced in 1865, and is revered as the father of all Yorkshire Terriers. 

Towards the end of the 1800s, the status of the Yorkie changed from a ratting dog to a popular lap dog amongst England’s upper classes, sitting pride of place in many well-to-do households around the country. 

The Australian Silky Terrier was developed in the early 1900s in Australia, combining Yorkshire Terriers (who were imported from England) and the native Australian Terrier. It's believed that Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and Skye Terriers were also part of the mix, as they accompanied settlers during that period. Initially known as the Australian Yorkshire Terrier, the breed was soon seen as distinct and became known as the Silky Terrier.

It's believed that Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and Skye Terriers were also part of the mix, as they accompanied settlers during that period. The breed was casually known as the Sydney Silky Terrier until the Australian Kennel Club officially named them Australian Silky Terriers in 1955. In the US, they’re simply called Silky Terriers.

So, now that we can see how closely linked Silky vs. Yorkie history really is, it’s no wonder the two are often confused for one another.

Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie size 

One of the easiest ways to differentiate between the two breeds is to look at the Silky vs. Yorkie appearance. While at a glance they can seem almost identical, Silky Terriers are like a slightly bigger Yorkshire Terrier, growing up to 9-10 inches tall and weighing in at 10 pounds in adulthood, (although they’re still classified as toy dogs by the American Kennel Club). 

Yorkies are somewhat smaller than their Australian, silky-coated cousins, growing up to between 7 and 8 inches tall and weighing in at up to 7 pounds. 

Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie physical appearance

Silkies have a less-rounded, more wedge-shaped head than Yorkies, with a longer muzzle but equally cute black button noses.

Their eyes are both dark and shiny, complete with intelligent, thoughtful expressions. Yorkie ears are sometimes smaller than Silkies’, but are equally pointy and standing up and alert at all times.

Now for both of the toy breed’s most famous characteristic - those gorgeously silky coats. Both the Silky Terrier and Yorkie can be found with long, flowing coats that take a fair bit of maintenance when grown to the ground.

At a glance, it might seem as though Yorkies and Silkies are the same color, but Silkies actually have a lot more variety when it comes to their coat shades. The 13 accepted color combinations are black, black and tan, blue, blue and tan, cream, fawn, gray, gray and tan, platinum, silver, silver and tan, and silver, black and tan. As the name suggests, their coats are as silky and glossy as can be, but like their English cousins, they need daily brushing to avoid tangles and matting.

When it comes to the Yorkie coat color, puppies tend to start out with a mainly black and tan coat that evolves into other recognised colors as they grow into adulthood. These include black and gold, black and tan (with a more even distribution than the mainly black puppy coat), blue and gold, and blue and tan.

And like their Australian cousins, Yorkshire Terriers don’t shed much, so are great for people with allergies, although they do need daily brushing. Now you can see why the Yorkie Silky Terrier mix is growing in popularity!

Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie personality

Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie personality - are there any crossovers between the two breeds? Certainly - both the Yorkshire Terrier and Silky Terrier are equally loving and affectionate towards their human family, and are bursting with energy as most terrier breeds tend to be. 

And despite their somewhat diminutive stature, Yorkies are also feisty, spunky and brave, and are well known as great companion dogs. And as they’ve been bred alongside us humans for way over a century now, they know exactly how to woo us - they’re loving, sweet and of course, ideal lap dogs due to their size and cuddly nature.

Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie temperament and training needs

The Yorkie vs. Silky Terrier temperament - are there any differences with the two breeds having such a huge genetic crossover? Certainly - as both dogs have a hunting lineage performing by the side of their humans, it’s safe to say they’re both on the protective side. They’re known for overreacting slightly - both Silkies and Yorkie dogs are prone to barking when they believe something poses a threat.

And due to their high prey drive that originates from their shared ratting history, Yorkies and Silkies aren’t ideal pets for families with babies, toddlers or other small animals, like rodents. Sadly, it’s in their DNA to go for any small living thing that moves!

Their working background does have its upsides, though. Both breeds are highly intelligent and eager to please their humans, so with some consistency, socialization and positive reinforcement-based training, both Yorkie and Silky Terrier puppies are bound to grow into content, obedient adults.

Australian Silky Terrier vs. Yorkie energy levels 

Despite their small size, Yorkies and Silkies have high energy levels, which is typical of breeds with a working background. If you welcome a Silkie or Yorkie dog into your family, be prepared for brisk, twice-daily walks at around 20 minutes each. Then at least once a week, make sure they’re more rigorously exercised through a game of fetch or a much-needed run around in your local dog park. 

Both breeds will benefit from regular mental stimulation, too - those intelligent brains need exercising to maintain a happy, well-behaved dog. And while both are considered “indoor dogs” as they’re happy with apartment living, their regular time outside is precious and highly necessary.

Want to learn more about Yorkshire Terriers?

Hopefully we’ve settled any Silky dog vs. Yorkie-related confusion! If you want to hear more, explore this breed guide on the spunky pups themselves - Yorkshire Terriers.