Yorkshire Terrier vs. Silky Terrier: Similarities and Differences

Yorkshire Terriers may look dainty, but in their hearts, they’re true terriers — feisty, brave, and packed with personality. That’s probably why they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in America. But these affectionate little dogs with the silky coats have a doppelgänger in their lesser-known cousin, the Silky Terrier. These two tiny earthdogs have a linked history, which might explain why they’re often confused for one another. But despite appearances, the differences between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Silky Terrier are fascinating.

From England to Australia

Robbe Lyon, former vice president of The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, explains that the Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the north of England in the 1800s. Several small British broken-haired terriers were included in the mix, such as the Paisley and the Clydesdale. Although those breeds no longer exist, in 1865, the combination resulted in the breeding of the founding father of today’s Yorkies, a dog named Huddersfield Ben. “The breed was originally a workingman’s dog,” he says. “Some had duties as a sod-house guardian, and others earned their keep in saloons by entertaining clients and chasing rats. Later, the elegant little dog became fashionable with the upper class of Victorian society.”

It wasn’t until Yorkies arrived in Australia that the Silky Terrier was born. Australians wanted a stouter dog for the home, so they looked to cross the Yorkie with the Australian Terrier. But according to Norma Baugh, breeder of Silkys for 40 years and past president of the Silky Terrier Club of America, there is more to the Silky Terrier’s history. “As time went by, the Yorkie was bred in England to be a smaller dog with a long coat to catch mice. The Australian Terrier became more developed in Australia to be stout, with medium bone and strong teeth to catch larger varmints. And they had the broken coat.”

As the Australian Terrier was developed, long-coated puppies would appear in litters. Baugh says these long and silky-coated pups were taken into several areas of Australia and developed into a stouter, longer-coated dog with large teeth. Of course, crosses with Yorkies would have gone into that development, and the purpose of what was to become today’s Silky was to be both varmint killer and pretty household pet. Baugh says, “Therefore, these three breeds, Yorkshire Terrier, Silky Terrier, and Australian Terrier, are closely related and developed for different purposes.”

Blue and Tan Silky Coats

That shared heritage means that, when it comes to appearance, the differences between the Yorkshire Terrier and Silky Terrier are subtle if you don’t know what to look for. Both toy terriers are of similar height and a distinctive blue and tan color. But the body of a Silky is much more substantial, with more bone and muscle. They weigh about 10 pounds, whereas the Yorkie weighs no more than seven. According to Lyon, “A smaller, highly refined Silky and a larger, unrefined Yorkie may look nearly identical to an untrained eye.”

Baugh believes it’s not just the color, but the coat as well that causes the most mix-up. Both breeds have a straight, silky-feeling coat that, when trimmed short, makes them look very much alike. However, when it comes to the show ring, the Yorkie’s coat is trimmed to reach the floor, while the Silky’s body coat shouldn’t reach that length. And the hair on their head is different too, with the Silky’s being shorter. Lyon explains, “In the show ring, Yorkies have a bow in a topknot; the Silky is topped by profuse hair parted down the middle.”

Baugh says the Silky Terrier Club of America often receives calls from people asking if they have a Yorkie or a Silky. Many times, they have an oversize Yorkie, but unless you know the physical differences in head shape, it can be hard to tell them apart. The Silky has a wedge-shaped head versus the more rounded skull of the Yorkie. Plus, the Silky Terrier’s teeth are larger for catching bigger prey. In addition, the ears can help distinguish the Silky. According to Baugh, “The shape of the ears is different than the Yorkie. Not as large at the base and with sharper upside-down V-shapes (straight edges) set on the top of the head.”

True Terriers at Heart

Both breeds may be in the Toy Group, but they’re terriers through and through. Lyon asserts that although each Yorkie has a unique personality, the breed’s definitive characteristic is being a perky companion or adorable charmer. “As far as temperament, the Yorkie is a true terrier: intelligent, feisty, energetic, courageous, and independent (often stubborn). They think they are much bigger than they are and will challenge much bigger dogs. Their spirited play and enduring energy are a constant source of entertainment to their owners. They are clever and will skillfully try to dominate any household.”

Baugh’s years of experience have shown her that Silkys are terriers at heart as well – loyal, fearless, and tenacious. She believes their definitive characteristic is being alert and on watch at all times. “They can be sweet but protective. They will keep your yard free of gophers and your garage free of mice. At the same time, they want to sleep in bed with you and be with you every minute of the day. Although they’re very smart, like most true terriers, they can be a bit stubborn in the training department! They get bored with training unless you make it ‘fun.'”

Healthy Little Dogs

Both breeds are generally healthy, and as with all toy breeds, regular dental care is important. However, Yorkshire Terriers are sometimes susceptible to luxating patella (a dislocating kneecap), as well as eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and progressive rod-cone degeneration. To avoid knee problems, limit the height of any jumps, especially when the dog is a puppy. In addition, responsible breeders should ensure their dogs have health testing for their eyes and knees.

Silky Terriers are also prone to knee and eye issues and may occasionally suffer from other conditions, including epilepsy, cataracts, diabetes, and pancreatic disease. It’s also important to regularly check a Silky’s ears for signs of infection.

Daily Brushing Needs

The silky coats of both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Silky Terrier have few differences in grooming needs. Both are single-coated, meaning they don’t have an undercoat, and their straight coat is much like human hair, so regular brushing will help to keep tangles at bay. Silkys need brushing at least twice a week with a soft bristle brush or a pin brush, whereas a Yorkie kept in a long show coat needs to be brushed every day. Both breeds should also be bathed every few weeks. In addition, the hair on the top of a Yorkie’s head needs to be cut short or kept in a topknot to avoid irritating the dog’s eyes. And because a Yorkshire Terrier’s eyes can tear a lot, clean the corners of their eyes every day to protect their facial hair from tear staining.

Even Small Dogs Need Exercise

Regular exercise will help keep both breeds mentally and physically healthy. Yorkies do well with moderately paced walks twice a day, as well as the occasional more vigorous bursts of activity, such as chasing a ball. Consider participating in a dog sport with your Yorkshire Terrier. Something like Obedience or Agility will challenge your dog’s mind while you both get some exercise and have fun.

Silky Terriers need more exercise than most toy breeds, so you will need to channel their energy into daily activity and training. You can live with a Silky in an apartment, but take frequent walks and be aware that they can be barkers, as they’ll alert you to any noises they hear outside. Consider Conformation or fast-paced events, like Agility, to keep your Silky happy and engaged.

Now that you know the difference between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Silky Terrier, the next time you see a small blue and tan dog, you’ll be better equipped to identify the breed. Either way, be prepared for a feisty and fearless personality in a tiny package.