Australian Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Australian Silky Terrier and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Australian Silky Terrier
Lively, intelligent, and affectionate, this small companion thrives on attention and interactive play. Silky, blue-and-tan coats add charm to an alert and spirited personality.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Small
3.5–4.5 kg
Straight, silky
12–15 years
3.5–4.5 kg
High energy
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Australian Silky Terrier
Generally sociable with family and familiar people
Quick to learn new commands and tricks
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Enjoys interactive games and playful activities
Adjusts moderately to changes in routine
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Australian Silky Terrier
Luxating patella, tracheal collapse
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Australian Silky Terrier
Good option
Easy to train and adaptable, though may require consistent boundaries and patience
Excellent fit
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit compact living spaces
Moderately suitable
Enjoys play and activity but does not require intense exercise
Caution advised
Can be snappy if handled roughly by very young children
Possible with supervision
Gets along with other pets if socialized early, but may chase small animals
Not recommended
Dislikes being left alone and prone to separation anxiety
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Australian Silky Terrier
- Alert and responsive watchdog
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Low-shedding, silky coat
- Intelligent and quick to learn commands
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Australian Silky Terrier
- Prone to barking frequently
- Needs daily mental stimulation
- Can be stubborn during training
- Requires regular coat maintenance
- May chase small animals due to prey drive
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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