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Australian Silky Terrier vs Golden Retriever

Discover the differences between Australian Silky Terrier and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Australian Silky Terrier
Australia

Australian Silky Terrier

Toy Group
Small

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.

Golden Retriever
Scotland

Golden Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.

Quick comparison

Size:

Small

Male:

3.5–4.5 kg

Coat:

Straight, silky

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

3.5–4.5 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Double coat, water-repellent

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–29 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Australian Silky Terrier

Friendliness
4/5

Generally sociable with family and familiar people

Intelligence
5/5

Quick to learn new commands and tricks

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and mental stimulation

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and playful activities

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts moderately to changes in routine

Golden Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs

Intelligence
5/5

Quick to learn commands and routines

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and mental stimulation

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to various living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Australian Silky Terrier

Grooming:
High grooming needs (daily)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Luxating patella, tracheal collapse

Golden Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Australian Silky Terrier

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Easy to train and adaptable, though may require consistent boundaries and patience

Apartment Living
5/5

Excellent fit

Small size and moderate exercise needs suit compact living spaces

Active Lifestyle
4/5

Moderately suitable

Enjoys play and activity but does not require intense exercise

Kids
2/5

Caution advised

Can be snappy if handled roughly by very young children

Multiple Pets
3/5

Possible with supervision

Gets along with other pets if socialized early, but may chase small animals

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being left alone and prone to separation anxiety

Golden Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people

Kids
5/5

Perfect fit

Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation 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

Golden Retriever

  • Friendly with children and other pets
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
  • Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
  • Strong retrieving and swimming abilities

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

Golden Retriever

  • Prone to obesity without portion control
  • High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
  • Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
  • Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

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