Australian Silky Terrier vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Australian Silky Terrier and Golden Retriever 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.

Golden Retriever
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
Small
3.5–4.5 kg
Straight, silky
12–15 years
3.5–4.5 kg
High energy
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 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
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Australian Silky Terrier
Luxating patella, tracheal collapse
Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
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
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