Is the Biewer Terrier or the Silky Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Biewer Terrier and the Silky Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Biewer Terrier or the Silky Terrier?

The Biewer Terrier and Silky Terrier shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Biewer Terrier or the Silky Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Biewer Terrier or Silky Terrier bigger?

Biewer Terrier and Silky Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Biewer Terrier or Silky Terrier?

Silky Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Biewer Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Biewer Terrier or Silky Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Biewer Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Biewer Terrier vs Silky Terrier: Which Is Quieter?

Biewer Terrier vs Silky Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Biewer Terrier	Silky Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Biewer Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Silky Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Biewer Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Silky Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Biewer Terrier requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds very little. The Silky Terrier requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds very little. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Biewer Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Silky Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Biewer Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Silky Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Biewer Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Biewer Terrier and Silky Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Biewer Terrier and Silky Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Biewer Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Biewer Terrier and Silky Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Biewer Terrier if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Silky Terrier if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Biewer Terrier on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Biewer Terrier or the Silky Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Biewer Terrier and the Silky Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Biewer Terrier or the Silky Terrier?: The Biewer Terrier and Silky Terrier shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Biewer Terrier or the Silky Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Biewer Terrier or Silky Terrier bigger?: Biewer Terrier and Silky Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Biewer Terrier or Silky Terrier?: Silky Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Biewer Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Biewer Terrier or Silky Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Biewer Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Biewer Terrier vs Silky Terrier