Is the Chinese Crested or the Silky Terrier better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Chinese Crested or the Silky Terrier?

The Silky Terrier sheds more than the Chinese Crested. If shedding is a concern, the Chinese Crested is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Chinese Crested or the Silky Terrier?

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

Is Chinese Crested or Silky Terrier bigger?

Chinese Crested and Silky Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Chinese Crested or Silky Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Chinese Crested or Silky Terrier?

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

Chinese Crested vs Silky Terrier: Which Sheds Less?

Chinese Crested vs Silky Terrier: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Chinese Crested is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Silky Terrier is a compact little 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 Chinese Crested wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Silky Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Chinese Crested requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Silky Terrier requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and drops very little hair. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Chinese Crested is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Silky Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Chinese Crested will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Silky Terrier is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Chinese Crested has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Chinese Crested and Silky Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Chinese Crested has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Chinese Crested and Silky Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Chinese Crested has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Chinese Crested if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Silky Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Chinese Crested or the Silky Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Chinese Crested and the Silky Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Chinese Crested or the Silky Terrier?: The Silky Terrier sheds more than the Chinese Crested. If shedding is a concern, the Chinese Crested is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Chinese Crested or the Silky Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Chinese Crested or Silky Terrier bigger?: Chinese Crested and Silky Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Chinese Crested or Silky Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Chinese Crested or Silky Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Chinese Crested has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Chinese Crested vs Silky Terrier