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

The Lakeland Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

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

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

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

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

Is Lakeland Terrier or Silky Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Lakeland Terrier or Silky Terrier?

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

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

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

Lakeland Terrier vs Silky Terrier: Which Is Quieter?

Lakeland Terrier vs Silky Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Lakeland Terrier	Silky Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	Yes

Size and living space

The Lakeland Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Silky Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds very little. The Silky Terrier needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds very little. The Silky Terrier is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Lakeland Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Silky Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Lakeland Terrier 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, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Silky Terrier has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Lakeland Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Silky Terrier if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Lakeland Terrier or the Silky Terrier better for families with children?: The Lakeland Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Lakeland Terrier or the Silky Terrier?: The Lakeland Terrier and Silky Terrier shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Lakeland Terrier or the Silky Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Lakeland Terrier or Silky Terrier bigger?: Lakeland Terrier and Silky Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Lakeland Terrier or Silky Terrier?: Silky Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Lakeland Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Lakeland Terrier or Silky Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Lakeland Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Lakeland Terrier vs Silky Terrier