If you’re looking for a breed that is packed with personality, affection, and energy, you can’t go wrong with an Australian Silky Terrier! These little furballs make excellent family companions, and with their long, glossy coats, they’re as beautiful as they are loyal. But, before you decide this is the right dog for your home, there’s the financial commitment to think about, and to make that easier, we’ve done the work for you. From the price of buying a Silky Terrier to their ongoing care needs, we’ve outlined how much you can expect to spend bringing this lovely little breed into your life.
The price you’ll pay for an Australian Silky Terrier will ultimately depend on where you get your new furry friend. If you choose to purchase through a registered breeder, the cost will be between $2,500 – $4,500, depending on certain factors that we’ll explore later. On the other hand, adopting an Australian Silky Terrier through a rescue or shelter brings the price range down to $300 – $800.
When you’re looking at puppies for sale, you might even spot some that are cheaper than this. However, these are likely to be sold by unregistered breeders who do not follow best breeding practices, potentially resulting in a Silky puppy with some serious health problems. So, only buy through registered breeders or official adoption shelters.
Buying an Australian Silky Terrier from a registered breeder will set you back anywhere between $2,500 and $4,500. But why the big price difference? Essentially, the puppy’s lineage and health, as well as the breeder’s reputation, will be reflected in the cost. The more prestigious their background and the more health checks and socialisation they’ve had, the higher the price will be.
Adoption is a really good option if you’ve got your heart set on an Australian Silky Terrier and want to keep the purchase cost low, with an average adoption fee of $300 – $800 to pay. This cost also usually includes vaccinations and desexing, so it can be an absolute bargain compared to buying a puppy, and you’ll get that good feeling of giving a dog in need their forever home. However, it’s not without some struggles, especially as Australian Silky Terriers aren’t too common in shelters, so you’ll have to do some digging to find one. Luckily, there are breed-specific rescues like Seniors and Silkies that can help narrow down your search.
Not all Australian Silky Terriers come with the same price tag, and, as you can see from above, the purchase price can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. Here’s a close look at what influences the cost:
A good breeder will invest their time, money, and expertise into producing healthy puppies from healthy parents. They’ll also follow ethical breeding practices and conduct genetic testing for hereditary diseases, all of which adds to the price. Some breeders will also carry out early training like socialisation and house training before their puppies leave for their new homes, and this is another thing that can push the pricing even higher.
If you’re after a show-quality Silky, you should be prepared to pay a premium price. Puppies from champion bloodlines (which basically means with parents or grandparents who have won awards in dog shows) are priced higher because they’ll be seen as having superior genetics and potential for competition as outlined in the Dogs Australia Australian Silky Terrier breed standards. However, if you’re not so fussed about getting your dog in the show ring and are simply looking for a family pet, the price of Silky Terrier puppies without champion bloodlines will usually sit at the lower end of the $2,500 – $4,500 range.
While Australian Silky Terries have a standard coat colour of blue and tan, there are variations in shade and coat texture that can sometimes influence the price. This doesn’t necessarily mean rarer colours are more expensive, though. For example, Australian Silky Terries with silver and white coats might be priced lower, despite being rarer, because these colours are not accepted in the breed standards, which means showing them is not an option. On the other hand, Australian Silky Terrier Puppies with rich, clearly defined black and tan coats will be priced higher because this is accepted by the breed standards.
That’s the cost of buying your Australian Silky covered. But wait – there’s more! Before you bring your pup home, you’ll need to make sure you have all the essentials needed to care for them properly, including:
Dog crate: $80 – $200 for a safe, sturdy crate that can be used for training, travel, and as their own safe space to retreat to when needed.
Dog bed: $80 – $150 for a soft, durable, and chew-resistant bed that offers good joint support as well as a cosy place to curl up.
Dog collar/lead: $20 – $60 for a well-fitted collar, harness, and lead for daily walks.
Feeding bowl: $10 – $50 for a shallow, stainless steel or ceramic bowl that they can eat out of easily.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $30 to keep on top of plaque buildup and gum disease.
Dog car harness: $40 – $80 for a crash-tested car harness that will keep your Silky safe while you’re driving.
Puppy treats: $10 – $40 per month for all-natural treats you can use for training and for rewarding good behaviour.
Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 per pack to keep on top of house training in the early months.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $20 – $60 for a gentle, hypoallergenic formula that will deep clean without irritating the skin for a smooth, tangle-free coat.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $30 – $80 for a set of pin brushes, slicker brushes, combs, and clippers to keep on top of your Silky Terrier’s coat and nails.
These essential items are the end of the costs. There are also a few regular expenses you’ll need to budget for, all of which can add up to quite a hefty yearly total. Let’s look at these in more detail.
Silky Terriers might be small, but they’re very energetic, and this means they’ll need a food that can fuel them properly. A healthy adult Silky should weigh between 4kg – 5kg and be fed between 100g – 150g of food per day. This means, over the course of a month, your dog food bill could come to $60 – $300 when following these diets:
It is important to point out that these costs are just estimates, and your actual dog food spend will depend on the brand and the ingredients it contains, as well as the age, sex, and overall health of your dog. Always consult with a vet before deciding which diet would be best for your Australian Silky Terrier.
Even though Australian Silky Terriers are pretty hardy and generally quite healthy breeds, they’ll still need routine trips to the vet to help catch early issues and prevent certain health problems. Here’s what you can expect to pay for certain preventative care:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 per visit for a general health assessment that looks at your dog’s weight, teeth, skin, and overall wellness.
Vaccinations: $90 – $150 per year for core vaccines that protect against distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and more.
Worming and parasite treatment: $10 – $30 per month to protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms.
Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 per session for a full cleaning and any extractions needed.
Pet insurance: $30 – $80 per month to cover the costs of unexpected illnesses, accidents, and major medical treatments.
The good news is Australian Silky Terriers don’t shed very much, so they’re a great choice if you want to keep your home relatively fur-free. However, this does come at a cost, and their namesake silky fur grows continuously (much like human hair), so they’ll need regular professional grooming. Here’s what you can expect to pay for this:
If there’s one thing that’s certain about Australian Silky Terriers, it’s that they’re smart, independent, and full of energy. But if this isn’t directed properly, they can develop stubborn streaks and excessive barking habits, so training is an absolute must! This is something else to budget for, with average costs coming in at:
If you’re looking for great family companions, Australian Silky Terrier puppies are a very good choice of breed. But, before deciding this is the right choice for your home, you need to take the time to consider the costs associated with owning one. From food to vet bills and grooming, these little dogs need an owner who can afford the care and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. If you’re confident you’re up to the challenge, you’ll find yourself with a loving and loyal companion who will bring years of joy to your family.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.