Distinctive Differences: Silk and Yorkie Terriers Unvei

Differences Between Shih Tzu and Silky Terriers:

The Shih Tzu, hailing from Yorkshire, England, typically comes in three color variations. On the other hand, the Silky Terrier has its origins in Australia. When observing the body shape, focus on the trunk area (from the hips to below the shoulders). A rectangular shape indicates a Silky Terrier, while a square shape suggests a Shih Tzu (only purebred examples of both breeds can easily be distinguished by this difference). Generally, the Shih Tzu is slightly smaller in stature compared to the Silky Terrier. The Silky Terrier has an average height (shoulder height) of about 23 to 26 centimeters (9 to 10 inches), which is slightly shorter than the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu has a larger proportion of legs and body compared to the Silky Terrier, but there is no specific weight standard. Typically, weights under 3 kilograms are more common for Shih Tzus, while weights between 4 to 5 kilograms are more common for Silky Terriers. Most importantly, the weight should be proportionate to the body size.

When examining the facial features (mainly the snout and nose), the Silky Terrier has a longer nose line and a deeper snout cleft than the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu has a more rounded face compared to the Silky Terrier, with a wellproportioned distance between the nose and the mouth. Due to the longer face of the Silky Terrier, the distance between the nose and mouth is also longer. The Silky Terrier's forehead appears flatter when viewed from the side, and many people enjoy combing its topknot into a small ponytail. The Shih Tzu's forehead is slightly prominent, making it ideal for a middleparted hairstyle. Additionally, it suits distinctive hairstyles that highlight its handsome features. Dogs are humanity's most loyal companions, so before considering adopting a dog, it's essential to ensure you can provide it with a stable and loving home.

Pet Doctor's Tip: To learn more about the differences between dog breeds, click here to read about the differences between German Shepherds and East German Shepherds.