PuppyBase

Havanese vs Silky Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Havanese vs Silky Terrier

People compare Havanese and Silky Terriers because they’re both small, fluffy, and look like they belong in a purse. But spend a weekend with either and you’ll realize they’re built for different lives. The Havanese is the ultimate people pleaser, bred to charm Cuban aristocrats and now thriving in family homes. They’re goofy, patient with kids, and will follow you from room to room like a furry shadow. If you work from home or have kids bouncing off the walls, the Havanese leans into the chaos with a wag and a smile. But don’t leave them alone all day. they’ll worry, and you’ll come home to a shredded tissue box and a guilt trip in dog form. The Silky? That’s a different kind of spark. He’s got terrier fire under that silky coat. Originally tasked with chasing rats in Australian backyards, he’s more independent, quicker to bark at the mailman, and less “everyone’s best friend.” He’ll cuddle, sure, but on his terms. Good with older kids, yes. but toddlers might get nipped at if they grab too hard. He’s just more… particular. Grooming-wise, both need brushing, but the Havanese’s coat is higher maintenance, prone to mats if skipped for a day. The Silky’s is surprisingly manageable with routine care. Here’s the real difference: the Havanese lives to love you. The Silky loves you because you’re his. That subtle shift changes everything. Pick the Havanese if you want a devoted, adaptable companion. Pick the Silky if you want a tiny watchdog with a big-dog attitude and a soft side you’ve earned.

Havanese
Silky Terrier
8.5–11.5 in
Height
9–10 in
7–13 lb
Weight
8–10 lb
14–16 yr
Lifespan
13–15 yr
$1.5–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.2–2.5k
#24
AKC popularity
#112

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Havanese Silky Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Havanese is better with kids (2-point difference)
Havanese
Good with Other Dogs
Havanese is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Havanese
Watchdog / Protective
Silky Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Silky
Good with Strangers
Havanese is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Havanese
Playfulness
Havanese is more playful (1-point difference)
Havanese
The verdict

Choose the Havanese if…

  • Apartment dwellers
  • Seniors
  • Families with children
  • You value good with young childrenHavanese scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Silky Terrier if…

  • Apartment living
  • Active owners despite small size
  • Those wanting a long-coated but manageable breed
  • You value watchdog / protectiveSilky Terrier scores higher here.
Havanese Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Havanese home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Silky Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Silky Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run