How much does an Australian Silky Terrier cost per year?

After the first year, an Australian Silky Terrier costs approximately $2,005 per year on average, covering food ($440), vet care ($425), grooming ($445), and insurance ($475).

smalldog17 yr lifespan

How Much Does an Australian Silky Terrier Cost?

Q: Is an Australian Silky Terrier expensive to own?

Australian Silky Terriers have a lifetime ownership cost of approximately $35,545 over 17 years. Annual running costs average $2,005/yr, putting them in the mid-range for annual ownership costs.

As a small breed, the Australian Silky Terrier's costs are driven by food portions, grooming needs, and routine vet care. This breed is generally hardy, but routine vet care and the occasional unexpected visit should still be budgeted for. Day-to-day costs are driven mainly by food, routine vet care, and basic supplies. Initial costs cover adoption or purchase, a first vet visit, and the basic supplies every new pet needs.

Get My Personalised Estimate

$3,465

First Year Total

inc. one-time setup

$2,005

Annual Ongoing

per year from year 2

$35,545

Lifetime Estimate

over 17 years

What these figures assume: US national average pricing, own home (no pet deposit), standard food, grooming at the breed's typical frequency, insurance and professional training included, no daycare, routine dental care only. See how this is calculated or change these assumptions.

First Year Costs (inc. setup)

Purchase / Adoption Fee

Varies by breeder vs rescue

$295

Initial Vet Visit & Vaccinations

Spay/neuter, microchip, health check

$425

Starter Supplies

Bed, crate, collar, bowls, toys

$485

Training Classes

Basic obedience recommended

$255

First Year Food

$440

First Year Vet Care

$425

First Year Grooming

$445

First Year Insurance

$475

Total$3,465

Annual Ongoing Costs (Year 2+)

Food

$440

Vet Care

$425

Grooming

$445

Pet Insurance

$475

Supplies & Toys

$145

Total$2,005

Budget for emergencies

We recommend keeping $2,000 in a dedicated emergency fund for unexpected vet bills.

About the Australian Silky Terrier

The Australian Silky Terrier is a small-sized dog breed with an average lifespan of 17 years. First-year ownership costs typically run around $3,465, which includes the purchase or adoption fee, initial vet visits, vaccinations, starter supplies, and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance.

From year two onwards, ongoing costs average $2,005 per year. The largest recurring expense is food at $440/year, followed by vet care at $425/year. Grooming is a significant cost for this breed at $445/year, reflecting their coat maintenance requirements.

Over a 17-year lifespan, the total estimated cost of owning a Australian Silky Terrier is approximately $35,545. These figures are US national averages — your actual costs will vary based on your city, lifestyle, and whether you use a breeder or rescue organisation. Use our calculator above to get a personalised estimate.

How to save on Australian Silky Terrier costs

→Insure early, before anything is pre-existing. At $475 a year, insurance is one of the larger predictable costs — but Australian Silky Terriers insured as puppies see lower premiums and, more importantly, no pre-existing-condition exclusions. Every condition that appears before cover starts is excluded for life, which is why waiting is the expensive option.
→Stretch the grooming interval. Grooming runs about $445 a year for this breed. Home brushing between appointments lets most owners move from monthly to quarterly visits without the coat suffering, saving roughly $134 a year.
→Adopt rather than buy. Rescue organisations typically charge $150–$400, against $295+ from a breeder — a difference of about $20. Adult dogs from shelters usually arrive vaccinated and desexed, which also removes part of the $425 initial vet bill.
→Do not over-buy on food. Food is a modest $440 a year for this breed. Bulk buying saves little at this volume and risks the bag going stale, so buying a quality food in sensible quantities beats chasing bulk discounts.
→Build an emergency fund. We suggest $2,000 in a dedicated pet savings account for a small breed. A single emergency surgery runs $3,000–$8,000 without insurance, and four in five owners face an unexpected veterinary bill at some point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an Australian Silky Terrier cost?

An Australian Silky Terrier typically costs $3,465 in the first year, including the purchase or adoption fee ($295), initial vet visits ($425), supplies ($485), and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance. Annual ongoing costs from year two are approximately $2,005/year.

How much does an Australian Silky Terrier cost per month?

After the first year, an Australian Silky Terrier costs approximately $167/month on average. This covers food ($37/month), vet care ($35/month), grooming ($37/month), and insurance ($40/month).

Is an Australian Silky Terrier expensive to own?

Australian Silky Terriers cost approximately $2,005/year to maintain — in the mid-range for annual dog ownership costs. Over their 17-year lifespan, total costs come to around $35,545.

How much does an Australian Silky Terrier puppy cost?

An Australian Silky Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs $295. Rescue or shelter adoption fees are usually $150–$400 and often include initial vaccinations and desexing. Remember the purchase price is just one part of the first-year cost of $3,465.