Dachshund (Smooth Haired) vs Australian Silky Terrier: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper by $245 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,395.
| Cost Factor | Dachshund (Smooth Haired) | Australian Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 17 yrs | 17 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $535 | $295 |
| Initial vet costs | $480 | $425 |
| Annual food | $410 | $440 |
| Annual vet | $480 | $425 |
| Annual grooming | $165 | $445 |
| Annual insurance | $535 | $475 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,710 | $3,465 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $1,840 | $2,005 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $33,150 | $35,545 |
Dachshund (Smooth Haired) vs Australian Silky Terrier: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) works out to roughly $33,150, while a Australian Silky Terrier comes to about $35,545 — a difference of $2,395 (7%). The Dachshund (Smooth Haired) is the more budget-friendly choice over the long run, though the gap is driven by a few specific expenses rather than across-the-board savings.
The biggest single difference is grooming: a Australian Silky Terrier costs about $445 a year for grooming, versus $165 for the other breed. Both are small-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Australian Silky Terrier wins the first year by $245. If you're planning for the long haul, the Dachshund (Smooth Haired) saves about $2,395 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Dachshund (Smooth Haired)
Australian Silky Terrier
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) or an Australian Silky Terrier cheaper to own?
The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,465 vs $3,710). Over a full lifetime the Dachshund (Smooth Haired) works out cheaper overall — about $33,150 versus $35,545, a difference of roughly $2,395.
How much does a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) cost per month compared to an Australian Silky Terrier?
After the first year, a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) costs about $153/month in ongoing expenses, while an Australian Silky Terrier costs about $167/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) and an Australian Silky Terrier?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Australian Silky Terrier costs about $445 a year versus $165 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 17-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Dachshund (Smooth Haired)s or Australian Silky Terriers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $480 for a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) and $425 for an Australian Silky Terrier. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.