English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) 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 $50 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,830.
| Cost Factor | English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) | Australian Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 15 yrs | 17 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $275 | $295 |
| Initial vet costs | $480 | $425 |
| Annual food | $420 | $440 |
| Annual vet | $480 | $425 |
| Annual grooming | $425 | $445 |
| Annual insurance | $535 | $475 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,295 | $3,245 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,000 | $1,930 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $31,295 | $34,125 |
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Australian Silky Terrier: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) works out to roughly $31,295, while a Australian Silky Terrier comes to about $34,125 — a difference of $2,830 (8%). The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) 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 insurance: a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) costs about $535 a year for insurance, versus $475 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 $50. If you're planning for the long haul, the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) saves about $2,830 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
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
Australian Silky Terrier
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) or a Australian Silky Terrier cheaper to own?
The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,245 vs $3,295). Over a full lifetime the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) works out cheaper overall — about $31,295 versus $34,125, a difference of roughly $2,830.
How much does a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) cost per month compared to a Australian Silky Terrier?
After the first year, a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) costs about $167/month in ongoing expenses, while a Australian Silky Terrier costs about $161/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 English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) and a Australian Silky Terrier?
The largest single difference is insurance: a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) costs about $535 a year versus $475 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Silky Terrier typically lives longer (17 vs 15 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)s or Australian Silky Terriers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $480 for a English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) and $425 for a 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.