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 $45 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,985.
| 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.) | $3,510 | $3,465 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,075 | $2,005 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $32,560 | $35,545 |
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 $32,560, while a Australian Silky Terrier comes to about $35,545 — a difference of $2,985 (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 $45. If you're planning for the long haul, the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) saves about $2,985 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 an English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) or an Australian Silky Terrier cheaper to own?
The Australian Silky Terrier is cheaper in the first year ($3,465 vs $3,510). Over a full lifetime the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) works out cheaper overall — about $32,560 versus $35,545, a difference of roughly $2,985.
How much does an English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) cost per month compared to an Australian Silky Terrier?
After the first year, an English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) costs about $173/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 an English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) and an Australian Silky Terrier?
The largest single difference is insurance: an 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 an English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) 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.