Italian Greyhound vs Australian Silky Terrier: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Italian Greyhound is cheaper by $240 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $7,915.
| Cost Factor | Italian Greyhound | Australian Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 14 yrs | 17 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $130 | $295 |
| Initial vet costs | $475 | $425 |
| Annual food | $440 | $440 |
| Annual vet | $475 | $425 |
| Annual grooming | $185 | $445 |
| Annual insurance | $530 | $475 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,005 | $3,245 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $1,785 | $1,930 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $26,210 | $34,125 |
Italian Greyhound vs Australian Silky Terrier: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Italian Greyhound works out to roughly $26,210, while a Australian Silky Terrier comes to about $34,125 — a difference of $7,915 (23%). The Italian Greyhound 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 $185 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 Italian Greyhound wins the first year by $240. If you're planning for the long haul, the Italian Greyhound saves about $7,915 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
Italian Greyhound
Australian Silky Terrier
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Italian Greyhound or a Australian Silky Terrier cheaper to own?
The Italian Greyhound is cheaper in the first year ($3,005 vs $3,245). Over a full lifetime the Italian Greyhound works out cheaper overall — about $26,210 versus $34,125, a difference of roughly $7,915.
How much does a Italian Greyhound cost per month compared to a Australian Silky Terrier?
After the first year, a Italian Greyhound costs about $149/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 Italian Greyhound and a Australian Silky Terrier?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Australian Silky Terrier costs about $445 a year versus $185 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Australian Silky Terrier typically lives longer (17 vs 14 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Italian Greyhounds or Australian Silky Terriers cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $475 for a Italian Greyhound 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.