They are genetically related and Huddersfield Ben who was the foundation sire of the Yorkie had a grandmother by the name of Katie who is said was taken to Australia and mated with the Australian terrier resulting in the Silky terrier.
A Yorkie or a Silky — What’s the Difference? | Silky Terrier Club of Central Florida The basic differences are the Yorkie is smaller, more square shaped, hair grows longer and will reach the floor, and muzzle is shorter. There are individual differences and much depends on if the breeder chose the breeding pair wisely, or simply bred her pets. I've heard that its very common for backyard breeders in Arizona (probably in other states as well) to get a silky as the mother so that the litter will be much larger, so buyer beware.
The following is taken from the Silky Terrier Club o;f America:
Comparison of Silky to Aussie & Yorkie Silky Terrier
8 weeks 5 months Adult Head Adult Body
•Terrier of refined bone but sturdy and well muscled
•Blue & Tan coloration (any shading of blue w/rich tans acceptable)
•10 inch at shoulder and approximate 10 lb (weight to body frame acceptable)
•Single coated dog with hair silky in texture. Dark Almond eyes and 'V' shaped set ears on top of the head.
•Note:
Longer length of body ~ wedge shape head ~ finer bone but well muscled ~
single shaft silky coat not floor length
•
Good pets for families but not good with small children as they are prey driven terriers and may 'chase' & 'nip' on occasion
Yorkshire Terrier
6 weeks Pet Yorkie Adult Head Adult Body
•Blue & Tan coloration (must be slate blue)
•Small, petite dogs that are terrier in nature not to be over 7 lbs
•
Square built (shoulder height equal to length of body) with long silky coat to the floor
•Note: square body -
shorter muzzle -
single shaft coat to floor - 7 lbs or under (for show)
•Good pets in families with older children (not for small children) many pets go over 7 lbs
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