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Breed Characteristics
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Australian Silky Terrier
| Other Names | Silky Terrier, Sydney Terrier, Silky Toy Terrier |
| Nicknames | Silky |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Weight | 8 - 11 lbs. (4 - 5 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 9 - 10 in. (23 - 25 cm) Females are generally smaller than males. |
| Coat | Silkies have long, straight coats that hang down from the back of the Silky to its sides. The fur around the feet should be short and well-trimmed. The Silky also has long hair around its face, which is considered problematic if left untrimmed. This hair can either be trimmed into a V-shape and left to hang along the sides of the face, or it can be gathered into a topknot. |
| Colour | Blue/Tan, with silver highlights on the fur near the eyes. Puppies are generally born with black coloration which develops into blue over time. |
| Litter Size | 1 - 4 average of 2 |
| Life Span | 12 – 15 years. Although many have been known to live much longer. |
| Origin & History | The ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier include the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier (which descends from the rough coated type terriers brought from Great Britain to Australia in the early 19th century); few records indicate whether early dogs were just Australian Terriers born with silky fur, or whether there was an attempt to create a separate breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed began at the end of the 19th century when Yorkshire Terriers were crossed with the Australian Terriers. At first the breed was known as the Sydney Silky, as it was found primarily in the city of Sydney, Australia. Although most other Australian breeds were working dogs, the Silky Terrier was bred primarily to be an urban pet and companion, although it is also known for killing snakes in Australia. Up until 1929 the Australian Terrier, the Australian Silky Terrier, and the Yorkshire Terrier were not clearly defined. Dogs of three different breeds might be born in the same litter, to be separated by appearance into the different types once they were grown. After 1932 in Australia, further crossbreeding was discouraged, and in 1955 the breed's name officially became the Australian Silky Terrier. The breed was recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1958 in the Toy Group. During and after World War II American servicemen that had been stationed in Australia brought back to the United States a few Silky Terriers. Newspaper photographs of the breed in 1954 caused an upsurge of popularity and hundreds of Silkies were imported from Australia to the United States. The American Kennel Club recognised the breed as the Silky Terrier in 1959, as did the United Kennel Club (US) in 1965 where it is shown as a Terrier; it is also recognised as the Silky Terrier by the Canadian Kennel Club. The breed is recognised by all the major kennel clubs in the English speaking world, and internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as breed number 236. It may also be recognised by various minor kennel clubs and internet breed registry businesses. |
| Personality | This loving, little terrier is very intelligent, courageous and alert. Affectionate, spunky, cheerful and sociable, it likes to be close to its master. It is full of energy and needs a good amount of exercise in order to be calm. Curious and keen, it is an enthusiastic digger. Active, smart and quick. Despite its size, this docile dog makes a good watchdog. This is a sturdy breed that adjusts well to traveling. It is not generally trustworthy with other non-canine pets such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. Socialize well, including with cats, so it does not chase them. Good with children so long as the dog does not have a meek owner who fails to give him the discipline and structure all dogs instinctually need. Training these dogs is very straightforward because it is very eager to learn. Do not allow this little dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. When a Silky believes it is the boss, its temperament changes, as it tries to control everyone and everything around it. It may become demanding, willful, protective and may begin to bark a lot. It may begin to be untrustworthy with children and sometimes adults, becoming snappish if peeved and may pick fights with other dogs. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Silky Terriers are prone to a few Health Problems, including: Elbow dysplasia Yeast dermatitis (a skin disorder) Patellar luxation (disorder which causes the kneecap to shift out of alignment under moderate stress) Legg Calve Perthes Disease (temporary bone degeneration in growing puppies, commonly cured through enforced rest) Storage Disease. This is the most serious of the Health Problems Silky Terriers face, as it attacks the nervous system and is often fatal. Make sure to check up on your dog with regular veterinary visits in order to head off this problem as early as possible. |
| Grooming | The Silky Terrier is very prone to tangles and mats and needs daily combing and brushing. It should be bathed regularly to keep the hair in top condition. It takes quite a commitment from its owner, requiring about 15 minutes a day. After bathing, make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm. The coat must be trimmed occasionally, and the hair on the legs from the knees down is often trimmed short. The hair that falls over the eyes is tied up in a topknot so the dog will be able to see more easily. The Silky Terrier sheds little to no hair. |
| Exercise | The Silky Terrier is full of energy and needs to go on daily walks. It has surprising stamina and will enjoy regular chances to run and play. |
| Other Considerations | The Silky Terrier is good for apartment life. These dogs are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard if sufficiently exercised. |
