Silky Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Silky Terrier?

The Silky Terrier originated from Australia where the Yorkshire terriers were imported across and cross-bred with the native Australian terrier.

Whilst this breed can often get confused with the Yorkshire terrier, the coat length tends to give away when it comes to telling the two apart.

Australians developed the breed standard of 1906 in Sydney and in 1909 another standard was drawn up in Victoria to outline the guidelines on how the breed should look, move and act. The two standards came together and made the newest breed standard back in 1926.

The first Silky Terrier Club was formed in 1906 and is recognised by the American Kennel Club. As of today, they stand at 74th out of 155 in the total breeds on AKC.

The breed over the years was used a lot as a hunter, catching small prey for households that may have needed to get rid of vermin.

Who are Silky Terrier dogs best for?

The Silky can be a great family pet for anyone that's looking for a loveable breed that's also small enough to be a lap dog for most. They're great for being raised with kids and they often deal well with being around a lot of noise and traffic in the household.

For the best home, this Silky Terrier dog breed should be in a household with children older than 10. Anyone that's looking for a companion will love this breed, as they certainly cling onto you like glue. They'll also adapt well to most environments, whether it's an apartment or townhouse.

How much grooming does a Silky Terrier need?

One of the best features of the Silky Terrier is its beautiful coat. Long, sleek, and parted down the back, it's often grown out to hit the floor.

With coat colours in tan and various shades of blue, the coat will need around two to three brushes a week. This will help keep the dog's coat tangle-free and it's also handy to bathe your terrier every month to keep the Silky terrier's coat clean.

Brush their teeth around the same amount as brushing their hair and trim their nails once or twice a month. Be sure to check their ears weekly for any signs of infection or build-up of dirt that can be cleaned out with a cotton ball.

Do Silky Terrier bark much?

For Silky Australian Terriers, it's important to be aware that they're part of a group that tends to be known for their barking habits. As terriers, they're concerned when they hear new noises or sights that startle them from their sleepy slumber.

As such, they do bark and it's worth knowing this in case you're looking for a less yappy dog.

Do Silky Terrier bite?

Terriers can be great dogs and when it comes to the Silkies, they can be a wonderful family pet if trained correctly. You should be socialising them from an early age to get them used to children who may not be so careful with them at first.

It's worth knowing that if you're putting this terrier in with young children, then extensive obedience training will be needed to avoid them reacting to pokes and prods. Any biting should be curbed quickly and early on.

What is the temperament & personality of a Silky Terrier?

As a breed, they have an excellent temperament that's laid-back, friendly, and manageable for most households. They love chasing small animals and they make an excellent watchdog for anyone who needs extra protection over their home.

A devoted member of the household, the Silky is happiest when surrounded by his loved ones. Don't go too far from his eyesight, as he'll be quick to follow.

What is the weight & size of a Silky Terrier?

These small dogs mustn't gain too much weight as it could impact their body in ways that other dogs might not be affected by. Typically, both males and females will weigh around 4 to 5 kilos and will stand around 25 cm tall.

How much training does a Silky Terrier need?

With the terrier temperament, they need early socialisation and exposure to both people and other dogs to get them used to life as we know it.

A good way to do this is puppy classes, and meeting plenty of guests and dog walkers where possible. Whilst they're small dogs, they'll need to exercise and especially when they grow up to become adult dogs.

With plenty of exercise, they're also likely to be more well-behaved when it comes to home life. They'll also love dog sports and getting involved in a game of chase or fetch.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Silky Terrier?

Whilst they are a generally healthy breed, there are some health problems that this breed can encounter.

Epilepsy - A neurological condition that causes seizures that can vary in severity. They may often have symptoms of limbs going rigid, losing consciousness, and falling over. The right treatment can provide the dog with a healthy life.

Diabetes Mellitus - A disorder that means the body can't regulate blood sugar levels. Symptoms of diabetes can include excessive urination and thirst or increase appetite.

Tracheal Collapse - Often seen with smaller breeds, this is a weakening of the cartilage that can cause coughing, fainting, and a lack of appeal for exercise.

What is the lifespan of a Silky Terrier?

The Silky terrier does well in life, getting a good 12-15 years on average. This lifespan is very good for terriers and small dogs of this size. Making sure they have plenty of exercises and looking after common health issues, is going to ensure they have a healthy life.

How much should you feed a Silky Terrier?

A pup of this size, they're not going to need a huge amount of food. As such, they may only need somewhere between 1/2 cup to 3/4 per day over two meals.

As small dogs go, they don't need a lot to be sustained for the day, regardless of how little or how much exercise they get.

What is the price of a Silky Terrier in Australia?

The price for terrier breeds can vary depending on whether they're cross-bred or purebred dogs. There are also some variations in price depending on location and the type of breeder you choose.

With that, prices range from $350 to $500 for a show-quality dog.