Silky Terrier Breed Description

Key Points

• Country of Origin Australia.

• Date of Origin late 1800.

• They are shown in the Terrier group in the USA under UKC, Toy under AKC.

Description

Described in Animal Planet's Dogs 101 "Bold, feisty, inquisitive, and playful, the Silky Terrier is and full of personality" Adapts well to all family situations  

The Silky is unlike any toy dog. They make great lap dogs and love to sleep in bed but their temperament is more laid back than most toys. Usually not nervous or overly yappy

Most Silky Terriers are easy to train. In a recent survey of 91 small breed dogs, the Silky was in the top 12 in learning commands quickly. Silky Terriers have been trained and competed in Agility, Rally, and Obedience. They do well as therapy dogs. Some have even become licensed service dogs.

Unless you are looking for a purse size toy dog, they are totally delightful.

Originating in Australia in the late 1800s, they were a combination of the then 10 lb Yorkshire bred to the Australian Terrier. They ended up with the best of both worlds. They retained a look similar to the Yorkshire with a low keyed  easy going Terrier temperament. Not overly vocal they are excellent watch dogs and will alert their owners if they feel something is in need of their attention.

The Silky is 9 to 10 inches tall and their weight varies with most females being 7 to 9 lbs boys 10 to 12 lbs.

Their coat is about 4 to 6 inches long. It feels allot like our own hair. They are born black and tan. As they age the black turn to shades of grey from very dark to light grey, with tan legs and either a fawn or silver head fall. Their coat is very easy to groom. It is best if brushed daily but will not be a problem if you only can do it twice a week.

They are still quite rare with less than 900 litters born in the USA annually.

They are a very healthy and hardy breed not fragile or "needy." Living an average life span of 15 years. Rarely will you find a Silky with health concerns until late in life.  

Silky Terriers can adapt to just about any lifestyle. Equally at home in an apartment or on a ranch. They usually get along well people of all ages including young children. They are the one of the best toy breed dogs for first time pet owners. Most do well with other dogs and cats.

People who discover this rare gem of a breed are fans for life.

Colors

Blue/Tan, with silver highlights on the fur near the eyes. Puppies are generally born with black coloration which develops into blue over time.

Living Area

Silky Terriers are at their best when living indoors in smaller urban or suburban areas. You'll need to walk them once or twice a day, of course, but they don't necessarily need a yard in which to run around or a great deal of space. The average Silky Terrier will be perfectly happy finding non-destructive things to do indoors.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Silky Terrier breeders with puppies for sale.