In the late 1800s, after Yorkshire Terriers were brought to Australia from England, the little dogs were crossed with the somewhat larger Australian Terriers. While some of the dogs that resulted from these crosses where recognized as Yorkshire Terriers, others were classified as Australian Terriers. However, there were a few that looked quite different, and they were given the name of Sydney Silky Terriers. These dogs were smaller than Australian Terriers but bigger than Yorkshires. Additionally, their hair was longer than the hair of Australians but shorter than that of Yorkshires. Silkies became popular rather quickly, and a breed standard was created in Australia in 1926. In 1955, the name of the breed was changed to Australian Silky Terriers. However, the U.S. recognized them as Silky Terriers. Additionally, while the AKC classifies Silkies as toy dogs, the UKC classifies them as terriers.
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small dog that weighs about eight to 11 pounds fully grown. These dogs have long, silky coats that are blue with tan or red markings. They have a wedge-shaped head with almond-shaped eyes and triangular prick ears. Their bodies are slightly long, and their tails can either be left long or docked.
Personality
Australian Silky Terriers are highly active dogs that are brimming with energy. If you choose to bring one of these charming little dogs into your home, be prepared for a tiny tornado with legs. Additionally, make sure that you provide your Silky with plenty of exercise, play and toys. The Australian Silky Terrier is a small dog that came from Australia and was originally used as companions and to kill snakes. Today, most of these dogs are simply lovable pets. This is a breed that is known by many different names including the Australian Silky Terrier, Silky Terrier, Silky Toy Terrier and Sydney Terrier. Silky Terriers are lively dogs that are bubbling over with enthusiasm and energy. In fact, some of them have a difficult time sitting still for more than a minute at a time. As such, if you choose to bring an Australian Silky Terrier into your home, you must be prepared to keep your new little friend busy at all times.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 14 years |
| Nicknames: | The Australian Silky Terrier, Silky Terrier, Silky Toy Terrier and Sydney Terrier. |
Australian Silky Terrier Build Information
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small dog that weighs about eight to 11 pounds fully grown. These dogs have long, silky coats that are blue with tan or red markings. They have a wedge-shaped head with almond-shaped eyes and triangular prick ears. Their bodies are slightly long, and their tails can either be left long or docked.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
Australian Silky Terriers are highly active dogs that are brimming with energy. If you choose to bring one of these charming little dogs into your home, be prepared for a tiny tornado with legs. Additionally, make sure that you provide your Silky with plenty of exercise, play and toys. The Australian Silky Terrier is a small dog that came from Australia and was originally used as companions and to kill snakes. Today, most of these dogs are simply lovable pets. This is a breed that is known by many different names including the Australian Silky Terrier, Silky Terrier, Silky Toy Terrier and Sydney Terrier. Silky Terriers are lively dogs that are bubbling over with enthusiasm and energy. In fact, some of them have a difficult time sitting still for more than a minute at a time. As such, if you choose to bring an Australian Silky Terrier into your home, you must be prepared to keep your new little friend busy at all times.
| Activity Level: | High activity |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
Due to the nature of the Australian Silky Terrier's coat, you will need to brush your pet's hair daily to prevent mats and tangles. You may also want to keep the hair on its head in a topknot so that it does not fall forward and over the eyes. If you choose, you can have its hair trimmed. You will also need to check your Silky's ears regularly and trim its nails when they get long. Giving your pet a bath about two or three times a month should be sufficient unless it becomes particularly dirty. Finally, be sure to brush your Silky's teeth two or three times a week to prevent bacteria buildup.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Moderate |
Australian Silky Terrier Common Health Conditions
While the Australian Silky Terrier is generally a healthy breed, there are some minor health issues you will want to look out for. This breed has been known to develop such issues as dry skin, Legg Perthes disease, elbow and hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, patellar luxation, epilepsy, tracheal collapse, and diabetes. Healthy Silky Terriers can live as long as 14 years old.
Australian Silky Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Bathing your Australian Silky Terrier with oatmeal or avocado shampoo can help relieve its dry skin. It is best to use a harness for your Silky Terrier to help prevent tracheal collapse. Even though most kennel clubs classify the Australian Silky Terrier as a toy breed of dog, it is a true terrier at heart.
| Training: | Hard to train |