Silky Terrier Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Traits, & More

Silky Terriers: Lively Companions with Bold Personalities

Are you looking for a small dog with a big personality? Meet the Silky Terrier! These spunky little dogs pack a lot of spirit and energy into a compact, silky-coated package. With a friendly disposition and "no fear" attitude, Silkies make delightful companions for active families. Let‘s take a closer look at this Toy breed with the terrier tenacity.

History of the Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier hails from Australia, where they were developed in the late 1800s. The exact details of their origin are a bit of a mystery, but it‘s believed they resulted from crosses between Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers, perhaps with some Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye Terrier or Cairn Terrier thrown into the mix.

The intent behind the breeding was to create a dog adept at hunting and killing small vermin and snakes on farms and in gold mines. The Yorkie influence lent long, silky coats while the Australian Terrier added size and sturdiness. Originally called Sydney Silky Terriers in a nod to their city of origin, their name has changed several times over the years. They‘re known as Australian Silky Terriers in Australia but simply Silky Terriers in the U.S. per the breed‘s official American Kennel Club name.

The Silky Terrier‘s Physical Characteristics

Silky Terriers are small dogs, typically weighing just 8-10 pounds and standing about 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder. Don‘t let the small size fool you, though – these dogs are sturdy and solidly built with strong bone and good muscle tone.

As the breed name suggests, one of the Silky‘s most distinctive features is the coat. The single layer coat is long, sleek, glossy and – you guessed it – silky to the touch. In fact, it has a very similar texture to human hair. The coat parts along the back and drapes straight down on either side. Unlike the Yorkie‘s dark steel blue and rich tan, Silky coats come in three color combinations – blue and tan, silver and tan, or fawn and blue.

Silkies have wedge-shaped heads with dark almond eyes, small V-shaped ears that stand erect, and black noses. The overall expression is alert, keen and confident. Their bodies are moderately short-coupled with level toplines, deep chests and well-sprung ribs. The tail is customarily docked to a medium length and carried at a 12 to 2 o‘clock position, adding to the perky appearance.

The Silky Terrier Temperament

The Silky Terrier temperament can be summed up in one word – bold! These are confident, outgoing, lively little dogs with big personalities. They tend to be very devoted and affectionate with their families but may be aloof or even suspicious with strangers. Early and frequent socialization is a must to prevent shyness or aggression.

As a terrier breed, Silkies have that typical "no fear" attitude. They will fearlessly confront much larger dogs if they feel challenged. Their ancestors were bred to hunt vermin, so Silkies have strong prey drives and will eagerly chase small furry critters like squirrels, rabbits, and even cats. A securely fenced yard and leashed walks are a must to prevent escapes in pursuit of prey.

Silkies are energetic and active, needing plenty of exercise and play to stay happy and healthy. They can be vocal, barking enthusiastically to alert you of potential threats – which in their minds, could be anything from the mail carrier to a plastic bag blowing by. While affectionate and cuddly with their humans, Silkies may also have an independent streak and can be a bit stubborn at times.

Caring for a Silky Terrier

That glorious silky coat definitely requires some upkeep to stay looking its best. Plan to brush your Silky at least a few times a week to prevent tangles or mats. Many owners opt to keep the coat trimmed to a shorter length for easier maintenance, either by learning to do it themselves or taking the dog to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks. Baths are only needed occasionally, as the Silky coat tends to repel dirt. Luckily, Silkies are single-coated and shed minimally, which along with their hair-like coat texture makes them a good choice for some allergy sufferers.

Silkies are generally healthy and long-lived, often surviving well into their mid to late teens. However, like many purebred dogs, there are some hereditary health issues to be aware of. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is relatively common. Collapsing trachea, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (a hip joint disorder), and diabetes are also seen in the breed. Reputable Silky breeders screen for such issues to avoid perpetuating them. Dental care is important, as small breeds are prone to tartar buildup and early tooth loss.

When it comes to training, Silky Terriers are smart and very capable of learning, but they can also have a stubborn, independent side. A firm but loving approach with lots of positive reinforcement works best. Start training early and be patient and consistent. Housetraining can sometimes be a challenge. Crate training is often helpful, as is a regular potty routine with plenty of opportunities to go outside.

The Ideal Home for a Silky Terrier

Silky Terriers can adapt well to many different living situations as long as their needs for companionship and exercise are met. They make excellent apartment dogs due to their small size, but potential owners should be aware of their tendency to bark. A single-family home with a securely fenced yard is ideal.

Silkies do best with active families who can keep them engaged and supply plenty of play time and brisk walks. They can be good with kids if raised with them and if the children are respectful of the dog‘s boundaries. As the Silky may try to dominate other dogs, they often do better as the only pet in the household.

This is a breed that thrives on human interaction, so they aren‘t a good choice for people who work long hours and have little time to devote to a dog. Left alone too much, Silkies can become bored, anxious and destructive. They need attentive owners who can be with them for much of the day.

Some Fun Silky Terrier Facts

In addition to being excellent companions, did you know Silky Terriers also make wonderful therapy dogs? Their small size and gentle, affectionate nature is perfect for visiting the elderly and ill in care facilities and hospitals.

Several Silkies have found fame on the small and silver screens over the years. The breed appeared regularly on the 1960s sitcom Hazel and more recently on The Drew Carey Show.

While Silkies are closely related to Yorkshire Terriers and the two breeds may look very similar, there are some key differences. Silkies are a bit larger, sturdier and less refined than Yorkies, reflecting their working backgrounds. Their hair tends to be thicker and not quite as silky as a Yorkie‘s. Silkies also come in a different array of colors.

Although small in stature, Silky Terriers have big hearts and bold spirits. They are loyal, lively and affectionate companions who will add joy and amusement to your life. If you can provide plenty of love, attention and exercise, you may find this Toy breed with the terrier ‘tude to be your ideal canine match. Their portable size, hypoallergenic coat and outgoing nature make them a wonderful fit for many dog lovers.