The Silky Terrier dog breed is a small but confident breed with a lively personality and a beautiful, silky coat. Originally bred in Australia to hunt vermin, Silky Terriers make friendly, devoted companions despite their intrepid Terrier spirit. With proper training and socialization, this energetic breed excels as an active family dog. Read on to learn more about this spirited companion.
Introduction The Silky Terrier Dog Breed
The Silky Terrier originated in Australia in the late 19th century when breeders crossed imported Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers. The goal was to develop an active, compact dog with a long, silky coat ideal for controlling vermin. Today’s Silky Terrier retains its lively, tenacious Terrier temperament along with an elegant yet sturdy appearance. Though small, Silkies are active and need daily exercise. With an affectionate nature mixed with spunk, the Silky Terrier makes a charming but feisty companion.
Adaptability: ⭐⭐⭐
Adapts Well to Apartment Living: ⭐⭐⭐
Good For Novice Owners: ⭐⭐
Sensitivity Level: ⭐⭐⭐
Tolerates Being Alone: ⭐⭐
Tolerates Cold Weather: ⭐⭐⭐
Tolerates Hot Weather: ⭐⭐⭐
All-Around Friendliness: ⭐⭐⭐
Affectionate with Family: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kid-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐
Dog-Friendly: ⭐⭐
Friendly Toward Strangers: ⭐⭐
Health & Grooming Needs: ⭐⭐⭐
Amount of Shedding: ⭐
Drooling Potential: ⭐
Easy to Groom: ⭐
General Health: ⭐⭐⭐
Potential for Weight Gain: ⭐⭐⭐
Size: ⭐⭐⭐
Trainability: ⭐⭐
Easy to Train: ⭐⭐
Intelligence: ⭐⭐⭐
Potential for Mouthiness: ⭐⭐⭐
Prey Drive: ⭐⭐⭐
Tendency to Bark or Howl: ⭐⭐⭐
Wanderlust Potential: ⭐⭐⭐
Exercise Needs: ⭐⭐⭐
Energy Level: ⭐⭐⭐
Intensity: ⭐⭐⭐
Exercise Needs: ⭐⭐⭐
Potential for Playfulness: ⭐⭐⭐
- Appearance: Despite their small size, Silkies have a sturdy, athletic build. They have oval-shaped eyes, small erect ears, and a long, silky coat parted down the middle. Their tails are typically docked. Silkies stand 9-10 inches tall and weigh 8-11 pounds.
- Characteristics: Confident, lively, devoted. Silky Terriers are true Terriers at heart – plucky, energetic, and always on alert. They are also gentle and affectionate. Silkies make charming watchdogs who will sound the alarm at anything amiss.
- Popularity: The Silky Terrier ranks 111th among the AKC’s 196 breeds. They are somewhat popular as family companion dogs.
- Temperament: Feisty, bright, inquisitive. Despite their small size, Silkies are lively and bold. They are very devoted to their families but wary of strangers. Silkies get along well with respectful children but don’t appreciate roughhousing.
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat Colors: Silky Terriers come in blue and tan, blue and gold, and pure white. Their coats include dark blue and rich tan/gold markings on the face, ears, legs, and tail.
- Purebred: Yes, the Silky Terrier is a purebred dog breed.
Caring for a Silky Terrier Dog Breed
Food:
- High-quality dry food for small or toy breeds
- 1/2 to 1 cup daily
- Monitor weight and adjust as needed
Environment:
- Can thrive in apartments but need daily walks
- Access to a small yard is ideal
- Companionship – don’t tolerate excessive alone time
Care:
- Daily brushing and combing
- Teeth brushing 2-3 times per week
- Nail trimming every 2-4 weeks
Grooming:
- Thoroughly brush coat 1-2 times per week
- Bathe monthly or as needed with dog shampoo
- Trim hair around feet and anus
- Clean ears weekly
- Brush teeth frequently
Preparing for a Silky Terrier
- Prepare for an energetic breed needing daily activity
- Puppy-proof your home by securing household toxins
- Stock up on interactive toys to occupy this smart breed
- Invest in a comfortable crate for training and containment
- Find a vet and enroll your Silky in obedience classes
- To properly care for a Silky Terrier, ensure you have:
- High-quality food formulated for small breed dogs
- Variety of toys for mental stimulation
- Collar, leash, harness for safe walks
- Grooming tools like shampoo, brush, comb, nail clippers
- Access to a securely fenced yard
Health issues seen include patellar luxation, Legg-Calve Perthes disease, tracheal collapse, and skin allergies. Routine vet care helps maintain good health.
Vaccines recommended for Silkies include DHPP, rabies, parvo, and kennel cough (bordetella). Follow your vet’s schedule for boosters.
Popular Silky Terrier Names
- Females: Lily, Daisy, Sadie, Sophie, Zoe, Chloe
- Males: Teddy, Milo, Winston, Archie, Finn, Ollie
Finding a Silky Terrier
Silkies are most popular in their native Australia but are loved worldwide. Expect to pay $600-$1200 for a Silky Terrier puppy. Adopting through a Silky Terrier rescue is another great option.
Ask breeders health clearances for parents and request veterinary records. Visit facilities in-person when possible to evaluate conditions.
“How to stop Silky terrier dog bitting?”
Redirect biting onto chew toys and use positive reinforcement training.
“How to do Socialisation and Raising Friendly for Silky terrier dog?”
Socialize them young, expose them to new sights/sounds/people, and use positive reinforcement.
“How to train your Silky terrier dog?”
Use positive reinforcement training methods like food rewards and praise during short sessions.
“How long should we check for Silky terrier’s dog health with vet?”
Schedule annual checkups and extra visits every 6 months once they are senior dogs.
“Are Silky terrier dog good family pets?”
Yes, Silkies are affectionate and energetic family companions when properly trained and exercised.
“Are Silky terrier dogs good with children?”
Yes, Silkies are gentle with kids if socialized early but supervision is still required due to their small size.
“Are Silky terrier dogs good with other animals?”
With early socialization, Silkies can adapt to other household pets. Caution is still needed.
“Is a Silky terrier dog a Smart dog?”
Yes, Silkies are intelligent, alert dogs that excel at agility and obedience training.
“Temperament of Silky terrier dog?”
Lively, energetic, inquisitive and devoted – a true Terrier at heart! Silkies are gentle but always on alert.
“How many type of Silky terrier dog?”
There is only one type of Silky Terrier.
“How many color of Silky terrier dog?”
Silky Terriers come in blue/tan, blue/gold, and pure white colorations.
“How long can a Silky terrier dog can live?”
With proper care, Silkies typically live 12-15 years.
“Can Silky terrier dog cause allergies?”
Yes, Silkies shed lightly but still produce dander that can cause allergies.
“Are Silky terrier dog ferocious?”
No, properly trained/socialized Silkies are gentle and energetic, not aggressive.
“Are Silky terrier dog have much hair loss problems?”
No, Silkies have silky, non-shedding coats and do not tend to have hair loss issues.
By following our website, you can find the perfect dog breeds for you and provide them with the best possible dog care. Remember that owning a dog is a lifelong commitment that requires time, money, and patience. But it is also a rewarding experience that will bring you joy and companionship. All information in Dog care tips.
