Are you looking for a furry companion that’s small but big in personality? Meet the Silky Terrier dog breed, a feisty yet loving companion that will stick close to you no matter what.
Though they were once hunters of small prey, they have evolved into adoptable pets that can thrive even in apartment living if they get plenty of exercise.
While they may tend to bark, their loyalty and affection for their owners are unparalleled.
If you’re considering adding a Silky Terrier to your family, check out adoption options in shelters or rescue groups.
These pups will bring joy and companionship with their long lifespan and playful nature.
Category | Description |
Size | Small |
Coat | Soft, silky texture |
Color | Blue and tan, gray and tan, black and tan |
Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, protective, alert, and intelligent |
Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
Height | 23 to 26 cm (9.1 to 10.2 in) |
Weight | 3.5 to 4.5 kg (8 to 10 lb) |
Exercise needs | Moderate to high |
Trainability | Easy with proper attention and exercise opportunities |
Grooming needs | Moderate |
Best for | Active individuals or families who live in warm climates |
Possible health issues | Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, and epilepsy. |
What is an Australian Silky Terrier Dog?
The Australian Silky Terrier is a popular breed with many admirers worldwide.
Interestingly, this small dog first came into existence as part of British settlers’ efforts to establish themselves in Australia during what was called The Great Depression (the 1930s-1940s).
Australian Silky Terriers are believed to have descended from British-bred terriers such as the Skye, Dandie Dinmont, Norwich, and Border Terriers, as well as toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Clydesdale Paisley or possibly even Cairn Terriers.
Although dog breeding was still in its infancy, representatives from NSW and Victorian newspapers eventually established a national standard for their breed.
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: History
The Australian Silky Terrier is a descendant of British-bred terriers and toy breeds such as the Skye, Dandie Dinmont, Norwich, Border, Yorkshire, Clydesdale Paisley, and possibly the Cairn terrier.
The breed was brought to Australia by British settlers in the late 18th century who valued their companionship and independent nature.
It was also influenced by local dogs from early settlers, such as dingoes trained as guard dogs on sheep stations.
The first record of this type being explicitly bred for working purposes appears on Governor Macquarie’s estate at Parramatta. He kept a small pack of foxhounds when returning home after attending downtown Sydney court sessions.
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Size
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small breed of dog known for its compact size and short legs.
At the withers or the highest point of the shoulders, these dogs typically measure between 23 and 26 cm (9.1 to 10.2 in).
Despite their small stature, Australian Silky Terriers are known for their high energy levels. They are a very active and alert breed.
These dogs have an independent nature. Still, they can be trained easily if you give them plenty of daily attention and exercise opportunities.
The silky coat is the most common feature of this breed.
Still, there are several other variations—such as the wirehaired or smooth-coated types and those with multiple coats (like American Staffordshire terriers or Maltese crosses.
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Coat & Color
The Australian Silky Terrier is a breed that comes in various colors, with some of the most common being blue and tan, gray and tan, and black and tan.
These dogs typically have a coat that is either tan or silver in color, with darker markings around their face and legs.
While the breed standard allows for some white markings on the chest and feet (which may be dark), excessive white is considered a fault.
It may impact a dog’s eligibility for specific competitions.
The Australian Silky Terrier’s distinctive coat is known for its soft, silky texture–one reason why they’re so popular among people who live in warm climates!
These dogs are well-known for their bright eyes and perky ears, making them an excellent choice for active people who like to go on adventures.
Whether you prefer classic blue-and-tan coloring or something more unique (like chocolate brown), there’s no denying this breed has allure!
With their charming personalities plus striking appearances combined with energetic actions toward strangers they meet around town, it doesn’t take long before everyone knows what kind of dog belongs here.
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Tail
The Australian Silky Terrier’s tail is essential to its appearance and should be set high and carried erect.
According to the breed standard, the tail should not be bent over the dog’s back but held straight and balanced.
If the dog’s tail is docked, it should be feathering-free, and one should carefully consider the length to ensure a balanced look.
When undocked, the first three vertebrae of the tail should be held erect or slightly curved without curling or twisting (this can cause injury).
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Temperament
The Australian Silky Terrier was bred for its strong sense of loyalty and devotion toward family.
These dogs will watch over their families with loving eyes, protecting them from any threats that come their way.
The Silky Terrier makes an excellent watchdog because it stays close to its owner and will alert others of any suspicious behavior within the household.
Families and strangers alike can feel secure with these dogs around, because they are both protective of those closest to them—and yet they also possess lively spirits that make training a cinch.
Some owners even use these talented creatures as assistance animals due to their smarts and quickness when it comes time for obedience sessions or tricks!
Suppose there’s one thing we know about Silky terriers.
In that case, they love learning new things so much that they’ll never stop trying until they’ve become masterful at whatever task is thrown at them.
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Care & Grooming
The Australian Silky Terrier has a coat that is low-to-non shedding, which can be great news for allergy sufferers.
Although Silky terriers have a hypoallergenic coat, they require regular grooming to keep their feathers looking and feeling nice.
Regular brushing and shampooing are important for preventing tangles, matting, and other grooming problems that can be uncomfortable or cause health issues in dogs.
The Australian Silky Terrier is a relatively low-energy breed—which means that it doesn’t need large amounts of exercise to stay healthy.
They are perfectly suitable for living in an apartment with plenty of room for playtime outside (though they will still enjoy going for walks).
They also make great house pets because they don’t bark excessively or jump up on guests when greeting them at doorways like some other breeds might do!
A high-quality, balanced diet is essential for your pet’s overall health.
However, if you want your pet to live longer than eight years, then there are some changes we recommend you make so that they live better lives longer than eight years (like getting more exercise).
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Training
The Australian Silky Terrier is a breed known for its eagerness to please its owners, making them great candidates for training.
Silky Terriers can be trained thanks to their intelligence and high energy levels.
They’re also quick learners when it comes to commands and tricks.
Teaching a Silky Terrier new tricks isn’t hard, but remember, they have their thoughts and preferences.
The good news is that they love getting positive feedback, so rewarding them with treats or kind words can significantly help during training.
Housebreaking can also be challenging with this breed.
However, long-term obedience training will help lower the risk of accidents around the house while reducing stress levels on both dog AND owner!
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Lifespan
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small breed with a relatively long lifespan compared to other small breeds.
With a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years, Silkies can provide their owners many years of companionship and love.
While genetics play a significant role in a Silky’s lifespan, other factors such as diet, exercise, and overall care can also impact their health and longevity.
Proper diet and exercise can also contribute to a longer and healthier life for your Silky.
Feeding them a high-quality, balanced diet and ensuring they get regular exercise can help maintain their physical and mental health.
Providing your Silky with a safe environment where they feel comfortable being inside or outdoors will help promote their overall well-being while keeping them healthy.
Regular visits to the veterinarian for checkups and preventative care can help identify any early health issues that could be contributing factors leading up to death.
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Price
Suppose you want to add an Australian Silky Terrier dog to your family.
If you want a silky terrier puppy, be prepared to pay between $600-$800; however, the price may increase or decrease depending on factors such as lineage and demand.
You may find Silky Terrier puppies that are more expensive, costing between $1000 and $2000.
This could be because the breeder takes care of their dogs well—and has a good reputation for doing so!
They make sure their dogs are up to date on all necessary vaccinations.
These established breeders have built up a reputation for providing top-notch care for the animals in their care and can be relied upon to provide healthy puppies with good temperaments.
It’s also possible that an individual pup may sell for less than others because they have limited exposure outside his current owner’s home environment.”
Final Words?
The Silky Terrier is a wonderful dog breed that will bring you much love and joy.
Whether you purchase one from a breeder or adopt one through an animal rescue group, make sure to do your research first so that the puppy suits your lifestyle.
With their playful and energetic nature, Silky Terriers dog will steal your heart.
Want a dog who will be an inseparable part of your family? If so, then the Silky Terrier might just be perfect for you!
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