Silky Terrier

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The Silky Terrier, also known as the Australian Silky Terrier, is a small-sized dog with a large personality. A fully mature adult, weighing merely 8 to 10 pounds, is a resilient and a self-confident dog.

He has a history of hunting small prey. Despite this, he is an affectionate companion dog who doesn’t like to stay away from his person.

The Silky is an adventurous and highly active dog who is also alert. Considering its small size, its exercise requirements are not high demanding. It can be mischievous at times.

The breed was born in Australia although its ancestors were from Great Britain.

In North America, it is known as the Silky Terrier, whereas, in Australia and other parts of the globe, it is called the Australian Silky Terrier.

Its highly glossy coats give it a charming look. It is originally from Sydney in Australia and is larger than his cousin, the Yorkshire Terrier.

<>Silky Terrier Pictures

<>Silky Terrier Facts

Average Weight: 8 – 10 pounds

Average Height: 9 – 10 inches

Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Dog Group: Toy Group

Colors: Blue, Tan

At a Glance

  • Size (1/5):
  • The Silky is a little longer than tall, possessing an athletic body. Though it is a toy dog, it is built to hunt small animals.

    The Silky Terrier weight is only eight to ten pounds while its height is only up to ten inches.

    • Affection Level (4/5):

    Silkies are loving, smart, and friendly. However, they can be stubborn as well. They have all the characteristics of a best friend.

    They are soft, faithful, and gentle. They like to spend good time with owners and are considered as therapy dogs.

    • Apartment Friendly (5/5):

    In spite of him being highly energetic, he is very capable of being an apartment-friendly dog.

    He needs a lot of exercise, and yet he has all the traits necessary to be a good apartment dog. Silkies remain active even inside the house.

    • Cold Weather Tolerability (1/5):

    The Silky has very poor tolerability for cold weather. Extra care will be needed to be taken during the winter season to avoid any kind of infection from harming it.

    Put winter clothes on him in cold weather as its single coated body won’t be sufficient to provide it the basic protection against cold.

    • Hot Weather Tolerability (4/5):

    Silkies can endure hot weather brilliantly. No extra protection is demanded for the hot season.

    Its silk coated body helps it to expel excessive heat in hot weather. Its coat is quite weightless, and so it also helps the Silky in managing its body well while moving.

    • Barking Tendencies (4/5):

    The Silky Terrier dog is fond of barking and chasing. He has a high tendency to bark, though a restrictive command like “Quiet” can be useful in curbing its behavior.

    Barking is a common trait in Terriers. It is kind of a pass-time for Silkies. If you give him orders not to bark, he will still bark if he thinks it is essential.

    • Cat Friendly (3/5):

    They are very good with anybody they get together including pet cats. They have a high prey drive. If they see unfamiliar cats, they may give them a chase.

    • Dog Friendly (2/5):

    Silkies are reasonably friendly towards strangers but can sometimes turn out to be aggressive towards dogs.

    They can sometimes be dominating with other dogs and argumentative with other same-sex dogs.

    Only if he is raised to be dog-friendly can Silky get really well with other dogs.

    • Exercise Needs (3/5):

    The silky has an average exercise necessity. Due to their size, the workout needs can be met in a small space.

    Providing him with 20 to 40 minutes of rigorous exercise every day can make him remain active and energetic for the rest of the day.

    • Grooming Needs (3/5):

    Regular grooming is essential for a Silky Terrier. As a dog of a young age, make him accustomed to grooming on a routine basis.

    Brushing 2 times a week is proper, and a bath every week or two is advised. You should always refrain from brushing a dry coat, and instead, should spray some liquid before starting to brush.

    • Playfulness (4/5):

    A Silky Terrier’s temperament is nice and cool. He is inquisitive and playful and is interested in approaching people and be held by them.

    • Trainability (4/5):

    Terriers have a tendency to be highly trainable, and so is Silky. Interestingly, they are resistant to some types of training.

    Training with abuses can mean giving negative reinforcements. Repetitive training is also not recommended. Some breeds are helped by repetitive commands, while the Silky will resist your commands if it finds them boring.

    • Intelligence (4/5):

    Their high intelligence can lead them to mischief and destruction if handled improperly.

    As long as children acknowledge their intelligence and don’t handle them irresponsibly, Silkies are good towards them.

    • Mouthiness (2/5):

    Silkies have an average inclination towards nipping, biting, and chewing. It is common during their puppyhood.

    If too much of this habit persists during its adulthood, then it can turn out to be an aggressive behavior. Silkies don’t bite hard but should be taught against developing this habit further.

    • Price Group (4/5):

    The average price of a Silky is $1000 to $2000. They are included in the medium to high price range. There are lot many things to consider while buying and maintaining a puppy such as grooming, vet expenses, reputation of breeders, etc.

    About Silky>About Silky Terriers

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    The Silky Terrier breed dog is a graceful little dog with a fine, silky coat of tan and blue. Under this exterior of it, is a confident and zesty personality.

    Many are taken by surprise by its ability to tackle intruders, deal roughly with larger dogs, or the stamina they display in a hike.

    It has all the traits and temperament of a Terrier and loves digging, barking, and chasing. The Silky is a family dog and is faithful.

    He can’t stay alone too long in an apartment because he always strives for human companionship. If left unsuperintended, he can create lots of mischiefs.

    The Silky Terrier puppy requires exercise every day and it would be great to take him for a walk.

    If the Silky is exposed to children in early puppyhood, he can become friendly with older children. The children must also be kind and considerate towards him.

    The Silky Terrier, if handled appropriately, can add flavor and love to life.

    Where Silky T>Where Silky Terriers Come From?

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    The first Silky was born in Australia in the 1890s. He was a cross between the non-native Yorkshire Terrier with the native Australian Terrier.

    Some of the initial offspring had the resemblance of the Yorkie, some appeared like the Australian Terrier, while a few like the Silky itself.

    The breeds were bred until the offspring had the right characteristics of a Silky.

    In the first decade of the 18th century, a two breed standards for the Silky were developed. The standards included details on how the breed should move, appear, and behave.

    After some years, these breed standards were merged to form the standardization of today’s Silky Terrier dog.

    As compared to its progenitors, the Silky is larger than the Yorkshire Terrier and smaller than the Australian Terrier.

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