The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred Silky Terrier

Information and Pictures

Close up - The front left side of a soft coated, long haired tan and grey Silky Terrier dog laying across a wood tiled floor looking to the left and its head is slightly turned forward. The dog has perk ears, a black nose and wide round eyes.

Phoebe the Silky Terrier at 2 years old

Other Silky Terrier Breed Names
  • Australian Silky Terrier
  • Silky
  • Silky Toy Terrier
  • Sydney Silky
  • Sydney Terrier
Pronunciation

SIL-kee TAIR-ee-uhr speaker

Description

The Silky Terrier, also called the Sydney Terrier, is a small, fine-boned, moderately low-set dog. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline. The wedge-shaped head is flat between the ears, moderately long, with the skull being slightly longer than the muzzle. The stop is shallow and the nose is black. Teeth meet in a scissors bite. The small, almond-shaped eyes are dark in color with dark eye rims. The erect, V-shaped ears are small and set high on the head. The front legs are straight with small, catlike feet. The high-set tail is customarily docked. Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The long, silky, single coat is 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) in length and comes in shades of blue with tan or red markings. The hair is parted down the center of the back. It has a topknot that should be lighter in color than the tan or red points. Silky Terriers are born black. The coat is very prone to tangles and mats unless frequently groomed.

Temperament

This loving, little terrier is very intelligent, courageous and alert. Affectionate, spunky, cheerful and sociable, it likes to be close to its master. It is full of energy and needs a good amount of exercise in order to be calm. Curious and keen, it is an enthusiastic digger. Active, smart and quick. Despite its size, this docile dog makes a good watchdog. This is a sturdy breed that adjusts well to traveling. It is not generally trustworthy with other non-canine pets such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. Socialize well, including with cats, so it does not chase them. Good with children so long as the dog does not have a meek owner who fails to give him the discipline and structure all dogs instinctually need. Training these dogs is very straightforward because it is very eager to learn. Do not allow this little dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. When a Silky believes it is the boss, its temperament changes, as it tries to control everyone and everything around it. It may become demanding, willful, protective and may begin to bark a lot. It may begin to be untrustworthy with children and sometimes adults, becoming snappish if peeved and may pick fights with other dogs.

Height, Weight

Height: 9 - 10 inches (23 - 25 cm)
Females are generally smaller than males.
Weight: 8 - 11 pounds (4 - 5 kg)

Health Problems

Generally healthy. Minor concerns are intervertebral disc disease, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation and Legg-Perthes. This breed sometimes is afflicted with diabetes, epilepsy and tracheal collapse.

Living Conditions

The Silky Terrier is good for apartment life. These dogs are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard if sufficiently exercised.

Exercise

The Silky Terrier is full of energy and needs to go on daily walks. It has surprising stamina and will enjoy regular chances to run and play.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years

Litter Size

About 3-6 puppies

Grooming

The Silky Terrier is very prone to tangles and mats and needs daily combing and brushing. It should be bathed regularly to keep the hair in top condition. It takes quite a commitment from its owner, requiring about 15 minutes a day. After bathing, make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm. The coat must be trimmed occasionally, and the hair on the legs from the knees down is often trimmed short. The hair that falls over the eyes is tied up in a topknot so the dog will be able to see more easily. The Silky Terrier sheds little to no hair and is often a dog good for those with allergies.

Origin

The Silky Terrier was created in the late 1800s by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Australian Terrier. The goal was to improve the coat color of the blue-and-tan-colored Australian Terriers. The Australian Terrier and the Silky Terrier were the same breed for many years until they were eventually recognized as two different types and separated into two different breeds. During World War II, American servicemen brought some of these Silky Terriers home with them. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1959 and its standard was established in 1962 and later updated in 1967. The Silky Terrier has always been primarily a companion dog, but this swift little dog is very good at catching rodents.

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • ACR = American Canine Registry
  • AKC = American Kennel Club
  • ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
  • APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
  • CET = Club Español de Terriers (Spanish Terrier Club)
  • CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
  • CKC = Continental Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
  • KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
  • NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
  • NKC = National Kennel Club
  • NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
  • UKC = United Kennel Club
The front left side of a black and tan Silky Terrier that is standing on a blue backdrop, it is looking up and to the left.

This darling little Silky is named Ch. Amron's Cat Bearlou (LuLu), Owner/Breeder/Handler: Norma Baugh, Amron Silky Terriers

Close up front view - A black and tan Silky Terrier dog is laying on grass and to the right of it is a blue ball. The dog has perk ears and a long coat.

"This is Louie, a Silky Terrier at 2 1/2 years old. Louie was rescued in Feb. 2009. His previous owners surrendered him because he was "too big." Louie weighs in at a whopping 11 lbs. (go figure). His disposition is fantastic—everything you'd expect a young, healthy, smart, obedient, and rambunctious Silky to be. My wife and I are both big fans of Cesar Millan, and watch his show regularly. I've also read much of his information posted on the net. I took this picture during a play session. Louie can't seem to get enough outdoor time. The training information I've learned from Cesar has helped tremulously. We were owners of Yorkie sisters for 18 years, and treated them like children. Not a good idea. When we adopted Louie, I began following Cesar's “Pack Leader” advice. What a difference. He's not only a great dog; he's filled the sizeable hole in our hearts left by the Yorkies we lost."

Close up - A black and tan Silky Terrier that has a pink ribbon in its hair,  it is sitting across a tiled floor, its mouth is open, it looks like it is smiling looking up and to the left

"This is Bella. She is 1 year and 5 months old in this picture. She's loving and smart...but very stubborn! She's a Silky Terrier and thinks she's a big dog.... I love her!"

A soft looking, tan and grey Silky Terrier dog is laying on a wodd tiled floor, it is looking up and forward.

"Introducing Ms. Phoebe, a 2-year-old Silky residing in Selangor, Malaysia. Phoebe lives with 2 cats, an American shorthaired mixed Persian, Golden Boy and a local breed cat, Sirius Black. Phoebe loves to play with the cats and sleeps with them. Phoebe and the cats are truly loved by their owner, who is currently pursuing her studies in Pet Grooming."

A black and tan Silky Terrier dog is laying in an American Flag towel that is laid across its back on a tiled floor. The Silky Terrier is looking forward and its head is slightly tilted to the left. One of its ears is sticking up and the other is sticking out to the side.

This is Duke and he says, “God Bless America.”

A fluffy little black and tan Silky Terrier puppy is being held in the air by a persons hand.

Cookies Lee the 3-month-old puppy weighing 3 ½ pounds (1.5 kg).

Front side view - A shaved black and tan Silky Terrier dog laying across a white blanket with a person laying across from him.

Cooper the 4-year-old Silky Terrier

A long coated, black and tan Silky Terrier dog sitting across a carpeted surface and it is looking forward. The fur on the dog is long and goes all the way to the floor. It has wide round eyes and a black nose and black lips.

Ozzie the 4-year-old Silky Terrier

See more examples of the Silky Terrier