The Silky Terrier, also known as the Sydney Silky Terrier, the Sydney Silky, the Australian Silky Terrier, the Australian Silky, the Silky Terrier, the Silky Toy Terrier and simply the Silky, was “developed” as a breed in the late 1800s in Australia, from crosses of imported Yorkshire Terriers and native Australian Terriers. This is Australia’s only “toy” breed and is a true toy terrier in all ways: cheerful, curious, affectionate and loyal. The Silky Terrier was developed strictly as a companion animal and unlike many other terriers has not regularly been used to hunt vermin or game, although it can certainly do so. The Silky was admitted into the Toy Group by the American Kennel Club in 1959.
Silkies should stand from 9 to 10 inches at the withers. They typically weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. Their coat is, of course, silky, and is parted down the middle from head to tail. Silky Terriers are blue and tan, with the blue ranging from silver blue, pigeon blue or slate blue and the tan being deep and rich. His ears are pricked and always held erect, giving a delightfully alert expression at all times. This breed does not shed and rarely has a doggy odor, making it an exceptional companion.
In the late 19th century, a number of Yorkshire Terriers were brought from England to Australia – particularly, to Victoria and New South Wales. Some of these Yorkshire Terrier dogs were crossed with the larger, working Australian Terrier bitches in an attempt to improve their blue-and-tan coats. Some of the offspring of these crosses were initially shown as Australian Terriers, while others were exhibited either as Yorkies or Silkies. Some authorities think that the Dandie
A better name for the Silky Terrier might be the Spunky Terrier. These little dogs pack a lot of personality into a small package. Like other terriers, they believe they are the center of the universe and expect everyone to bow to their needs. Silkies make (harmless) mischief whenever possible, especially if they realize it gets them extra attention. This is an intelligent breed who knows how to manipulate a situation in his favor, and
The Silky Terrier is a small, fine-boned terrier with long, flowing hair that grows five to six inches long. The head is flat between the ears and there is a shallow stop. The nose is black and the dark eyes are almond-shaped and piercing. The small ears are set high on the head, stand erect and are V-shaped. A Silky's topline should be level, and the dog should be longer than he is tall. The
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