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Alert, glamorous yet robustly built, the Australian Silky Terrier has sharply pricked ears and a long straight coat parted down the back.
Like many small breeds, Australian Silky dogs can sometimes develop:
- Luxating patellas
- Tracheal collapse
- Cataracts¹ which is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and this can result in blindness
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹N. Gelatt Edward and O. MacKay, 'Prevalence of primary breed‐related cataracts in the dog in North America', March 2005, Veterinary Ophthalmology
Keen, alert and active, the Australian Silky Terrier or ‘Silky’ for short is, beneath the coat, all terrier. With all the spice and fire of the larger terriers, they are still well equipped for their original purpose in watchdog and vermin control roles, as well as making lively companion animals. Enjoying training, games and any activity where they can join in with their owner, this is a fun and remarkably robust little dog. Comparisons will be drawn with their relative the Yorkshire Terrier, but although they are similar in appearance and height, the Silky is the more solidly built, with a longer muzzle and less rounded head.
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 2/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 1/5 |
Previously known as the Sydney Silky, the Australian Silky Terrier is related to both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier. It is thought that in the late 19th century when breeders were seeking to refine the robust, rough coated Australian Terrier, they used the Yorkie to bring in the blue and tan colouring of the coat and probably to bring down the size.
Some litters will have produced silky coated puppies which were undoubtedly attractive to breeders despite not being the desired outcome. These became the foundation of the Australian Silky Terrier that we have today. They were officially recognised as a breed in Australia in the mid-1950s and by the FCI in 1962.
For those who like an attractive little dog, with a slightly more robust build and constitution, the Silky is a little cracker. The ideal owner will need to enjoy walking, training and grooming and have the time to offer plenty of all three. This Toy breed is still very much ‘all terrier’ so owners must not be put off by a desire to kill stuffed toys - or actual vermin if given half a chance.
An hour a day of exercise, ideally split into two 30-minute walks will keep a Silky Terrier amused, particularly if you add in extra training and games on top. This is an active little dog however and a fit adult will take much more exercise than this if you are willing to give it. Whilst they can be considered a companion or lapdog, they will only fulfil this role easily if given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Compact and neat, the Australian Silky Terrier will fit into any size home, but is better managed in a home with a decent sized and securely fenced garden. Suitable for town, country or city living, but be aware that in busier, more densely populated areas the Silkies propensity towards barking furiously at anything untoward can be problematic!
Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.
The adult dogs long, silky coat needs just a few minutes of daily brushing and combing to prevent tangles and to keep it looking glossy and healthy. Puppies will benefit from early bathing and grooming either at home or with a professional groomer as the puppy coat can mat as it sheds out and changes to the adult coat. Be sure to check the coat after a walk, as, being around 13-15cm long, it can pick up all sorts of debris on the way!
Clever and quick, brave and bold, the Australian Silky Terrier will be a fun companion to train and take part in a variety of sports including mini agility, mantrailing, trick training and more. Be sure to socialise these little dogs well with other pets, children and livestock and work hard on teaching a reliable recall. Silkies are inclined to be vocal so early socialisation and working on a ‘hush’ cue is sensible. Responding well to positive reinforcement, the Silky Terrier is willing and able to work hard at any task you offer, if you have the right relationship!
As with all toy dogs, it is best not to have them while you have very young children as it is all too easy for a small child to mistake a toy dog for a toy and terriers are generally less tolerant of childish mistakes. With older children, dog-savvy children and teenagers the Silky Terrier may prove a fun and entertaining companion, particularly if they can help with training and exercise.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
