Silky Terrier

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Dog Breed Group

Toy Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Australia as a Rat catcher 

Life Expectancy

Into the teens 

Color

Blue and tan, gray, blue and tan with silver-blue top-knot. Tips of hairs should be darker at roots. 

Coat

Straight, fine, glossy. 

Exercise Needs

He is an energetic dog who enjoys extended play sessions. He needs regular exercise to maintain a well sense of being. 

Temperament

Spirited, friendly, self-assured. The keen, alert air of the terrier is characteristic, with shyness or excessive nervousness to 

Good with Children

Good with children if handled properly, best if raised with them. Makes an excellent companion for other dogs. Makes a good watc 

Grooming Needs

A big commitment is required to keep his coat lustrous and in top condition with no matting. Daily combing and brushing and regu 

Average Size - Male (in)

9 - 10 

Average Size - Female (in)

9 - 10 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

8 - 10 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

8 - 10 

Health Issues

Susceptible to collapsing trachea and genetic eye diseasev

Living Conditions

Apartment living is fine as long as he has sufficient exercise. 

Breed Description

Originally known as the Sydney Silky, the Silky Terrier is a breed that was developed in the Sydney area of New South Wales, and was first shown in 1907. He owes his existence to the crossbreeding of Skye and Yorkshire terries, and also of the Yorkshire and Australian terriers. His name was changed to the Australian Silky Terrier in the 1950s. He is moderately low set, slightly longer than tall, of refined bone structure, but of sufficient substance to suggest the ability to hunt and kill domestic rodents. His coat is silky in texture, parted from the top to the tail and presents a well groomed but not sculptured appearance. They are glossy blue-gray and tan, with a silver-gray or tan topknot. They are inquisitive by nature and joy of life make him an ideal companion. Developed as a companion dog, the silky is generally friendly and responsive, with a terrier-like alertness.