The Silky Terrier Australian Dog breed, the Silky Terrier, based on the breed registry, belongs to the small terrier dog category
1. Their weight generally falls between 8 and 11 pounds, with a standing height of approximately 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder
2. One of the most notable features of the Silky Terrier is its beautiful coat. The coat is long but should not touch the ground. There’s a top knot on the head, but too much hair on the face and ears isn’t good. The hair is split on the head and goes down the back to the tail.
3. Silky Terriers have blue silver, blue pigeon, or blue slate and deep tan colors. The blue covers their body from head to tail, front legs to elbows, and halfway down the outer thighs. Their tail is very dark blue. As Silky Terrier pups grow up, their blue and tan markings become more noticeable.
4. Despite their silky fur, silky terriers possess a strong and muscular physique, enhancing their agility. While their bones are delicate, their thighs are robust, and they have compact, cat-like feet.
5. These dogs are known for their alert and intelligent expression. Their eyes convey a lively and inquisitive nature. They have a fox-like face with small, dark, almond-shaped eyes. The ears are small, V-shaped, and carry direct. The nose is black, and the muzzle is fine.
6. Silky terriers commonly have their tails docked. to around half their natural length. In their natural state, their tails stand tall and feature a silky hair cluster. The dog’s tail is set high and carried between 12 and 2 o’clock.
7. When a silky terrier moves, it should be smooth, elegant, energetic, and straightforward. Their hind legs should generate good forward motion. Any deviation where the toes point inward or outward is considered a fault.
8. According to Stanley Corn’s research on dog intelligence, Australian silky terriers are placed 37th among 79 dog breed groups. Learning a new command typically takes around 15-25 repetitions, and once they’ve mastered a command, they usually follow it correctly at least 70% of the time.
9. Dependable and loyal You will find the silky terrier to be a wonderful watchdog and friend. Silky terriers will tolerate strangers but no more than that. These pets will bark at intruders and despite their size, these terriers make excellent watchdogs.
10. Silky terriers love to dig and this habit can be a bit troublesome for owners who like to keep their yards in perfect condition. Be prepared for the occasional flower bed surprise when they let their curiosity run wild.
11. Silkies love being in charge at home and might not get along well with other dogs. Their strong desire to chase after small creatures like squirrels and rabbits means they may pose a risk to cats and other little pets.
12. Silky Terriers are known for their high energy levels so having a fenced yard is crucial. But don’t leave them out for too long without company as they might get bored and attempt to escape. Yep, they can be quite the little escape artists.
13. Silky Terriers don’t enjoy being left alone too much and if it happens frequently, they may get a bit stressed out. when left alone for extended periods, they might resort to excessive barking and show some destructive behaviors
14. The lifespan of a silky terrier is about 13 to 15 years which is normal for dogs their size. If you’re planning to bring one of these guys home, be prepared for over a decade of furry companionship. Taking good care of them with a balanced diet and regular vet visits goes a long way in keeping them in top shape
Health Tips for Silky Terriers
15. Generally silkies are healthy but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health problems. Not every silky will be affected, but it’s important to know about these conditions if you’re interested in this breed. These health concerns include Lick-calf-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, diabetes mellitus, and epilepsy.
16. Keep an eye on your silky terrier for Cushing’s disease as well, which is a slow-developing adrenal problem. If you observe increased drinking and peeing early on, along with later signs like hair loss and pot belly, be careful, because your silky might be suffering from Cushing’s disease.
17. Small breeds like the silky terrier can sometimes have a condition called tracheal collapse. This happens when the windpipe weakens, causing coughing that sounds like a goose honk, fainting, and difficulty with exercise. Treatment involves antibiotics, steroids, and using a harness instead of a collar.
Silky Terrier History
18. Originating in Australia, the Silky Terrier has a history dating back to the 1890s, when breeders crossed Yorkshire Terriers with native Australian Terriers. The offspring displayed a range of characteristics, with some resembling Yorkies, some like Australian Terriers, and others embodying the traits of the Silky Terrier we know today.
19. Silky-looking dogs were mixed until the puppies consistently showed silky traits. In 1906, Australian enthusiasts in Sydney, New South Wales, created guidelines for how the breed should appear to move and behave. In 1909, a different set of standards was established in Victoria. The two standards didn’t fully align, mainly in terms of the desired weight and ear type.
20. Before 1929, there wasn’t a clear definition for the Australian Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier. Dogs from these breeds could be born together and then separated based on how they looked. However, in 1932, Australia started discouraging crossbreeding.
21. Originally known as the Sydney Silky Terrier, this little pup officially became the Australian Silky Terrier in 1955, gaining recognition from the Australian National Kennel Council in 1958. At the same time, the Sydney Silky Terrier Club of America decided to switch its name to the Silky Terrier Club of America. The breed was designated to the toy group, indicating its role as a compact city sidekick
22. In the aftermath of the Second World War, Silky Terriers caught on in the United States as American soldiers stationed in Australia brought them back. American Kennel Club officially embraced the breed in 1959.
23. Today, the silky terrier ranks 122nd among the 199 breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. The silky’s journey from uncertain beginnings to a recognized and cherished breed reflects the combined dedication of readers enthusiasts and organizations to preserving the unique traits and heritage of the Australian silky terrier.
24. Silky Terrier puppies in the United States usually come with a price tag between $1,500 and $3,000, taking into account factors such as location, breeder reputation, pedigree, and availability. 25. Back in 1996, Fizzo, a Silky Terrier, an 8-year-old dog, got an Australian Purple Cross of bravery for leaping off a balcony to protect his 9-year-old owner from a dangerous 5-foot-long brown snake. Fizzo didn’t think twice about his safety and eventually helped save his owner’s life.
26. Among the proud owners of Silky Dog are Quentin Tarantino, the American film director, Theresa Mayer, a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, Catherine Zeta-Jones, a well-known Welsh actress, Nicole Kidman, the American-Australian actress and film producer, and Marc Jacobs, the American fashion designer.
27. Harry Shum Jr., the talented actor and dancer from Glee, happily boasts ownership of an adorable canine companion named Charlie, who is a delightful mix of a Silky Dog and a Westie. Alright guys, now which of these silky facts surprised you the most? Please let us know in the comments below.