Silky Terrier
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 Description:
The Silky Terrier is a small type breed,
low set and fine boned with a long blue
and tan coat parted down the middle. In
the late 1800s, breeders in Australia wanted
to improve the color of the Australian Terrier's
blue and tan coat, therefore crossbred this
breed with the Yorkshire Terrier. Initially
each litter produced some Silky Terriers,
yet also Australian Terriers as well as
Yorkies. The Silky Terriers were then bred
together until the desired type was achieved.
In both Sydney and Victoria, Australia,
breed standards were written, although there
were differences between the two. Eventually
however, there was a meeting of the minds
and the breed standard was unified in 1926.
Silky Terriers were brought to the United
States -where they quickly became popular
- by WWII servicemen who had been stationed
in Australia. This breed has a characteristic
trait of being keenly alert and they're
also known to be charming, lively and happy.
While the Silky Terrier has always been
an ideal companion, they are also known
to hunt and kill small rodents.
The American Kennel Club recognized the
Silky Terrier in the Toy Group in 1959.
Height:
The height for a Silky Terrier can be from
9 to 10 inches (23 - 26 cm) tall. AKC Standard
Weight:
The weight of a Silky Terrier is approximately
10 pounds (4.5 kg).
Coat Type:
The Silky Terrier's coat is long, fine,
glossy, straight and silky. The coat should
be brushed and bathed regularly.
Color:
The color of the Silky Terrier's coat can
be all shades of blue and tan.
Temperament:
The Silky Terrier is a very alert breed.
He is also active, intelligent, affectionate
and happy. Since this breed is eager to
learn, it makes training easy. Training
needs to start at an early age and should
be consistent and firm with a lot of praise
given. A Silky Terrier owner needs to be
his leader at all times, otherwise behavior
problems can arise. Socialization is also
very important. Silky Terriers are good
with older children, yet not recommended
for younger ones. This active breed loves
to take long walks, run and play. It is
important to keep a Silky Terrier active
and a part of your family, otherwise he
will become bored which can negatively affect
his behavior.
Health Concerns:
The Silky Terrier is generally a
healthy breed although some may be affected
by luxating patella, hypothyroidism, Leggs
Perthes, epilepsy and tracheal collapse.
The average life expectancy for a Silky
Terrier is 12 - 15 years.
Special Interest:
• The Silky Terrier was initially
called the Sidney Terrier.
• The name Silky Terrier is only used
in North America - the rest of the world
refers to this breed as the Australian Silky
Terrier.
Classifications:
AKC: Toy Group
ANKC: Toys Group 1
CKC: Toys Group 5
FCI: Group 3 Section 4 Toy Terriers
KC: Toy
NZKC: Toys
UKC: Terriers
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