"The Silky Terrier Is A Toy Dog"



The Silky Terrier is also known as the Sidney Terrier and the Australian Silky Terrier. He is a lot of dog in a small package.

The Silky Terrier is a charming, cheerful and confident little dog. They are full of fun. These dogs are classified as a toy dog and are considered the true “toy terrier”.

This little dog is a bundle of energy with the terrier spirit. They like to be close to their master but they are not a mellow lap dog.

Silky Terrier




He is a fine boned, moderately low set with a lightly compact built. They have erect v-shaped ears, flat head, black nose, round and dark eyes that have a piercing expression and a docked tail. They are a quick moving and light footed dog.

Their long silky coat which is 5-6 inches long is fine and shiny. It parts down the center of his back.(They don't have an undercoat) They shed little and have no dog odor.

The colors are blue and tan. The blue include silver blue, pigeon blue and slate blue but steel blue is the most prized color. The most common is light to dark blue-grey with tan.

The Silky Terrier has a moderately low set and compact body. His head is wedge-shaped, his expression is keen and alert with small dark almond shaped eyes with dark rims, small erect ears and a black nose. He has a light footed and lively gait.

Their coats are glossy, flowing and silky. (this is how they got their name) It is parted on the head and down over the back to the root of their tail. They have no undercoat so they do not shed and they have no odor.

These dogs get their diminutive size from their Yorkie ancestors and their ruggedness and spirit from the Aussie Terrier.

Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 8-11 pounds
Life Span: 12-15 years

CHARACTERTICS AND TEMPERAMENT

  • Loving
  • Curious
  • Intelligent
  • Coureagous
  • Alert
  • Spunky
  • Affectionate
  • Cheerful
  • Active
  • Quick
  • Inquistive

These little dogs can be stubborn and demanding. They don't like strangers and let you know if someone is around with a high pitch bark. They do make good watchdogs.

The Silky Terrier is loving with children if raised with them. They shouldn't, however, be handled roughly or teased. They tend to be jealous and pick fights with other dogs. As for cats they need to be socialized with them when they are puppies.

EXERCISE

These dogs need regular exercise and a chance to ran and play. They are an active go-getters and like to be busy. They are enthusiatic diggers and amazing climbers. So they need a safe inclosed area outside they can't get over.

TRAINING AND OBEDIENCE

Early socialized and training are required for this dog. For one thing they are standoffish by nature so they need a lot of exposure to people, sight, and sounds. They respond well to obedience training but require consistency and kindness. These dogs respond well to encouragement and rewards. For help training your dog or puppy try this from Dove Cresswells - you even get a free lesson. Dove Cresswells Dog Training Online!

They are like most small dogs and are difficult to housebreak.

GROOMING

Regular grooming is required with a brush to keep the Silky Terrier’s coat shiny with an occasional bath. They well need a monthly trim and regular teeth care.

HEALTH

They are generally a healthy dog but are prone to:

  • Intervetebral disc
  • Elbow dyspasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Legg-Perthes


HISTORY

They originated in Australia in the 19th century. They are a cross between an Australian Terrier and a Yorkie Terrier. American servicemen brought them to the U.S. after World War ll.

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